NORMAN CARR SAFARIS' FIRST "WILDLY LUXURIOUS LODGE IN LUANGWA VALLEY REPRESENTS NEXT GENERATION OF SUSTAINABLE BUSH CAMPS

Christina Carr, Director of Norman Carr Safaris (NCS), today revealed details of the first “wildly luxurious,” sustainable bush camp in Zambia’s game-rich Luangwa, valley of the leopard.  Called Chinzombo, the camp is being designed by acclaimed South African architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, the visionaries behind North Island Resort, the gold standard of luxury in the Seychelles, and Vumbura Plains, an eco-chic lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.  The architects’ signature style is low-impact eco design using local craftspeople.

Chinzombo represents another step in the evolution of the Rech and Carsten luxury bush camp design philosophy.  For the first time, modernist architectural forms are being combined with the organic geometry and regional materials of indigenous Zambian building methods to create a new, groundbreaking type of bush camp. 

Built where Norman Carr stayed during Luangwa’s Emerald Season, Chinzombo comprises six spacious villas, one accommodating a family of at least five and all WiFi-equipped.  The villas, nestled within the shade of ancient trees on a ridge which follows a loop in the Luangwa River, appear to float over the landscape. The modern steel-framed structures contrast with the natural materials used in the décor and interiors. A winding foot path shaded by mahogany trees connects the villas and lounge/dining area.  Fitness lovers will find a yoga and exercise area and spa facilities; nature lovers will appreciate a place where both wildlife and natural vegetation flourish, unhindered by vast tracts of landscaping, game fences, roads or other man-made installations.

The villas contain large, cooled bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and private plunge pools on shady decks overlooking the Luangwa River. Materials are natural:  locally-produced leather, reed-work and canvas. Floors are made of recycled composite timber.  There is no concrete or brick. Décor utilizes raw linen, timber, copper and hand-made crockery.

Chinzombo honors its history: conservationist Norman Carr promulgated experiencing the African bush while respecting both the natural landscape and local traditions. Today his philosophy is called “sustainable tourism.”   

CHINZOMBO FACTS:

6 Villas, one designed for families

Opening: March 1, 2013

Open year round

1-hour from Mfuwe Airport

Private access by boat from South Luangwa National Park

Wi-Fi in each villa

Cooled sleeping areas

Cutting-edge green power and waste technology

Only sustainably sourced or recycled and recyclable construction materials

Contact Christina Carr:  Kapani@normancarrsafaris.com

Visit:  www.normancarrsafaris.com

TOP SAFARI COMPANY TO OPEN FIRST LUXURY CAMP IN ZAMBIA'S LUANGWA VALLEY

Norman Carr Safaris, the classic safari company whose founder, renowned conservationist Norman Carr, pioneered the walking safari, has announced that it will open an ultra luxury camp on the banks of the Luangwa River, just upstream from their headquarters, Kapani Lodge. “This is something completely new for the Luangwa Valley,” said Christina Carr, marketing director.  “It will be super luxurious with spacious living areas that melt into the surroundings of the exquisite, tranquil site.” Rates begin at $575 per person per night for a twin or double.

The new camp is built on the site of Norman Carr’s green season base back in the 60’s and 70’s and has retained its original name – Chinzombo. Christina Carr commented “The Carr family, partners and staff are thrilled to be giving this historic and beautiful place a new lease on life.”

Architects of Chinzombo are Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, whose signature style is elegant, subtle low-impact, eco-design, using local craftsmen (among their other projects are the celebrated North Island Resort in the Seychelles and Vumbura Plains Camp in Botswana). Construction is progressing well; and, completion is expected in early 2013, with the official opening planned for March 2013.

The new venue will comprise six villas, one of which will be configured as a suite for families and small groups.  All suites will have private pools, cooled sleeping areas, massive bathrooms with luxurious spa amenities and internet connections.  Ancient shade trees abound here; wildlife wanders through the camp; and the animal and bird life of the river can be viewed from the villas.

Guests of Chinzombo will have private river access to the South Luangwa National Park, one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The Luangwa Valley is an offshoot of the Great Rift Valley, and covers an area of more than two million acres, through which the meandering Luangwa River flows. The oxbow lagoons, woodlands and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game – including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo – and more than 400 species of birds. Norman Carr Safaris allows guests to fully appreciate this pristine wild with one of the best guiding teams in Africa that lead safaris known for exclusive and exciting safari adventures. Game drives, night drives and walking safaris will all be available in one of the last great wildernesses on earth.

For more information, contact Kapani@normancarrsfaris.com or visitNorman Carr Safaris, the classic safari company whose founder, renowned conservationist Norman Carr, pioneered the walking safari, has announced that it will open an ultra luxury camp on the banks of the Luangwa River, just upstream from their headquarters, Kapani Lodge. “This is something completely new for the Luangwa Valley,” said Christina Carr, marketing director.  “It will be super luxurious with spacious living areas that melt into the surroundings of the exquisite, tranquil site.” Rates begin at $575 per person per night for a twin or double.

The new camp is built on the site of Norman Carr’s green season base back in the 60’s and 70’s and has retained its original name – Chinzombo. Christina Carr commented “The Carr family, partners and staff are thrilled to be giving this historic and beautiful place a new lease on life.” 

Architects of Chinzombo are Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, whose signature style is elegant, subtle low-impact, eco-design, using local craftsmen (among their other projects are the celebrated North Island Resort in the Seychelles and Vumbura Plains Camp in Botswana). Construction is progressing well; and, completion is expected in early 2013, with the official opening planned for March 2013. 

The new venue will comprise six villas, one of which will be configured as a suite for families and small groups.  All suites will have private pools, cooled sleeping areas, massive bathrooms with luxurious spa amenities and internet connections.  Ancient shade trees abound here; wildlife wanders through the camp; and the animal and bird life of the river can be viewed from the villas. 

Guests of Chinzombo will have private river access to the South Luangwa National Park, one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The Luangwa Valley is an offshoot of the Great Rift Valley, and covers an area of more than two million acres, through which the meandering Luangwa River flows. The oxbow lagoons, woodlands and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game – including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo – and more than 400 species of birds. Norman Carr Safaris allows guests to fully appreciate this pristine wild with one of the best guiding teams in Africa that lead safaris known for exclusive and exciting safari adventures. Game drives, night drives and walking safaris will all be available in one of the last great wildernesses on earth.

For more information, visit www.normancarrsafaris.com