Shawa Luangwa Camp : Our View

Shawa Luangwa Camp was only recently opened, in 2021. It is named after legendary South Luangwa guide Jacob Shawa, and the camp is a partnership between Jacob and Green Safaris, who operate several other superb lodges in Zambia and Malawi. Apparently, Jacob chose one of his favourite spots in South Luangwa as the location of the camp. It is not hard to see why! Shawa Luangwa Camp really is in a gorgeous setting, hidden away amongst the bush and riverine forest, directly overlooking the Luangwa river.

With only 5 rooms this is a very small and intimate camp. As their name would suggest, Green Safaris take their eco credentials very seriously, and this is reflected in Shawa Luangwa Camp. A major innovation is the use of totally silent solar powered electric game vehicles, which offers a unique and totally immersive safari experience on the game drives. Shawa Luangwa Camp is the first camp in South Luangwa to use these electric game vehicles, as far as we know! The ‘treehouse’ tented rooms are built high above the ground to minimise their environmental footprint and all electricity for the camp will be solar powered.

The camp has easy access to very good game viewing areas in the park. With Jacob’s involvement we expect there to be a strong focus on high quality guiding and providing a fantastic safari experience.

Shawa Luangwa Camp is a very welcome addition to the South Luangwa safari scene. This is a high quality camp that offers a real ‘close to nature’ bush experience with unique tented rooms and safari activities. Compared to other bush camps in the park it is competitively priced. Green Safaris also own 2 fantastic camps in Kafue Park and often offer multi night discounts - so they are good value for clients looking for a longer trip combining South Luangwa and Kafue Parks.

Shawa Luangwa Camp : Quick Facts

• 5 ‘treehouse’ tented rooms with ensuite bathrooms including 2 connected rooms that can be booked as a family room
• Stunning location overlooking the Luangwa River and close to excellent game viewing, including the Nsefu sector
• Game drives using electric vehicles and walking safaris offered
• 1 hour transfer from airport
• Wi-Fi access
• Swimming pool
• Children of all ages welcome but minimum 6 years for game drives and 12 years for walking safaris

Shawa Luangwa Camp : The Details

The five A-frame tented rooms are elevated above the ground on wooden decks. Hidden amongst the trees you would hardly know they are there until you are close to them! They are beautiful in their simplicity. Twin or double beds sit in the centre of the room with wooden bed side cabinets. At the back of the room, separated by a canvas wall, there is a bathroom with flush toilet and open air shower. All the rooms have generous covered decks with a comfy cane couch where you can relax and enjoy the views. There is also a sunken bathtub in the main bedroom area. The rooms can be fully opened up on 3 sides to provide panoramic views of the river and surrounding forest. When staying in these rooms you will feel totally immersed in your natural surroundings. The canvas walls of each room can also be closed if you wish to provide privacy, or protection from the elements. Two of the rooms are on a joined decking – they are identical to the other rooms so could be booked by 2 couples traveling together or booked as a family room.

Just like the rooms, the main communal area is simply but elegantly furnished and has fantastic views on to the river. The large covered wooden decking is scattered with comfortable cane couches and armchairs and there is a small bar area. Dining will always be outside if weather permits, usually at individual tables. There is a boma area and a lovely swimming pool right by the river.

The game viewing areas close to the camp are excellent and the real innovation is the use of electric safari vehicles for the game drives which will offer a silent and immersive experience. Shawa Luangwa Camp is away from the busy areas of the park  that are close to the main entrance, so it should not be crowded on the game drives. The walking safaris should be very good in this area as well. Given the reputation of both Jacob and Green Safaris, we are expecting the guiding to be excellent here and we understand that Jacob will be guiding the activities sometimes as well!