Mapazi

Overview

Why We Love Mapazi

Key Features

When to Visit

Mapazi Tours

Rates/Bookings

Mapazi, located in the far North Eastern section of South Luangwa National Park, bordering the banks of the Luangwa River, is a simple bush camp that has an authentic safari feel to it. No frills, back to basics and comfortable. This is a lovely walking ONLY camp for one to explore this part of the national park by foot. Debs Tittle, a veteran guide, in the South Luangwa National park, owns and runs this camp with a passion and enthusiasm for the bush that is second to none.

“Mapazi will definitely leave a lasting impression on you, when I visited, I left there feeling I had made new friends in Debs and Jayne. They are wonderful and the camp is well thought out, simplicity is key, with a place for everything and everything in its place. Views from the lounge area are wonderful for sunsets, and breakfast along the river bank overlooking the Luangwa River is incredible.”

Last visited by Tapiwa, Sales Manager – October 2018

Intimate camp

With only three tents the total number of guests is the ideal number for groups on a walking safari. This allows the camp to stay nice and intimate allowing for a great personalized trip. Tents are basic and airy with lovely comfortable beds and a chest to store your personal items, the bathrooms are adjacent to the safari tents, so a quick dash out for a hot shower is possible at all times. The camp runs on solar power and has running water to keep the footprint minimal and maintain an authentic rustic bush camp vibe. Additionally, power is kept to common areas. Meals are light, filling and flavourful.

Remote Walks

Wildlife in the area isn’t as habituated to people as it is in the Mfuwe area so it can be a bit skittish, but you get the odd animal (like the resident bushbuck) that haven’t seen people and therefore do not know to fear them which is really unique. This location is also great for game not found anywhere else such as wildebeest, and hartebeest to name a few. With Mapazi being the only lodge in this area you have exclusive walking safaris without bumping into other walkers or vehicles making this a great authentic wilderness walking experience.

Debs Tittle

Debs manages this camp with Jayne and together they have managed to single handedly build this camp from scratch and run it like a well-oiled machine. As soon as we arrived Debs made us feel at home; greeting us like we were long lost, friends. She prepped us for the walk ahead that afternoon and all of us were dreading it a little, being our first time and in an area where animals aren’t used to people or vehicles our anxiety was quite understandable but she put us all at ease very quickly. Walking with Debs is amazing, she walks at an easy pace making it comfortable for all in the group and makes sure she has everyone’s attention when she speaks.

Debs is extremely knowledgeable, she explained bird calls, animal behaviours and the importance of particular trees and plants. She also taught us how to track and approach animals, so as not to scare them. We felt perfectly safe at all times with Debs and the scout and much to my surprise, walking safaris are my new favourite.

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Nov-Apr:

Lush green scenery and best sunsets
Flowers, birds and baby animals galore
Few tourists
Cheaper rates

May-Jun:

Beautiful green scenery after rains
Fantastic photography opportunities
Dry weather
Mild temperatures

Jul-Oct:

Dry scenery, best for spotting game
Abundant wildlife – fewer water sources
Warm/hot temperatures
Prime time for walking safaris

Category Ranges:
$: USD 0 – USD250/pppn
$$: USD 251 – USD600/pppn
$$$: USD 601 – USD1,000/pppn
$$$$: USD1,001+/pppn

The price categories give you an idea of the nightly cost per person for this accommodation.

Best walking camp in Zambia!

“We have been guided by Deb Tittle many times over the years, each walk a memorable experience. This year we had four nights at her new camp, Mapazi in the northern part of the South Luangwa Park. We had an amazing experience, walking every morning and late afternoon. But firstly the camp, Deb and Jane have put their years of experience into this camp and it shows. Excellent airy tents with proper beds with comfortable mattresses, next door a proper shower and flush toilet. The food is simple but beautifully prepared. Every person in the camp works hard to give guests the experience of a lifetime. The walking was the best we have experienced in nearly twenty years of Africa travels. Deb’s ability to read the bush and tell it’s story translates into wonderful walking and exceptional game viewing. We will definitely visit again. Just a couple of points to think about, this is a true walking only camp and may suit those who already are familiar with this way of seeing wildlife. In addition with the camp being remote it’s a good idea to have a night or two “in between” Mfuwe airport and Mapazi to make the road transfers rather shorter. I have to say again, this is the best walking experience we have had in Zambia.”

A TripAdvisor Member
Perfect Walking Experience

“I loved every minute. Excellent guiding by Deb. Lovely tent. Very private. Rare sightings. Booked again for next year. Great company with Jane and the Team. Stay min. 3 nights. Leopard very close by. Only 3 tents.”

A TripAdvisor Member
A True Safari Experience

“To fully experience the nature and wildness of Africa, a walking safari is a must and it doesn’t get better than this. Deb Title is a pioneer among guides and is a true nature devotee. The camp gives you the opportunity to be among the wild animals and immerse your senses. It’s a great contrast to a game drive. On a walk, one has to be sensitive to the wildlife and use the sense of sight, hearing, and smell. The walk isn’t a straight hike but rather a meander that is dictated by the animals and the circumstances. One has to be wary and respectful of the animals in their natural environment. This is a can’t miss experience put together by people who really love what they do. They make you comfortable and respond to your needs. This is their first full season and we are cheering for their success.”

A TripAdvisor Member