Lugenda Wilderness Camp

Intimate and understated yet offering every luxury you could wish for, Lugenda is the definitive wilderness camp experience. The eight luxury tents are discreetly situated on the banks of the Lugenda River beneath towering fig trees, each with its own patio deck with wide-angle views. The tents have a solid substructure and blend beautifully into the natural surrounds whilst offering every modern comfort - from king-size beds to en-suite bathrooms with bath and shower, double basins, ceiling fans, personal safes and hairdryers.

The elegant timber and thatched guest area is at the heart of camp and is a shady refuge from the African sun - a tranquil place to dine, help yourself from the bar or read through books on the region's fascinating history. Just metres from the banks of the river, the swimming pool tempts with its cool sparkling waters whilst sun loungers and umbrellas invite you to laze for hours.

Despite being in the heart of the Mozambique wilderness, the food at Lugenda is fresh and simply delicious. Guests are woken with piping-hot coffee or tea and muffins in the early mornings for sunrise game drives or walks. Leisurely breakfasts and lunches are taken in the living area overlooking the Lugenda river-bed. High tea is served before the afternoon game drive and you can watch the spectacular African sun set over the Niassa mountains during sun-downers. At night you join the other guests for a charming river-bed or boma dinner, while taking in the African night sounds and smells and gazing at the breathtaking Mozambique night sky.

Lugenda's collection of fine wines meets the most discerning tastes whilst our guides reveal some fascinating insights into the region's history and geography. With all your senses engaged, you cannot help but be sated by this indulgent Mozambique safari experience.

On walks and game drives guests experience raw Africa at its wildest, but within the confines of camp guests are cosseted and pampered. Stylish tents, a scenic swimming pool, fascinating guides, shady guest areas and views over the river will keep you content to remain in camp for hours and hours.

Your guides will take you out by open vehicle to explore the Niassa National Reserve of Mozambique for as long as you wish each day. Bird lovers will revel in the opportunity to spot up to 370 bird species, including the rare Angola Pitta and Pel's Fishing Owl, as well as abundant raptors. The area is home to at least 3 recently discovered endemic species: the Niassa Wildebeest, Boehm's Zebra and Johnston's Impala; as well as elephant, Sable Antelope, Cape Buffalo, Lichtenstein's Hartebeest and eland occur here. Niassa also provides one of the last safe havens in Africa for the Cape Hunting Dog (African Wild Dog) and is populated with other predators such as lion, leopard and Spotted Hyena. General game comprises kudu, bushbuck, impala, wildebeest, waterbuck, reedbuck and hippo. Bear in mind though that the area is vast and big game sightings are not guaranteed.

For those who prefer more intimate encounters with the Mozambique bush, your guides will take you out walking in the early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday sun. Here you can explore the smaller flora and fauna and really absorb the sights, sounds and many hidden delights of the Niassa bush.

Lugenda is a authentic African dream. It's far from the crowds and offers a real wilderness experience.

This property may not be suitable for first timers on safari wishing to see everything in a short space of time, but it does offer stunning scenery and a diverse and untampered with environment.

We found the area around the property to be very humbling as you really get a feel for the vast size of Africa and the frontier nature of this camp.

The property is self is very well run, all the management and guides are helpful and knowledgeable and will look after any reasonable request.

Stay here if you want some thing a little different from your safari. You will be happy in the knowledge that your stay is supporting the still developing safari market in Mozambique and that few people will have visited here before you.