
At our camps, the essence of what we do goes beyond delivering unforgettable safari experiences. With our roots deeply embedded in the South Luangwa, our commitment to conservation, sustainability, and community engagement forms the backbone of our operations. From pioneering fire prevention strategies to embracing farm-to-table dining, every initiative reflects our dedication to making a positive impact. Here’s a closer look at how we are partnering with the land and its people to safeguard the future of this remarkable region.
Partnering with Conservation South Luangwa and Beyond
Our longstanding relationship with Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) and Project Luangwa underscores our dedication to protecting wildlife and empowering local communities. CSL focuses on anti-poaching efforts and wildlife rescue, playing a crucial role in preserving the park’s biodiversity. Meanwhile, Project Luangwa supports education and community development, ensuring a brighter future for the people living in this area.
Our work, however, extends beyond these partnerships, as we take an active role in maintaining the park’s infrastructure to benefit both conservation and tourism.
Grading Roads for Rapid Response
Over 120 kilometers of roads are meticulously graded and maintained by our team within an 80-square-kilometer radius around our camps. These roads not only facilitate guest access but also serve as vital pathways for anti-poaching patrols conducted by CSL teams. By enabling quicker responses to threats, this network of roads plays a crucial role in preserving the park’s wildlife.
Fire Prevention
Years ago, we introduced an innovative alternative to back-burning, a practice previously employed by park authorities to control fires. Instead, we established graded firebreaks across the area, effectively preventing the spread of wildfires. This method has been a game-changer, protecting vast stretches of flora and fauna from destruction.
Fresh Water: For Camps and Communities

Water is a precious resource, and we strive to use it responsibly. Both Kaingo Camp and Mwamba Bush Camp rely on boreholes for fresh water, ensuring a sustainable supply for guests and staff. After use, the runoff is carefully filtered through grease and sand traps before being returned to natural water systems. Beyond our camps, we have also drilled boreholes for communities in the Mkhanya area, including the Hanada orphanage, to ensure access to clean drinking water.
The Shenton Plot: Organic and Sustainable
Our commitment to sustainability shines through at the plot, a thriving organic garden outside the park. All waste from our camps is composted here, creating nutrient-rich fertilizer that fuels the growth of fresh produce. The plot supplies an impressive array of herbs, vegetables, and fruits—many of which would otherwise be unavailable in this remote region.
From seasonal vegetables to fragrant herbs and even fresh eggs from our happy hens, the plot ensures that guests enjoy wholesome, farm-to-table meals. Dishes made entirely from ingredients grown on the plot are highlighted on our menu. For those interested, a visit to the plot offers a chance to see the lush gardens, meet the hardworking team, and learn about the journey from seed to plate.
Supporting Local Communities

We have a long history of contributing to local communities. Before Project Luangwa was established, we drilled numerous boreholes in the Mkhanya area to provide clean water access. Today, a portion of each guest’s stay contributes directly to conservation and community projects. Additionally, 20% of every conservation levy sale goes toward initiatives chosen by the purchaser, ensuring guests have a personal connection to the positive impact they’re helping create.
While traveling from our camp back to the airport, guests can also support local businesses and community initiatives by visiting shops such as Mulberry Mongoose, Mwezi Blu, Project Luangwa’s craft shop and café, and Tribal Textiles. These stops provide an opportunity to purchase unique, locally made items while directly contributing to the livelihoods of artisans and small business owners in the region.
Investing in Our Staff
Our commitment to making a difference extends to uplifting our staff by providing them with opportunities to grow their skills and experience. During the revamp of Mwamba Bush Camp last year, our tailors and carpenters worked closely with Dom Bedward, gaining invaluable exposure to his expertise and learning new techniques in the process.
Patrick, one of our senior safari guides, is another shining example. He began his journey with us over 30 years ago as a back-of-house staff member and, under Derek Shenton’s mentorship, developed into one of our most knowledgeable and experienced guides. Stories like Patrick’s are not uncommon, as many of our staff have been with us for decades, growing alongside us and contributing to the essence of what makes our camps so special.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

Our focus on sustainability extends to waste management as well. While garbage collection in the area remains a challenge, we are actively exploring industry-wide recycling solutions to address this issue. By reducing waste and maximizing reuse, we aim to minimize our environmental footprint.
At our camps, every aspect of our operations—from fire prevention to organic farming—is designed to protect the environment, support local communities, and contribute to the greater good.
We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and remain committed to making a lasting difference for generations to come.
To read previous blogs, please click here.
Leave A Comment