Mama Rula's Campsite
South Luangwa National Park, Chipata Zambia
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#1 of 7 Specialty lodging in Chipata
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Bar / lounge
Restaurant
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South Luangwa National Park, Chipata Zambia
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17Reviews1Q+A1Room tip
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We perform checks on reviews
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
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The place was quite deserted, but I am sure they have been suffering during Covid. A lot of the set up looked geared towards backpackers and overlanders, but the rooms were quite isolated from the other areas so noise should not be a problem once guests return. The hotel was a bit quirky, in that access to some of the rooms was through the veranda of the owners house. The rooms were nice, with good beds, bathrooms and AC. Access is a bot far outside Chipata and the road is quite bumpy. The breakfasts are really good
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Date of stay: April 2022
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
+1
Mama Rula's Campsite is the best camp in Chipata located in a wild green environment outside Chipata off the Mfuwe road. The campsite has ice cold beverages and a restaurant. The camping site is suitable for families, groups of friends, solo's, cyclists, overland trucks. The staff has very excellent customer care service. Home away from Home. The Ablution block has 24/7 Hot showers. Secure parking. Next Eastern trip Add Mama Rula's Campsite a Must Stop over place. #mamarulascamp #travelzambia #theoverlanderzm
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from BeatrixR24, General Manager at Mama Rula's Campsite
Responded 15 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for this wonderful review. It was an absolute pleasure having you all here and we hope that it will not be to long before we all meet again. Safe travels
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I spent over 3 weeks with Ben and Beatrix at Mamarulas after an unfortunate accident. I was literally dropped off in a wheelchair. They took care of me as if I was family. Beatrix got me medicines from town, Ben was happy to make sure my every need was attended to. The staff was unbelievably helpful, they checked in on me day and night, I’ll be forever grateful. The food was excellent, and everything in the room was modern and working. Very very professional operation, which reasonable prices . They have both rooms and a campsite which is a nice option. Enjoy your visit here, you won’t be disappointed. Ben and Beatrix will make sure it’s memorable. Highly Recommended.
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Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from BeatrixR24, Owner at Mama Rula's Campsite
Responded 15 Jan 2020
Hi Scott, All the staff members at Mamarula B & B & Campsite are so happy and elated to hear that you are in full swing again. It was an absolute pleasure been of assistance to you during your time of recovery and it was an absolute pleasure having you here. On the "flip" side of the coin, if you did not have your unfortunate incident we would never have met, but it was a pleasure helping you out on your road to recovery. Safe travels where ever you are in the world at the moment and hopefully the next time we meet it will be under better circumstances - no accidents.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My daughter’s favourite lodge of all the places we stayed in Zambia! Friendly and welcoming. Excellent steak. Great bar. Beautiful gardens. Our room was looking a bit run down, but it was clean and quiet - other than the baboon jumping on the roof in the morning!
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Date of stay: August 2019
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Mamarulas awesome hosts, Ben and Beat, and their amazing, tireless staff, made a 14 day training course all the less testing!!! Super accomodation, great grub and wonderful hospitality at an incredible price, I have really nothing to criticise. And more than just a campsite? Absolutely. Mama Rula has a great conference/training room compete with power, whiteboards, flip charts and refreshments, and happily accommodated 17 people for 2 separate 7-day sessions. Mama Rula was my home for 16 nights, and when I say 'home', I mean literally that. The entire experience was outstanding. I would absolutely recommend this venue, not only for short tourist stays but consider it for seminars, training, conferences etc. It is simply superb. Thanks to the Mama Rula team!
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
My colleague and I spent 2 nights. The rooms were comfortable and clean. The food is excellent. Try their schnitzel and their steaks. Beautiful garden with wonderful bird life. Staff are very friendly and helpful. The owners Ben and Beat were hospitable and went out of their way to make one feel at home. Reasonably priced. A great place and will most definitely stay there again. Highly recommended!!
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Travelled on business
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from BeatrixR24, Manager at Mama Rula's Campsite
Responded 11 Mar 2019
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, we greatly appreciated having you here and we look forward to our next gathering
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A very nice camping spot just outside Chipata, nice trees, grass etc but the ablutions are very neglected and the doors do not close properly. We were hoping to meet the owner to make some suggestions but he did not show that night nor the next morning despite us telling the barman that wee would like to meet him. The food in the restaurant is good, bar service is good, environment is good but it is only the ablutions that need some serious upgrading and maintenance
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Date of stay: September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from BeatrixR24, Owner at Mama Rula's Campsite
Responded 4 Oct 2018
Hi George, Firstly, I would like to deeply apologize for not been available as you requested, I believe you were a member of the touring group that was here a few days ago. The barman did give me the message, but due to other commitments I was not able to meet with you. However, I did meet up with your tour leader and we did manage to discuss a few issues. Which I deeply appreciate for bringing these issues to my attention and it will be something that we will have to work on to correct. Secondly, thank you very much for the positive response regarding our other services, it is deeply appreciated. We hope that you all enjoyed your holiday travelling through Zambia and that you all arrived safely back home
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here on two occasions. Going and coming from South Luanga National Park. The people are super friendly and accommodating. The campsite it stunning, the chalets are basic but good. The food is made with love and affection. We had a medical emergency and Beat ( one of the owners) spend 3 hours getting us to a Doctor at a remote clinic. The place is owned by South Africans who have been in Chipata for 25 odd years. If you go to east Zambia and you don’t spend time here, you only have yourself to blame. Stunning, on our next visit, we will be back.
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Date of stay: April 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Beatrix R, Owner at Mama Rula's Campsite
Responded 8 Jul 2018
Hi Arrie, it was an absolute pleasure having you here and we hope that it will not be to long before you return for another visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our first stop at Zambia and I was really disappointed. The camp clearly has been better days as the facilities were a bit worn out . Sure it has warm water and a nice bar but the bathrooms were really horrible . Doors not locking properly and not particularly clean which is a big deal for me . Also no tissue paper . It’s a nice place to camp but please don’t expect to be wowed
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Date of stay: December 2017Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Beatrix R, Owner at Mama Rula's Campsite
Responded 8 Jul 2018
Hi Shar7777, Thank you very much for your feedback, all feedback is extremely important to us as we will always strive to make improvements, to ensure that everyone's visit and stay over is a pleasant and memorable visit
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A welcome Oasis on the long drive from Lusaka. Very quiet even with a truck in. Bar is not too intrusive. Constantly cleaned amenties and good information for onward travel. Good shaded camping area and cooking spots. Delicious well water so filled all containers.
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Date of stay: July 2017Trip type: Travelled with family
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Beatrix R, Owner at Mama Rula's Campsite
Responded 8 Jul 2018
Hi GrimmG Thank you very much for your feedback and we are so happy that you enjoyed your visit and that the rest of your journey has been a wonderful time.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LOCATION
ZambiaEastern ProvinceChipata
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Mama Rula's Campsite
What food & drink options are available at Mama Rula's Campsite?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and a lounge during their stay.