SCOPE
DELIVERED
Architecture, Interior, Engineering
2025
TIMELINE
TBC
LOCATION
CLIENT
Kafue National Park, Zambia
Tom Klein
THE STORY
A camp between
river and wetland.
Mawimbi Bush Camp sits in the heart of Zambia’s Kafue National Park, on a private concession between the Kafue River and a natural wetland. It is an intimate, owner-run camp with tented suites facing the river.
Malapa delivered the full scope for the camp’s rebuild: architecture, interiors and engineering, then produced, procured and built the main lapa, bar, dining and boma areas and the tented suites.
THE BRIEF
Remote, intimate, wild
Kafue is one of Africa’s largest and least-visited parks, so the camp had to work far from supply lines while feeling warm and personal: thatch, brick and canvas, with every space opening to the river and the wetland.
THE SKETCH
Where each build starts.
Every Malapa build begins on paper. Mawimbi’s permanent tent was drawn as a detailed model, setting out its frame, deck and en-suite before production.
THE BUILD
Fabricated off-site, assembled on the ground
Components were manufactured under controlled conditions before being transported and assembled on site in weeks rather than months. Quality was checked off-site, before anything reached the park.
The Finished Camp
Moments from Mawimbi.
“
“Malapa are more than 'just' architects, designers and deliverers. They are also a thought partner - providing helpful challenge, support and solutions throughout the process. You really feel Malapa are invested in what you are trying to achieve, even once their formal role is completed, and are not just there to do a job.”
DOUG FLYNN · CEO, GORONGOSA SAFARIS