Named after the famed 19th-century explorer and artist, Thomas Baines, the lodge embraces the spirit of exploration and luxury in the African wilderness.
Baines’ River Camp is an exclusive safari lodge nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia’s breathtaking Lower Zambezi Valley. Offering a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, Baines’ invites guests to immerse themselves in unforgettable experiences, from thrilling game drives and walking safaris to world-class tiger fishing and river cruises. Named in honour of the renowned 19th-century explorer and artist, Thomas Baines, the lodge embraces the spirit of exploration and luxury in the African wilderness.
Each suite is designed for maximum comfort, featuring breathtaking river views that offer the perfect retreat after a day of exploration. Whether it’s for a wildlife safari, fishing excursion, or a serene escape in nature, Baines’ River Camp is the perfect destination for travellers seeking an authentic and luxurious African experience.
At Baines’ River Camp, we value authenticity, personalised service, and sustainability. We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences that connect our guests with the beauty of the African wilderness, while preserving the natural environment and uplifting the local community. Integrity, respect for nature, and a deep passion for wildlife conservation are at the heart of everything we do.
Tim “Bwana” Featherby was more than a man; he was a visionary whose legacy stands as a testament to his indomitable spirit and tireless dedication. Known to many as “Bwana”, a term of deep respect in the African wilderness, Tim was the driving force behind the creation of Baines’ River Camp – a piece of land that, under his stewardship, was transformed into a sanctuary of luxury and tranquillity on the banks of the lower Zambezi.
Craig and Di Featherby are the passionate and committed owners of Baines’ River Camp, where they continue a proud family legacy of excellence. The camp, originally envisioned and established by Craig’s father, Tim “Bwana” Featherby, has flourished under their stewardship, with Craig and Di building upon its foundation to deliver an unparalleled safari experience. Together, they have crafted a distinctive blend of luxury, adventure, and environmental stewardship, ensuring that each guest at Baines’ River Camp experiences the beauty of the Lower Zambezi in a meaningful and unforgettable way. Their dedication to conservation and their deep love for the African wilderness is reflected in every aspect of the camp, making it a truly remarkable destination.
Camp Managers (Front-centre & Front-right)
Food and Beverage Manager (Back-left)
Maintenance Manager (Back-right)
Head Guide (Front-left)
As the only qualified walking safari guide in the region, Leonard provides guests with an immersive, off-the-beaten-path adventure that is as rare as it is unforgettable. His dedication to both conservation and guest satisfaction makes him an invaluable asset to Baines’ River Camp, and a favourite among all who have the pleasure of exploring the Zambezi wilderness with him.
Chief Operations Officer
Scott Brown, as a 22-year-old, was part of the initial team who constructed the lodge. Today, he is the Chief Operations Officer at Baines’ River Camp. With years of experience as a professional hunter and guide across Southern Africa, Scott has developed an intimate understanding of the region’s ecosystems and a dedication to preserving its natural beauty. His journey from guiding guests to overseeing operations has equipped him with the expertise needed to manage the complex logistics of a luxury safari lodge.
Scott’s hands-on leadership is vital to the smooth operations of Baines’ River Camp. From guest services to conservation efforts, his comprehensive knowledge of safari logistics underpins the camp’s success. Under Scott’s direction, Baines’ River Camp continues its journey towards becoming the premier destination in the Lower Zambezi, delivering an exceptional blend of adventure, luxury, and sustainability.
Head of Reservations
First Class Luxury and Service in a Remote Zambian River Setting - Luxury camp in a beautiful setting on the Lower Zambezi River, Zambia. The huge "chalets" were on par with any Four Season's Hotel with respect to bed linens, furniture,... read more heavy black-out draperies, indoor and outdoor shower, complimentary cookies in the coffee station, large dressing area and thoughtful lighting. Personal guards accompanied us to the main lodge in the early morning game drives to ensure security from wild animals and the tour guides were excellent. Victor, the chef, provided excellent and varied meals and the entire staff seemed genuinely interested in providing every whim. I highly recommend this once in a lifetime destination.
What a five star experience ! - I loved every minute of my stay here.
The chalets were beautifully furnished and so comfortable with stunning views of the Zambezi. The dining area had wonderful views too... read more . It was really special that the wildlife were free to roam the grounds at night . One night it was an elephant outside my bedroom window snacking on the Tamarind tree . The next night it was a hippo grazing in front of the verandah.
The morning safaris and night drives were made so special by the expertise of our guides Weston and Moses. Not only were they incredibly knowledgeable and skilled at spotting wildlife ( We saw so much including a leopard most nights, lions including cubs ,packs of African wild dogs,porcupines and so many elephants) but Weston and Moses were also so friendly . It was especially interesting talking to them about growing up in a village nearby. The morning safaris start with a boat ride up the Zambezi into the sunrise and one of the highlights of the night drive was stopping for the sundowner drink - always somewhere with a beautiful view.
Baines care so much about all of their guests. I was a solo traveller but they looked after me so well . A couple of times I was the only one on the boat trip/ night drive .
The food was superb. Compliments to Victor the wonderful chef. A special memory was the night dinner was laid out al fresco under the beautiful African sky. Whilst we were eating an elephant strolled by !
All of the staff were so friendly and welcoming ,as were the other guests.
The only disappointment for me was that there seemed to be no women from the local community employed in any capacity. It would be great to see Baines become more of an equal opportunity employer.
Thank you all for a truly wonderful stay.
An amazing stay in an amazing lodge in an amazing location. - Single most beautiful place I have ever been to. To experience game viewing in National Park with next to no vehicle traffic was utterly exceptional. The combination of Tiger Fishing... read more with the exceptional quality of the game viewing is truly a unique opportunity to tick 2 boxes on my bucket list.
An absolute must for anyone interested in Safari, especially for anyone who has been to commercial destinations like Kruger or Serengeti as the comparison in between the commercial self-drive safari and a guided, tour through near a near untouched destination is like night and day.
Lastly, I cannot complete a review of Baines' without a major shoutout to the kitchen staff. The food was beyond exceptional and when faced with the logistical challenges of a Zambia in drought in combination with the ongoing power struggles throughout the country, being able to table 3 incredible meals a day deserves some major recognition.
Simply the Best!! - I’ve been lucky enough to stay in some pretty amazing spots around the world, and this place is definitely up there with the best of them!
Zena and Stephan... read more lead an incredible team at Baines, with David rocking it as the F&B manager, and Lennard blowing us away with his game ranger expertise. The fishing guides—Luke, Peter, Moses, and more—were top-notch, and their river knowledge made catching those Tigers a blast!
The rooms were spacious and had everything you could need, and the daily laundry? That was a real bonus!
And the food—wow! I still can’t wrap my head around how they whip up such great meals when they only shop once a week. The bush dinner was just the cherry on top.
Thanks, Team Baines! Can’t wait to come back!"
"Pinch Yourself" Good - What a marvelous experience in such an exquisite setting! Enjoying a sunset G&T while watching the majestic Zambezi River meander past, and reflecting on the day's game drive sightings and... read more Tiger fish records—it's almost surreal. Sometimes you have to pinch yourself to believe it's really happening. The hosting team is truly dedicated, ensuring that every moment is unforgettable. Great food, great service, cold beers, jaw-dropping game drives and record Tiger Fish. Seriously? what else does one need?
One of the best trips of my life! - Incredible Stay at Baines River Camp!
Our stay at Baines River Camp was nothing short of remarkable. The activities were incredible—whether it was game viewing or simply soaking in... read more the beauty of the Lower Zambezi, every moment was unforgettable. The fishing experience was particularly outstanding, with plentiful catches and knowledgeable guides to make it all the more enjoyable.
The food, however, was on another level. Victor, the camp’s chef, has an unbelievable talent. Every meal was beyond delightful, with fresh ingredients and creative dishes that made dining a highlight of our trip. It's hard to believe you're in the wilderness with food this exceptional!
The camp managers, Stephan and Zena, truly made the experience seamless. Their warm hospitality and attention to detail ensured that everything ran smoothly. We felt completely at home from the moment we arrived.
We can't recommend Baines River Camp highly enough—it’s the perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and genuine care.
I want to go back !! - Truly unforgettable experience. So much to do and to learn from this amazing part of the world and the incredible camp and guides. While fishing for tiger you laugh with... read more the hippo's, stare warily at the crocs, admire the elephants and are silenced by the cry of the fish eagles. From the game walks, I have renewed respect for mother nature after learning so much about the circle of life and resting under ancient Baobab's. Termites are my new favourite animal ! Eating under the stars or on the banks of the mighty Zambezi river, and watching the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises imaginable are only a few of the memories that left me wanting to come back for more, and more !! Thank you BAINES.
Lovely lodge, great experience - Baines River Camp is a lovely lodge in a beautiful Riverside setting with spacious and very comfortable rooms in colonial style.
The activities, with a morning boat ride... read more into the N.P. work really well.
Food is good quality and plenty of it.
Above all, all the staff, guides and management are tremendous and couldn't be more helpful.
All in all a great place for a stay. Highly recommended.
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Contact Linda Fisher
Tel: +(27) 33 342 7498
Whatsapp: +27 (0)82 806 4074
Baines’ River Camp | All Rights Reserved 2025 | Privacy Policy
Tel: +27 (0)33 342 7498
Whatsapp: +27 (0)82 806 4074
1 March – 30 November
1 Mar – 30 June & 1 – 30 November
1 July – 31 October