Global Excellence Awards 2023

Global Excellence Awards 2023| 35 Most Authentic Bush Camp - Zambia Kafue Camps & Safaris Ltd. owns and operates Mayukuyuku Bush Camp, a small and rustic bush camp crafted predominantly from natural materials located in the bush, such as fallen wood and local thatching grass. Standing since 2006, this camp is situated in one of the most beautiful areas of Kafue National Park. Caring for clients who are similarly minded, love nature and have a desire to explore the natural landscape complete with breathtaking views, diverse range of animals, and other such experiences. We have the pleasure of speaking with Marketing Director Pippa Turner, who provides invaluable insight into the camp and what those looking to visit can expect. Open all year round, Mayukuyuku boasts four luxury safari chalets, providing guests an opportunity to stay in luxurious surroundings with fantastic, personalised service. From one of these chalets, guests can experience game viewing in a relaxed atmosphere, and with hearty, tasty meals provided and served in a dining area overlooking the river, they never have to miss these amazing sights. Camping is also available for those seeking a truly nature-filled getaway and activities on offer during a stay include walking safaris, open vehicle game drives, night drives, boating excursions and fishing. It is the mission of Pippa and the team to leave all guests wanting more, be excited to return and to continue to enjoy the flora and fauna offered by Kafue National Park. As Pippa explains, “we aim to meet all special requests, however weird and wonderful.” There is a keen emphasis placed on catering to the needs of photographers, birdwatchers and amateur naturalists. Every journey undertaken by a guest is viewed as an exploration, with the eyes of guests and the team alike constantly on the lookout for something new and unusual. The simple, natural approach taken by those at Kafue Camps & Safaris is what truly distinguishes it in the market, bolstered by true comfort and a series of fresh, high-quality meals. For Pippa, it has been key to, avoid all the “frills” that turn a bush camp into a mini hotel and focus on the natural things around us to give pleasure to the eyes and ears whilst also providing peace and quiet. By not cutting the grass around the camp after it rains, beautiful flowers and grasses are given the time and space to grow, adding to the beautiful landscape. The largely untouched nature of the location means that guests are unlikely to see other vehicles or boats in the area. Something guests are likely to see though, is a leopard, with sightings frequent across Mayukuyuku. Pippa tells us, “one couple who visit regularly just spent 9 nights with us and out of 17 activities, they saw leopard on 15”. In addition to lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo, guests will certainly see hippo and crocodiles and may also see cheetah, wild dogs and some of the more than 450 bird species that inhabit the region on this safari of a lifetime. Safari tourism is something that is ultimately essential to Zambia’s economy and provides employment to many living in the country. Zambia is lesser-known, and as such is forced to compete with other countries in Africa for tourists. Its status as a peaceful country filled with friendly people and terrific landscapes makes it a premier offering for those seeking a unique safari holiday. Its diverse offerings rank it second to perhaps only the Serengeti in Africa’s list of exemplary bush locations. To keep competition fierce, the team prize constant development, while reminding themselves of what sets Mayukuyuku apart, its small, personal, flexible, rustic, natural and authentic nature. For Pippa, it is important to, “remember to take an individual and unusual approach to everything we do and not to copy others but trust our instincts.” This will continue to set the company apart well into the future, with the team adding those special little touches that will further improve guest experiences. To this end, plans are in place to make tented accommodation that is disability-friendly, as well as improving the camp’s overall sustainability, which is already almost entirely solar powered. Those who pride authenticity in their getaways are sure to be impressed with Kafue Camps & Safaris Ltd.’s Mayukuyuku Bush Camp, which serves as the ultimate destination for those seeking a luxurious, true-to-life safari experience, whether this be traversing the bush in an open vehicle or sitting on the banks of the river to see what appears. Contact Details Contact: Pippa Turner Company: Kafue Camps & Safaris Ltd. Web Address: www.kafuecamps.com Photography: David Barker

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