South Luangwa National Park, located in the northeastern part of Zambia, is renowned worldwide for its exceptional wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Characterized by the meandering Luangwa River, lush lagoons, and a rich variety of animal species, the park offers a truly immersive safari experience.
Your choice of accommodation can significantly enhance this adventure, and fortunately, South Luangwa is home to an array of camps and lodges designed to bring you closer to nature while offering comfort and luxury.
Here are the top camps and lodges in South Luangwa National Park.
Mfuwe Lodge
Mfuwe Lodge is conveniently located near the main gate of South Luangwa National Park. It is situated on the banks of two lagoons where an eclectic mix of wildlife such as hippos, elephants, and crocodiles can often be spotted.
The lodge has 18 chalets split into two wings; each chalet offers a private deck overlooking the lagoon. The rooms are equipped with all modern amenities like en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and facilities for making tea and coffee.
The lodge includes a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. It also features an open-plan central lounge where guests can enjoy spectacular views of the surroundings. Additionally, there’s a small library and a well-stocked gift shop.
Mfuwe Lodge offers game drives and walking safaris led by experienced guides. Guests can spot a variety of wildlife including elephants, antelopes, zebras, giraffes, leopards, lions, and a vast number of bird species. The lodge is particularly famous for the local herd of elephants that occasionally walk through the reception area to reach a nearby mango tree.
Chinzombo Camp
Chinzombo Camp is nestled within 60 acres of private land adjacent to South Luangwa National Park, with the Luangwa River serving as its natural boundary. It’s situated in a wildlife-rich area and offers unparalleled luxury in a pristine and tranquil setting.
The camp offers six spacious villas, including one family villa, each with private plunge pools, cooled bedrooms, and massive bathrooms. Each villa is designed to provide stunning views of the Luangwa River and the wildlife frequently visiting its banks.
Chinzombo Camp is a blend of modern steel and natural materials, designed by award-winning architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens. The camp’s main area provides WiFi, spa amenities, yoga and exercise facilities, a dining area, a bar, and a lounging area overlooking the river.
Chinzombo offers unrivaled access to both sides of the river with guided game drives, walking safaris, and boat cruises (in the Emerald season). The area is renowned for its high density of leopards and prolific bird life.
Bilimungwe Bushcamp
Nestled amongst mahogany trees on the banks of three waterholes, Bilimungwe Bushcamp is located in the heart of South Luangwa National Park. The camp offers a perfect view of an ever-changing parade of wildlife that frequents these water sources.
The camp comprises four traditional thatched chalets, each elegantly decorated with African textiles and offering en-suite bathrooms and private decks overlooking the waterholes. The rustic charm of the chalets, combined with modern comforts, provides a truly immersive bush experience.
The heart of Bilimungwe is its communal deck, shaded by a giant mahogany tree and offering unrivaled views of the waterholes, a constant source of wildlife interactions. The lounge is filled with colorful African textiles and artifacts, creating an intimate and homely atmosphere.
Led by award-winning guides, the camp offers walking safaris that let you experience the bush’s sounds, sights, and smells up close. Game drives, both day and night, are also offered, presenting opportunities to spot a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, lions, giraffes, and numerous bird species.
Flatdogs Camp
Flatdogs Camp is on the border of South Luangwa National Park, one of the last great wildlife wonders of the world. It’s set on the banks of the Luangwa River, providing a direct view of the park and easy access for game drives.
The camp offers a variety of accommodation options catering to different tastes and budgets. These include standard and luxury safari tents, chalets, and the unique Jackalberry Treehouse, which offers a spectacular view of the surroundings.
Flatdogs Camp facilities include an open bar, a relaxed dining area, and a swimming pool. It also offers the Dog House, a communal area where guests can relax, read, chat, and enjoy the wildlife viewing deck over the river. There is also a small curio shop on site.
The camp offers game drives in the park both during the day and night, as well as walking safaris. Its location near the main gate of the park provides easy access to excellent game viewing areas. The Luangwa River also attracts a large number of animals, so excellent wildlife sightings can often be made from the camp itself.
Tena Tena Camp
Tena Tena, translated as “temporary home,” is located in the Nsefu Sector of South Luangwa National Park. It’s nestled under a grove of mahogany trees, on a double-tiered river bank with each tent enjoying a fantastic view of the Luangwa River.
The camp features six spacious and stylish safari tents, each with a private veranda that overlooks the river. The tents are designed for comfort and luxury while maintaining an authentic safari experience, with open-air bathrooms and simple, elegant furnishings.
The main area of Tena Tena Camp includes a comfortable open-sided lounge and a bar area, both providing excellent views of the river and the wildlife it attracts. The intimate and natural design of the camp allows guests to enjoy their surroundings fully.
Tena Tena offers an array of wildlife viewing activities. These include day and night game drives, led by experienced guides. The camp is renowned for its walking safaris, which offer a more intimate way to experience the African bush.
Kakuli Bush Camp
Kakuli, meaning ‘old buffalo bull’, is a tented bush camp located in South Luangwa National Park on the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa rivers. It is perched high on the riverbank, offering stunning vistas of the river and the wildlife that frequents its banks.
Kakuli offers four spacious, traditional walk-in safari tents, each with its own en-suite bathroom made with natural materials. Each tent has an outdoor, open-air bucket shower with hot water and a private verandah overlooking the river.
The camp features an open-sided thatch chitenje (lounge) which serves as a dining area and a place to relax during the day. The campfire is the perfect spot for pre- or post-dinner drinks under the stars.
Kakuli is known for offering excellent game viewing opportunities, including guided walking safaris and day and night game drives. Between January and April, Kakuli is one of the few camps that stay open to take advantage of the exceptional birding and boating opportunities during the “Emerald Season” (rainy season).
Nkwali Camp
Nkwali Camp is situated on private land, overlooking South Luangwa National Park. The camp has a beautiful location overlooking the Luangwa River and the national park beyond, allowing guests to enjoy excellent wildlife sightings even from the camp itself.
Nkwali Camp offers six spacious chalets, designed with open-air bathrooms and views of the river. The chalets’ design combines a rustic feel with comfort, giving guests a luxury safari experience. One of the chalets is a family suite, perfect for families or small groups.
The camp’s central area, built around a giant ebony tree, includes a bar on a deck situated in the middle of the river, reached by a narrow rope bridge. There’s also a swimming pool that overlooks the river, providing an excellent spot to relax between safari activities.
Nkwali Camp has access to its own private game viewing area and is also conveniently located near the park’s main gate. This allows for a variety of safari activities including day and night game drives, walking safaris, and seasonal boating.
Nsefu Camp
Nsefu Camp, the first game camp in Zambia, is situated in the central area of the South Luangwa National Park on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. The camp offers a stunning panoramic view of the river’s banks, frequented by a diverse range of wildlife.
Nsefu Camp comprises six whitewashed rondavels with thatched roofs, maintaining its historic charm while offering modern comforts. Each rondavel provides a clear view of the river, private veranda, and an ensuite bathroom.
The camp features a communal area with a bar and dining room that overlooks the river. The lounge and dining area are adorned with understated and classic safari décor, maintaining the authenticity of its historic roots.
Nsefu Camp offers a variety of activities, including game drives and walking safaris, allowing guests to experience the abundant wildlife of South Luangwa. The location of the camp is particularly famous for leopard and lion sightings. Additionally, for bird watchers, the camp provides an opportunity to spot a variety of species, particularly between November and March when migratory birds are present.
Luwi Bush Camp
Located deep within the National Park on the seasonal Luwi River, Luwi Bush Camp is truly remote and offers an incredibly wild safari experience. It’s a rustic camp far from other tourist camps, giving guests a unique opportunity to experience untouched wilderness.
The camp features five huts made of grass and thatch which are rebuilt annually. These simple yet comfortable rooms offer a traditional and authentic safari experience. Each hut has an open-air en-suite bathroom.
The camp’s facilities are designed to blend in with the natural environment. There’s a small library and a bar in the central chitenje (lounge), which overlooks a lagoon that attracts game, especially in the dry season.
Known for its walking safaris, Luwi is an excellent place to explore the bush on foot, following tracks and trails, and discovering the smaller aspects of the ecosystem. The area around the camp is also excellent for game drives, particularly as the dry season progresses.
Kapamba Bushcamp
Location: Kapamba Bushcamp is located in the remote southern part of South Luangwa National Park, on the banks of the Kapamba River. It offers a secluded experience, far from other camps and lodges.
The camp has four spacious and luxurious chalets, each constructed with natural materials and featuring a sunken stone plunge pool on the private veranda. All chalets come with en-suite bathrooms that offer both indoor and outdoor showers.
The main area of the camp is an open-plan living and dining space with a well-stocked bar, creating a convivial atmosphere. The communal deck overlooks the river, making it a perfect place for guests to relax and watch for wildlife.
Kapamba offers a variety of activities including game drives, night drives, and walking safaris. During the dry season, guests can also enjoy the unique experience of sundowners in the shallow waters of the river.