Joe and Billy Dodson – U.S.A.
I’ve made multiple trips to Africa as a photographer and have fallen in love with Kenya and Tanzania many times over. But I never realized what a true African experience was until I visited your camp. We were physically closer to the wildlife than any place I’ve ever been and I felt so much more a part of the land and the bush. Your kindness and friendship were the icing … and I thank you from the heart for the time you dedicated to us on the game walks, river trips and around the campfire. Although our visit was only a few days, we now consider you and Charlotte family. We expect to return every two to three years at a minimum. Thanks again for one of the great experiences of our lives.
Home 757.258.5420
Mobile 757.879.6162
Billy says…
“I would also encourage you to provide my phone number to any US clients who have questions about the camp or require a little encouragement to visit you. My phone numbers for prospective clients will be 757.258.8546 (office) and 757.879.6162 (mobile). It would be good to let folks know somehow that I’m a working / traveling photographer and I’m not always accessible by phone. If they leave a message, however, I will respond 100% of the time. I’d be very honoured to endorse the camp.”
Butterfly Bishop – African Fusion Travel
I have just had the wonderful privilege of a few days in the Zambian bush with my husband and good friends. They were spent at the unique, McBride’s camp, in Kafue National Park. The camp is run by Charlotte and Chris, both just special people and totally dedicated to the bush around them and the wonderful game and creatures that live within the camp (all have their very own personalities and names). There is Lucas the Hippo, Hamish the Hueglins Robin, Sherlock the lion along with many others…
Having met Chris before at a travel Indaba sometime ago I decided it was time to get to their camp. We were warmly welcomed by Charlotte (Charlotte and her team fed and looked after us extremely well). Having spent many years growing up in the bush Chris is a fountain of knowledge, especially about all the birds and always has some interesting knowledge to part with.
Thanks for making us all feel so at home.
We went on numerous walks, a game drive and sunset cruise on the river. I thoroughly enjoyed the 3 hour walk from McBrides Camp to their “fly camp” based further down the river. On arrival at the fly camp we were fed a wonderful picnic and then had the chance to pass out for a couple hours of rest in one of the tents before heading back on the boat where we were plied with delicious cake and afternoon tea.
I just loved being back in the bush in a rustic, bush camp – very comfortable with all the luxuries of hot water, comfortable bed and paraffin lamps. The lion wandered through the camp two out of the three nights during our visit, their resounding roars along with the hippo grunts tried to keep us all awake and a true reminder of how close we really were to nature.
Mcbrides must be put onto your “bucket list” and we will be going back!!!
Chris has recently appeared on Animal Planet in a film entitled “White Lions, King of Kings”, and “Mission Natural,” an Italian wildlife programme.He and Charlotte, together with a valued friend in the USA, have nearly completed a book about their experiences at McBride’s Camp, which will soon be published
While doing his thesis for an Msc degree on lions from the University of California at Humboldt, two white lions were born into the lion pride the McBride’s were already studying. This resulted in a book “The White Lions of Timbavati” and a Msc. Thesis. The book was translated into eight languages including Dutch, Japanese (Shokagukan), French (Robert Lafont), German (Droemer Knaur), Italian (Rizzoli) and Finnish. A feature movie was also made.
Chris published another book on nocturnal lion research “Lion Tide” in Northern Botswana in the late 70’sand early 80’s. A journal article also came out of this.
Both books may be ordered via the Internet. The White Lions of Timbavati and Lion Tide
In this extraordinary place, an oasis in a world of disappearing and endangered species, what appears to be a new strain of lions has suddenly emerged. And for once, man, responsible for the destruction of so much wildlife, is in a position to use a whole battery of new and sophisticated techniques to protect and foster these unique animals – Temba, Tombi and Phuma; the white lions of Timbavati.
Website African Fusion Travel
Raffaella and Emanuele Frumento – Italy
In the cool Italian winter, we often are thinking at you and at the fantastic days spent in your camp.
With you, we had our best experience in Zambia. We will never forget the emotion when we stop the jeep in the dark night and heard the lion roar. It had been more exciting than seeing lions. With you we got in touch with “real Africa”.
We hope you are fine and that everything is ok for you.
Lot of love.
Raffaella and Emanuele Frumento – Italy (Jan 1011)
From The German Ambassador To Zambia
Dear Mr. McBride,
Returning from home leave and checking my e-mails I was pleased to find your e-mail and the wonderful photo of a lion below .
It is great news to hear of the tremendous interest the German TV production has encountered in Germany depicting some of the most impressive scenery of Africa and its unique wildlife. This is certainly a most effective way of making Germans aware of the tourist attractions of Southern and Eastern Africa off the beaten track.
I am sure that McBrides Camp as a special highlight in this TV production will be an important contributing factor in drawing more of my countrymen as tourists to Zambia .
As the German ARD-TV team told me they were highly impressed by your and your wife’s professionalism and great hospitality when staying with you at McBrides Camp. I am glad that the excellent reputation that McBrides Camp rightly enjoys with lovers of unspoilt nature in many parts of the world will now be spreading to Germany , too. The ARD-TV production will certainly wet the appetite of many Germans to get to know “the real Africa” and the real McBrides .
With my best wishes or you and your wife and many more successful and happy years at McBride4s Camp
Frank Meyke (Ambassador – Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Lusaka, Zambia)
Chad Schubert (A party of Three American and 1 Canadian)
Thanks so much for a great weekend! We all enjoyed our time, and enjoyed getting to know you and Charlotte. Thanks for all the advice too.
Traumzug durch Afrika – Von Kapstadt nach Kenia; / Dreamflight throughout Africa – From Cape Town to Kenya. (ARD TV Crew Feedback)
Dr. Christian Gramstadt (ARD TV Film Director) Erstes Deutsches Fernsehen / First German TV ProgrammeKoordination Politik, Kultur, Gesellschaft / Coordination Politics, Culture and Society:
“Your camp is unique…I come and stay! Thanks!”
Katharina (Marshal Solutions, the company that arranged the journey through Africa by ARD).
“The crew (the ARD, German Public TV film crew) was absolutely amazed by Charlotte and you, the camp and stories as well as their overall stay….”
Dr Joe Zamboni, Arcata, Califorinia
I have now been in Africa for almost 2 weeks, and have one more week here before starting back to my home in California. When I first arrived here at McBride’s Camp on the Kafue River in Zambia, the dry season was coming to an end; the rains were not expected to start for another 3 weeks. This year , however, they came a few weeks early, thus turning the parched brown savannahs to a beautiful emerald green that gets more intense with each passing day.
Despite this dispersion of game, there is still so much to see. I wake up to the sounds of hippos and birds in the morning and go to sleep with the calls of hyenas and hippos at night. The night sounds have been a mixture of lions roaring, leopards calling, and hippos grunting. What a symphony Africa is!
Each day here brings new surprises. No day here has been routine; today was no exception. I am certain that if we were to walk this same route tomorrow, we would see a totally different variety of animals.
I really had no great intentions of returning to Africa after this trip, but after this wonderful and rewarding stay at McBrides’ Camp I have every intention of returning.
Emilio Rossetti, First Secretary, Delegation of the European Commission to Zimbabwe
We came back to Harare the day before yesterday from our long trip, did over 3000 Km and your camp was certainly the highlight of the journey.
Congratulations for the very special mix of wilderness and basic but real comfort, but most of all the atmosphere that you and Chris create with your deep knowledge of the bush life as well as your friendliness.
Ross & Nicole Holland, Wesley & Stacey Scott – South Africa
To anyone planning a trip to Kafue, I can’t recommend McBrides camp highly enough. Chris and Charlotte are fantastic hosts, with a wealth of interesting information about the bush. Our time at McBrides was both a pleasure and a tremendous privilege!
May 2009
Bert and Regina Hoornenborg – Holland
Dear Charlotte,
Back home again we want to tell you again we had a great time at your place. The description you gave in your blog of the early morning walk made us feel ‘homesick’. We love your place and we thank you for your attention and all the information you gave us on so many birds. Birds we saw for the first time in our life. The campfire, the dinners….We enjoyed it all very much.
May 2009
Sinikka Antila – Finland
Our visitors gave your camp five stars. Especially important for them (and us) was that we felt safe in your hands and you made such a nice and homely atmosphere and took good care of us. Riitta is very well now. Fortunately I took the lion roar in a video with my small camera so she could also get a feeling of our safari that day.
Thank you so much and I am sure we will come back !
May 2009
Karola and Carsten – Germany
Your campsite is in a wonderful setting and with a very nice view and includes privacy….you can offer a campsite the most lodges do not offer their self-driving guests.
January 2009
Joe and Billy Dodson – U.S.A.
I’ve made multiple trips to Africa as a photographer and have fallen in love with Kenya and Tanzania many times over. But I never realized what a true African experience was until I visited your camp. We were physically closer to the wildlife than any place I’ve ever been and I felt so much more a part of the land and the bush. Your kindness and friendship were the icing … and I thank you from the heart for the time you dedicated to us on the game walks, river trips and around the campfire. Although our visit was only a few days, we now consider you and Charlotte family. We expect to return every two to three years at a minimum. Thanks again for one of the great experiences of our lives.
Home 757.258.5420
Mobile 757.879.6162
Billy says…
“I would also encourage you to provide my phone number to any US clients who have questions about the camp or require a little encouragement to visit you. My phone numbers for prospective clients will be 757.258.8546 (office) and 757.879.6162 (mobile). It would be good to let folks know somehow that I’m a working / traveling photographer and I’m not always accessible by phone. If they leave a message, however, I will respond 100% of the time. I’d be very honoured to endorse the camp.”
January 2009
John Tavner & Liz McKormick – U.K.
“This really is the ultimate ‘bush’ experience -a chance to get away from every last vestige of urban life….and having Chris McBride as your personal guide and mentor is simply the icing on the cake.”
19th September, 2008
Claude & Barbara Mayfield – U.S.A.
“2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 (Missed), 2008. Six out of seven seasons for the Mayfields. This place has lost none of its magic and mystery. This spot in Africa, and the McBrides in it, draw us strongly to return again and again”.
7th September, 2008
Shruthi Rajashekara, USA
“I felt right at home…I’ve never been in the bush before….I feel like I’ve had a lifetime’s adventure in one weekend and I hope to come back and visit you again.”
27th September, 2008
Emma, Zain, Helena and Will Godsall – Zambia
“Thanks for your warm welcome and hospitality – we feel we belong. We have all had a simply wonderful time – seen and done so much….the highlight being the elephant sighting and the elusive bushpigs – all rounded off with constant birdsong in camp – music to one’s ears. Thanks f or a ‘Welcome to Zambia’ stay.'”
30th July, 2008
Andy Ridgeway – Manchester, UK
“This has been the most relaxing holiday of my holiday-filled life! We have felt completely part of the family….amazing hospitality and the most wonderful place I have ever been. I will never forget the lion (Rex) walking over to me while I read (on the veranda of my chalet) 3 metres away!”
4th May, 2008
Arnold Nepgen – South Africa
“Chris, baie dankie vir ‘n onvergeetlike ondervinding. Ek het die bosstap baie geniet, die leeus was ook ‘n wonderlike gesig. Ek hoop julle hou aan om ‘n wonderlike ondervinding aan te bied.”
30th September, 2008
Gunter & Inge Hensgen – Germany
“The best bush experience we ever had! 2 lions with 2 young ones during foot walk, fantastic! On night drive, 2 leopards! Perfect! The nature is really amazing here. We will come back, sure!”
30th September, 2008
Anders, Berit, Emma and Daniel Rydsmo – Sweden
“Dear Chris and Charlotte,
Daniel and we think this has been the most relaxing holiday we have had. This place is like ‘Eden’ and we really enjoyed our stay. The warmth and the way we have been taken care of , we will always remember. We have been guided throughout our stay here by real professionals. Who has showed us tracking, birds, lions, elephant, etc. with skills in the highest levels.. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN OUTSTANDING. We will be back.”
5th November, 2006
Sharon and Hugh Morrison
Dear Charlotte and Chris, we have been home almost two weeks now and cannot get the sounds of Africa out of our heads. After your camp we continued on to …… Everything was a great and new experience and we had many animal sightings. We met many wonderful people along the way and told all about our special time at McBrides camp in Kafue National Park . Of course the question always came up as to what camp we liked the best and we always said McBrides….
Keep in touch as to the progress you are making in getting your camp on the other side of the river and other plans you have. Thank you for such a wonderful experience. It was quite an adventure and know we,ll be back some day!