Update – Kamukonzo Community Campsite

Investing in Kamukonzo Community Campsite, strengthening community led tourism in the Chitungulu Chiefdom in the Luangwa Valley

Kamukonzo Campsite, located in the heart of the Luangwa Valley’s breathtaking wilderness, offers an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. More than just a scenic camping destination, Kamukonzo represents a powerful model of how community driven tourism can connect conservation with meaningful benefits for local people.

In 2018, Nsanga Conservation Zambia, together with Luambe Camp and the Caring for Conservation Fund, handed over Kamukonzo Campsite to the Chitungulu Community. This transition empowered the community to manage the site and benefit directly from visiting self-drive tourists. Located just 30 min north of Luambe Camp and adjacent to the Luambe National Park boundary, the campsite is proudly managed by the Chitungulu Community Resource Board (CRB).

Unlike conventional tourism models that primarily benefit international safari operators, Kamukonzo Campsite is designed to ensure that tourism revenue supports local development. Revenue covers operational costs and contributes to a community development fund that promotes long-term sustainability and local growth. This model ensures that tourism directly benefits the people living alongside wildlife while encouraging strong local stewardship of the surrounding environment.

Visitor satisfaction and continuous improvement

As part of our commitment to accountability and improvement, client satisfaction assessments are being conducted using feedback questionnaires from campsite visitors throughout seasons. The results demonstrate a very high level of guest satisfaction.

Most visitors rated the helpfulness and friendliness of staff as excellent, with over 95 percent giving the highest rating. Cleanliness and maintenance were also highly praised, with more than 87 percent of guests rating them as excellent. Overall experience ratings were equally strong, with 83 percent of visitors describing their stay as excellent. Nearly all guests reported feeling very safe and secure during their visit.

Visitor comments reflect the personal and welcoming atmosphere that defines Kamukonzo:

• “The best campsite we had on our trip up to now.”
• “Hidden gem, stunning place. Thank you for your great service, always with a smile.”
• “Best community campsite I have ever stayed in.”
• “Beautiful site, we will recommend it to others.”
• “Very friendly staff, very helpful and great service.”
• “We loved our stay here and will definitely be back.”

Feedback from guests also directly informed recent infrastructure improvements. Earlier suggestions for an additional toilet, shower, and a dedicated dishwashing area have now been implemented, demonstrating how visitors’ input helps shape the campsite’s development.