Kayila Camp

By: Tendai Bushe

Ana Tree Lodges invited People and Places along with six other Zambian based tour operators to visit and experience their new product. The newly built luxurious camp is located in Kayila Private Game Management area overlooking the river facing Mana Pools National Park. The camp has four beautiful large rooms each with two Queen size beds an ensuite bathroom and a seating area inside. The room opens up to a private deck with additional seating outside including a charming hanging chair where I could spend hours reading quietly. The raised walkway from the room to the main area ends in front of a big Baobab tree. The main area opens up beautifully offering sweeping views of the river. It is a perfect place for guests to socialize and exchange life and travel stories. The pool has a picturesque backdrop of the escarpment. I thoroughly enjoyed my morning cappuccino sitting by the pool and taking in the mountainous view.

After settling into camp, we jumped right in to activities. We started with a boat cruise where we spotted a big crocodile soaking in the sun, witnessed elephants playing along the river and and despite it being an overcast day, enjoyed a beautiful sunset (with a classic gin and tonic in hand). We then jumped onto a vehicle for a night drive where we followed the sound of the king of the jungle until we crossed paths with him in all his majesty. The next morning, after a delicious omelette we headed to the village to see some of the local projects Ana Tree Lodges supports in the community. We started at the local school, saw the buildings they have sponsored and then moved on to see the various water pumps that have been put in place and new locations for more water pumps. The installation of water pumps protects the local community from the dangers of drawing water, washing and bathing in the Zambezi River.

After an exciting time out and about in the local village we returned for a scrumptious lunch. The food at Kayila is less frill and more home-cooked, it tastes like it was made with love. With tummy’s and hearts full of Kayila’s hospitality we headed to the airstrip for our 30-minute flight back to Lusaka.