Camp History

Originally built in 1996 and known as Kiubo Camp, we took ownership in 2005 and soon discovered that, if we were to offer a memorable visitor experience, much would have to be changed. This took place in three phases, commencing with good staff quarters, the workshop and the kitchen. Phase 2 saw the demolition of the old tents and the construction of the eight Exlorer Suites. Lastly, Phase 3 focused on the complete reconstruction of the main lodge which was finally completed early in 2011.

Befitting the new colonial look and more luxurious facilities offered, the name Kiubo Camp was changed to Baines’ River Camp, so named after the famous explorer and artist Thomas Baines’, who first visited the area with David Livingstone in 1858, creating numerous paintings of the Zambezi River on his extensive travels.

Of the the team that we took over in 2005, many have remained with us throughout the various construction phases. As guides, barmen, cooks, waiters, housekeeping, kitchen and laundry staff alike, they all happily took on the tasks of construction work. After every phase they were pleased to get back into the normal swing of things, only to be told a few months later that we were about to tackle yet another phase of the reconstruction project. We salute them, they have done us proud. The product you see today is largely thanks to their loyalty and hard work!

With the camp situated deep in the African bush and some 5 hours by road from Lusaka, the camp has a logistical base on the outskirts of the capital. Reservations, marketing and general administration are taken care of in our South African offices, situated in Pietermaritzburg.