Photos: African Parks
About this place
Shoebill Island Camp is a fully catered lodge featuring five ensuite canvas chalets on concrete platforms, nestled under trees on an island in the vast watery expanse of Bangweulu Wetlands. This paradise of floodplains and permanent swamps is designated as one of the world's most important wetlands and the only place to find wild black lechwe. Home to over 350 shoebills and the groundbreaking Shoebill Captive Rearing and Rehabilitation Facility. The brick-and-mortar central area features dining room, bar, spacious lounge with fireplace and library. Solar-powered camp with unfenced views over the wetlands. Seasonal operation (closed Dec-May due to flood levels). All meals, activities, laundry, house drinks and tourism levy included.
Amenities
Free parking on premises
Fire pit
Laundry service
Game drives
Bird watching
Safari experience
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Availability
Any available room
4 rooms, sleeps 1 to 2
Check-in
Select date
Check-out
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November 2026
December 2026
A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.
Where you'll sleep
Choose a room type. We confirm availability with African Parks once you send your dates.
1 guest · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Ensuite canvas chalet on concrete platform for African citizens and residents solo travellers on an island in the vast Bangweulu Wetlands. Fully catered experience includes all meals, activities (game drives, mokoro trips, birding including rare shoebill viewing), laundry, house drinks and tourism levy. Features access to Shoebill Captive Rearing Facility tours. Solar-powered with views over wetlands. Open from May to mid-December; the camp closes in the summer floods, depending on water levels. Solo traveller rate.
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Ensuite canvas chalet on concrete platform for international guests, sharing accommodation on an island in the vast Bangweulu Wetlands. Fully catered experience includes all meals, activities (game drives, mokoro trips, birding including rare shoebill viewing), laundry, house drinks and tourism levy. Features access to Shoebill Captive Rearing Facility tours. Solar-powered with views over wetlands. Open from May to mid-December; the camp closes in the summer floods, depending on water levels. Minimum 2 guests required.
1 guest · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Ensuite canvas chalet on concrete platform for international solo travellers on an island in the vast Bangweulu Wetlands. Fully catered experience includes all meals, activities (game drives, mokoro trips, birding including rare shoebill viewing), laundry, house drinks and tourism levy. Features access to Shoebill Captive Rearing Facility tours. Solar-powered with views over wetlands. Open from May to mid-December; the camp closes in the summer floods, depending on water levels. Solo traveller rate.
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Ensuite canvas chalet on concrete platform for African citizens and residents, sharing accommodation on an island in the vast Bangweulu Wetlands. Fully catered experience includes all meals, activities (game drives, mokoro trips, birding including rare shoebill viewing), laundry, house drinks and tourism levy. Features access to Shoebill Captive Rearing Facility tours. Solar-powered with views over wetlands. Open from May to mid-December; the camp closes in the summer floods, depending on water levels. Minimum 2 guests required.
About Samfya
Important information
Check-in and check-outIn 14:00 · Out 11:00
Check-in Time
14:00 - 18:00
Please arrange your arrival within this time window. If you need to arrive outside these hours, please contact the host in advance.
Check-out Time
By 11:00
Please ensure you check out by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next guests.
Cancellation and changes50% refund 30+ days
Refund schedule
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Please note that some accommodations may have their own specific cancellation policies that differ from our standard policy. These will be clearly indicated on the accommodation's page or during the booking process.
For any questions regarding cancellations or to request a cancellation, please contact our customer support team.
Pet policyNo pets
Pet policy
Pets are not allowed
Travel insuranceInformation only
Spekboom does not advise on, recommend, or sell insurance.
For information only: Expatriate Group provides travel, health and life cover for international travellers and can generate a quote online. Any policy is arranged and managed entirely by Expatriate Group.
See travel insurance quotesSpekboom Tree (Pty) Ltd is not a financial services provider and does not provide, recommend, or arrange financial or insurance products or advice. Expatriate Group (ref 30286D) is authorised and regulated to provide any quote, advice, or policy. Spekboom introduces interested customers to Expatriate Group and may receive a commission if cover is taken out through this link.
Before you book
Payment terms
Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Cancellation PolicyStrict
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Note: The 2.5% conservation contribution, payment processing fees, and any applicable referral commissions are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Conservation contribution fees (2.5%) support conservation and community projects in the destinations you visit. Payment processing fees are absorbed by Spekboom for completed bookings, but cannot be recovered once a booking is cancelled. Referral commissions, where applicable, are paid to the referring party upon booking confirmation.
Payout Protection: Guest payments are held until the free cancellation window passes. This protects guests who cancel within their cancellation window and ensures hosts receive guaranteed payouts after the cancellation period ends.
House rules
Guests are expected to respect the house rules of each accommodation. These rules will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Check-in & Check-out
Check-in from 14:00 • Check-out by 11:00
Liability
Spekboom acts as an intermediary between guests and accommodation providers. While we strive to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from the accommodation itself.
By making a booking through Spekboom, you agree to our Terms of Service (Version 3.5). You acknowledge that: (1) the 2.5% conservation contribution and payment processing fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (Spekboom absorbs payment processing fees for completed bookings); (2) Spekboom acts as an intermediary platform governed by South African law. For the complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Terms of Service page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Shoebill Island Camp located?
Shoebill Island Camp is in Samfya, Northern Province, Zambia. The map on this page shows the area.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Shoebill Island Camp?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00. Contact the camp directly if you need to arrange early check-in or late check-out.
How many guests can Shoebill Island Camp accommodate?
Canvas Chalet - African Residents (Solo) sleeps 1, Canvas Chalet - International Guests (Sharing) sleeps 2, Canvas Chalet - International Guests (Solo) sleeps 1 and Canvas Chalet - African Residents (Sharing) sleeps 2.
How do I book Shoebill Island Camp?
Pick dates on this Spekboom page and request availability. We confirm with African Parks, they assign the unit, then you pay on Spekboom.
Book your stay
Request to book. Send your dates and we will confirm availability with African Parks.
Nothing is charged until the host says yes
Staying at more than one place?
Want to find out more?
Ask Dassie anything about this place or the area.