The Beginning of Mawimbi Bushcamp from Gaëlle Calonne

In 2010, my parents, my uncle, my brother and I went in Zambia, in the Kafue National Park along the Kafue River.

Most of the time, the weather there is very nice, it is usually very sunny and hot in the dry season, and the river is low so you can see all of the beautiful rocks coming out of the water. In the raining season, everything becomes green, the water level goes up, and you can find lots of little water holes where animals like to drink. It is absolutely amazing.

It is only when we went for a boat ride that we fell in love with the place, especially my father. The river was so beautiful, the sun was shining, the water was transparent… We saw a lots of animals and birds along the river. It was a wonderful experience.

Later in the day, my father had an idea: he wanted to start guiding canoe trips on the river. All of us loved the idea.

A few months later my dad discovered the river, he traveled a few kilometers on the river by boat, found channels, and an absolutely wonderful camping sight. At that moment he started his trips. His clients loved everything about their adventure.

The canoe trips started to be popular. So my parents decided to start a bush camp called “Mawimbi Bush Camp” on the camping sight we discovered.

Since then, my family and I spent almost every holiday at our new bush camp, helping around, setting up new things. The camp is now open to clients. My father as a guide, walks and do canoeing with his guests, they enjoy a lot.

I love going there. It is wonderful, the staff is very friendly, the river is always beautiful, no matter what season.

I will never get tired of Mawimbi Bush Camp and that absolutely amazing place.

Gaëlle Calonne (15 years old)