|Places| According to
|Places| According to Nicola Shepherd, founder of The Explorations Company (explorationscompany. com), what’s most remarkable about these new lodges is not only their greener offerings but that a high number of them are owner-managed. “They have a vested interest, so camps have a more intimate quality,” says Shepherd, adding that this creates a more intimate experience, too. After all, it is this understated, informal attitude that attracted people to Zambia in the first place. One of the most polished new openings is African Bush Camps’ Lolebezi (africanbushcamps. com), a property set along the Zambezi river in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Founder Beks Ndlovu, a conservation-minded bush lover who previously worked as a guide and has a strong affinity for local communities, saw an opportunity to bring glam to a destination that’s long attracted a limited market. “The addition of new camps doesn’t take away from the adventure camps, it just means there’s more diversity,” says Ndlovu. Naturally, Lolebezi is rooted in community, and the design team Fox Browne Creative looked to the expertise of local designers and artisans for pieces like the acacia-printed throws and reed curtains. The eight cutting-edge canvas and glass cabins have oval emerald bathtubs and wide decks that overlook the river. One of the most gratifying activities here is walking through the acacia forests with expert guides. “You have a high chance of coming across leopards, wild dogs or lions – it’s exhilarating,” says Ndlovu. In the same park, Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro – two camps strung along the Zambezi river – were recently overhauled by Chiawa Safaris (chiawa. com), co-owned by Zambian-born Grant Cumings. Staying true to Zambia’s eco-forward tourism mindset, both properties have been reconstructed from natural materials such as thatch and latte poles, and the tents were hand-sewn by local sewers. Despite shiny new additions, the camps both remain pared-back and offer quintessential experiences like walks, vital elements which have long made the country such a draw. Clockwise from top: a sunset game drive through South Luangwa with Sungani; a sleep-out under the stars at Chongwe Camp; a family of elephants traverse the wilderness surrouding Chongwe Camp PHOTOS FROM TOP: © SUNGANI, © TIME + TIDE (2) 26 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM
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