The original state-run, red-brick Lochinvar Lodge, built in the colonial style of 1912, was used as a farmhouse until 1966, when it was sold to the government. As the state of the park gradually deteriorated, the lodge was put up for tender to private safari operators in 1996. Eventually, Star of Africa agreed to take the lodge, as part of a 'package' of old government properties around the country. Renovating it would have been a huge job, so instead they first planned to build a floating lodge here, but eventually settled upon tented camp which, today, is the only camp or lodge in the park.

Lechwe Plains Tented Camp

(6 tents) Contact via Star of Africa
(GPS: LPLAIN)
Lechwe Plains Tented Camp consists of six huge, marquee-type tents built on teak decks, all dotted beside the shore of Chunga Lagoon. Each is supported by one large pole in the centre of the tent, and divided in two by a wickerwork wall separating the bedroom area at the front from the half devoted to a dressing room at the rear. There's space aplenty in these, while occasional furniture includes twin or double beds (surrounded by mosquito netting), a writing desk, chaise longue, table and chairs, wardrobes and some old fashioned suitcases that can be used as stylish clothes storage. There is also a flush toilet, twin wash basins and a double bath inside while outside, adjacent to the back of the tent, is an en-suite shower open to the skies. Each tent has its hot water heated by wood-burning boiler, and the camp has an electric generator which switches on for a few hours a day to power the fridges and charge up the batteries used for electric lights.

The camp's communal area is also tented, consisting of three large rectangular tents which have been joined together on a concrete base, and then all opened up on one side, to overlook the lagoon. This has large comfy chairs in the lounge area, and an adjacent dining room with open sides and fine furniture.

Other than this, your only option is to camp, for which you need all your own supplies. There were several sites here, but best ask the scouts at the gate for the latest news. To reach what was the official campsite, drive about 2km past the gate into the park, and take the second left turning. Continue for about 5km. This site has water, a long-drop toilet and a simple cold shower. Firewood and a barbecue are provided. This is close to the hot springs at Bwanda, near the old Lupanda Wildlife Camp. If you wish to pick up a scout from the gate to guide you, then it's probably best to arrange this in advance.