Shiwa Ng'andu, North Luangwa National Park Zambia
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#1 of 5 campsites in North Luangwa National Park
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DISCOVER THE AUTHENTIC SAFARI EXPERIENCE AND COME TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Located in the heart of North Luangwa on the banks of the Mwaleshi river lies Buffalo Camp. Pioneers of walking safaris in North Luangwa, the Harvey family has kept a proud tradition for over 50 years in providing the ultimate experience in walking safaris. We pride ourselves with combining traditional stylish bush comfort with some of the finest game viewing Zambia has to offer. Buffalo Camp is one of the few seasonal bush camps still operating from its traditional roots in the true colonial style. Consisting of six en-suite chalets, a bar, dining room and self-catering facilities; all constructed of local, natural materials, the camp retains a friendly and informal atmosphere giving you total intimacy with your surroundings.
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Free parking
Bar / lounge
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56Reviews1Q+A11Room tips
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Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We came here from Kapishya Hot Springs on our way through North Luangwa, heading for the comparative zoo that is South Luangwa. Mark Harvey said stay more than one night, I wish we had listened to him. Instead we rolled in early late morning and left the next day, only 24 hours after arriving. We were there in July and we were the only guests. Being a party of 9, we spread out across 3 chalets. It was a big trip for us, so we were self catering and generally sleeping in our Hilux roof tents. At Buffalo, we took the chalets and self-catered. First up, the camp is a miracle. It is in a very remote - but easy to get to - spot right next to the river. Being next to the river, Mark Harvey and his crew have to rebuild the place every year. Despite that it has a feel of tradition about it - it's comfortable and established. After our lunch we sank a few Mosis and we sat in the river, in chairs that the staff had set up. The camp is in a stunning setting, on a bend in the Luangwa River. The water was low, pretty much ankle deep. In the wet, the whole surrounding area would be submerged. The camp was 7 chalets, each with water tank and bathroom, looking over the Luangwa river and the sweeping beach. The water was about 50 yards wide and 12 feet below the ground level. So low and so shallow. The chalets are simple, wild and comfortable - with hot showers - and a priceless view of the river. A few notes, many are already covered by the other reviews for the camp. - the walking safaris are stunning. We did 2, an evening one with a sundown and a night drive back to camp. Then a morning one that was a drive to a drop off and a wade through the (low) river, a walk along the bank and a wade back across the river to the camp. - it is an absolute wonder to take these walks. Sure there is a tiny edge to them (you are humans walking through a wild park with a guide, a spotter and a scout with a rifle), but that is part of the wonder and privilege. Honestly, it doesn't compare to driving. There are no sounds, except from nature. You are up close and personal with everything. There are unpredictable moments and moments of pure majesty. Each walk is different, unique. For our walk we had Kofi (a guide), a spotter and a scout (armed park employee). The scout was camouflaged, no one else was! - the guides, talk to them! Ok, so they will tell you this and that and give you the normal spiel. But if you point to anything you spot - a piece of poo, a fragment of bone, a hole, some fur, a footprint, a seed, a leaf - anything, the stories will flow. Such knowledge, and humour. I won't list what we saw, it's irrelevant. It is about the deep immersion that the walking safari experience provides. - the camp managers. We got to know Mark while staying at Kapishya Hot Springs and it was a shame he couldn't be in two places at the same time. If he had been at Buffalo I would have hacked Tripadvisor and found a way to give this 6 stars. Our camp managers were definitely a bit of a let down - polite, helpful but awkward, not really as hospitable as they may have been. - catering... as i mentioned, we self catered to make our budget work for our trip. This was fine, but it felt wrong. There was a whole crew of staff who were there to help, cater, etc and there we were chopping up onions, opening cans and boiling rice. The kitchen was great, with a giant poured concrete fire stove. The camp crew who were casually chatting stepped in and helped as needed. The crew was super nice about everything, the kitchen facilities were perfect for our needs, but somehow it felt wrong. I'd strongly recommend to have the full board and fully support the project and let the team do their thing.…
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Date of stay: July 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
A memorable stay many years previously prompted our return to Buffalo Camp and again we weren't disappointed. Fascinating walks with knowledgeable guides, friendly staff, good food and great company all in an informal atmosphere.
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Date of stay: September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
I have traveled all over Southern and Eastern Africa and this is truly a unique experience at Buffalo Camp. You get to experience the true wild Africa falling asleep to the sounds emanating from the bush. The guides are excellent and the wildlife sightings are numerous and you never know what is going to be around the next corner. Mark adds a great flavor to the experience. If you want Ritz, go elsewhere. If you want to experience something very unique, this is your place.
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Date of stay: October 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Mark H, Owner at Buffalo Camp
Responded 23 Oct 2019
Thank you very much for your review and hope to see you back at Buffalo soon. Thanks Mark
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
nice and solitary place in the middle of North Luangwa. On arrival we were welcomed hospitably. We were the only guests. First a drink on the river. Then quiet stuff brought to our room / chalet / tent. You can use the kitchen of the Camp and cook on high heat. Cold and hot water is always available. We did an evening drive and saw a large group of at least 12 lions on the banks of the river. This was incidentally near the camp. The rest of the night we also heard them roar around us. In the morning we got up early to take a walk of about four hours. Exciting, beautiful and educational. Nice people who guided us. From ranger to guide to professional. Is certainly not a cheap location, but so unique!
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Date of stay: August 2019
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Room Tip: Every tent has a beautiful view.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Buffalo camp is hidden deep in the heart of the North Luangwa rhino reserve at the foot of the Muchinga escarpment. The camp is built new each year after the rains on the banks of the Mwaleshi river. Watch lions feasting on buffalo overlooked by the hungry hyenas. Take a Safari to the hippos and crocs on the Luangwa River. Enjoy the sundowners under an acacia tree after a Safari walk across the river and then lie back around the camp fire after a deliciously hearty dinner. The guides and armed scouts are knowledgeable and very experienced trackers. The chef was a lovely chap who let our kids have a go cooking up French toast on the traditional changu changu moto! If you want the Hilton with bottled scented shampoos- go somewhere else, if you want to experience real African excitement and adventure- this is your place. You will love it as we did!…
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Date of stay: June 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Mark H, Owner at Buffalo Camp
Responded 23 Oct 2019
Than you very much for your review. I am glad the kids enjoyed it as well. Would love to see you all back at Buffalo soon Thank you Mark
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The location is outstanding, the guides are fantastic, the food is very tasty, and the manager, Mike, is extremely customer oriented. But the mattresses ... Positively formulated: You can listen to all the animals all night long, as there's a high probability that you don't sleep on the mattress anyway. The 2nd night we moved to another Bungalow (no. 2) - not really good, but much better.
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Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Buffalo Camp is a treasure shared by Mark & Melanie Harvey. I stayed three nights and had an incredible experience. Some places stay with you forever and some make you never want to leave- Buffalo Camp is both. From the amazing animals, to the stunning sunsets and stars at night- you will be forever in love with Zambia. Don't miss this experience!
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Date of stay: June 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends
Rooms
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
We've been traveling in Africa in our own truck for 11 months, and without a doubt our stay at Buffalo Camp was a major highlight! Walking in the bush with Mark Harvey is awesome! He's a passionate and extremely knowledgeable guide - having started his education in the North Luangwa bush at age 6. (His parents ran the first safari camp in the park). On the first evening we were at camp, he saw vultures in a tree across the river and told us we may find lions. Sure enough, we walked right up to three lionesses guarding their African buffalo kill from 4 spotted hyenas and a bunch of vultures and Marabou storks. He led us right up to the carcass. It's such a different experience to walk in the bush! To get up close, to see, smell and feel it. And even after 11 months visiting loads of national parks, we learned so much from Mark about the wildlife and the environment. The camp is right on the Mwaleshi River, one of the few sources of water for wildlife. So even in the dry season, when we visited, there was loads to see. Buffalo Camp is a beautiful operation and is extremely good value. We highly recommend it!!…
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Date of stay: October 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Mark H, Owner at Buffalo Camp
Responded 3 Nov 2017
Hi Guys Thank you very much for your great review. It was great to meet you and a real pleasure in taking you both out on the walks! Hope you enjoy the rest of your wonderful trip and I hope to see you both soon. Thank you Mark
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We recently returned from a trip to Zambia where we visited both South and North Luangwa. There are only two camps in North Luangwa and we opted for Buffalo Camp with a 3 night stay in Kapishya Hot Springs (Same owners). Buffalo Camp is situated within the North Luangwa Black Rhino Sanctuary (Although we didn't see any). It is remote. We took a 45 minute flight from Mfuwe to Mwaleshi and were met by Derek (Guide) and the team at the airstrip and driven a short drive to the Camp. The camp is rebuilt every season on the banks of the Mwaleshi River, and it didn't disappoint. Our accommodation was clean and comfortable and looked out across the river. We chose this safari option because of the walking safaris of which it is renowned. We loved the remoteness of the place and that feeling of being in the wild and miles from anywhere. We went in June which is early season so it's still very green with tall grasses and as such we weren't expecting to see too much game, however we saw everything and more - including leopard and two python! We even had the hyena in camp raiding the kitchen. But it was the sounds, the smells and the views, as well as the people that really made it for us - there was no mistaking you were in Africa. The walking safaris with Mark is an experience in itself and probably one of a kind - his knowledge and passion for the bush life is second to none and we learned so much about the bush - the animals, birds, insects even poo! You cannot beat walking on foot through the bush. We saw elephant, lion, hippo, zebra and a variety of antelope on our walks, and crossing the river not once but twice was a little heart stopping - but we felt alive!! The team looked after us making sure we had everything we needed. Thanks to everyone for making our memories very happy ones. Would highly recommend this camp if you like a walk on the wild side.…
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Date of stay: June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Mark H, Owner at Buffalo Camp
Responded 15 Jul 2017
Thank you very much Catherine for your review.! It was brilliant having the three of you at Buffalo and I am glad you enjoyed it. I was also surprised at the amount of game we saw having had such late rains but that's the bush for you. I hope you all find time to come back in the not so distant future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our third visit to Buffalo and we always love to come back. It seems to typify what Zambia is all about. Peace, quiet, a real bush experience, away from the world, but still with that frisson of excitement that only truly wild places can offer. It it well worth the long drive. The animal sightings are second to none and we always feel privileged to have viewed so many animals and birds, undisturbed in their own territory. We just love it and can't wait to come back. Every visit offers a new, life-changing experience
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Date of stay: September 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Cleanliness
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Room Tip: There are 5 chalets. Quaint and rustic go no way to describe them. You are lucky to be here. Enjoy.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
LOCATION
ZambiaNorthern ProvinceNorth Luangwa National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Camp
What are some of the property amenities at Buffalo Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Buffalo Camp?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and a lounge during their stay.
Does Buffalo Camp have airport transportation?
Yes, Buffalo Camp offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Buffalo Camp located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.9 miles away from the centre of North Luangwa National Park.
Is Buffalo Camp accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.