South Luangwa National Park - Accommodation & Activities The different accommodation described below, offer great opportunities to enjoy the wildlife and natural beauty of South Luangwa National Park. All accommodation can be booked in combination or individually, on a fully tailor-made basis – you decide how long you want to stay and where. A visit to South Luangwa National Park can be combined with other destinations in Zambia, such as the Lower Zambezi National Park and Victoria Falls/Livingstone area, or even the relaxing beach lodges alongside the shores of Lake Malawi in Malawi. Sample Itinerary - South Luangwa NP There are two distinct accommodation types within the Park. The lodges tend to be luxurious accommodation, which usually remain open all-year round. The personalised bushcamps are seasonal and operate only during the dry season - due to their more remote location will close for the Green season. The bushcamps offer a more private and ‘close to nature’ experience. There are rarely more than 6 guests at a bushcamp at any one time and during the day guests will be able to take private safaris without encountering any other vehicles. A combination of lodge and bushcamp accommodation is highly recommended to experience the full scope of the Park. Lodge accommodation Bushcamp accommodation Other Activities Tailor-made itineraries

Lodge accommodation: Mfuwe Lodge Mfuwe Lodge is a luxurious lodge with 18 thatched chalets all overlooking the surrounding lagoons, which attract wildlife throughout the day. Each chalet has 24-hour mains power and has ceiling fans and refrigeration facilities. All chalets have a luxury en-suite bathroom with hot & cold water and a sunken bath overlooking the lagoon. Meals are served by candlelight under the African stars or in the dining area. There is a large bar, gift shop and extensive map and library room. The lodge also has an outdoor swimming pool in the central bar area. Lions and wild dogs have been observed hunting from the veranda in the bar and animals including hippo, elephant and buffalo are attracted to the lodge’s lagoons. Please contact us for special package rates.

Kafunta River Lodge Kafunta River Lodge is set on the banks of the Luangwa River itself just outside of the NP boundary. It has spectacular panoramic views from its main veranda across the Luangwa floodplain, where many animals come to graze and drink. The lodge has its own pontoon, which provides an adventurous river crossing to access the more remote areas of the park. The lodge has 8 double chalets, which are built on raised wooden platforms. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom with running hot and cold water. There is a fridge with mini bar and continuous mains power. Ceiling fans and walk in mosquito nets provide comfort year round. The lodge was built on a hot spring and offers a natural hot spring tub with a constant temperature of 38 degrees centigrade. There is also a swimming pool and extensive dining / bar area. Please contact us for special package rates.

Bushcamp accommodation: All bushcamps offer excellent standard accommodation with bar facilities and lodge standard meals prepared by a resident cook. Each Bushcamp has its own unique features depending on its exact location within the park. Hot water is available at certain times of the day and evening lighting is generally provided by hurricane lamps. The Luangwa Bushcamps operate during the Peak Season only, i.e. 1st June – 31st October.

Billimungwe Bushcamp This cool and comfortable camp is located within a large ebony grove on the edge of a small plain. There is a large watering hole by the main viewing deck, which attracts a range of animals. Recently guests were able to watch a pride of lions hunting a giraffe, which had come to drink here! Accommodation is within 4 reed and thatch chalets with en-suite bathrooms. The camp has a rustic dining room with bar and library. Most safari options from Billimungwe are taken along a tributary to the Luangwa – the Kapamba River – whose clear waters attract wildlife throughout the day. Please contact us for special package rates.

Chamilandu Bushcamp Chamilandu Bushcamp is situated on the banks of the Luangwa River with extensive views towards the Nchindeni Hills. A small boat is available to view a colony of carmine bee eaters, which nests in the area late in the dry season. Leopard’s are also frequently spotted in the vicinity of the camp. Accommodation is a series of 3 open-sided wooden chalets raised on stilts with open en-suite bathrooms. The views from the bedroom as well as the bathroom are magnificant. Each room is equipped with sturdy but tasteful wrought iron furniture. Meals are served in the dining/bar area set on the bank of the Luangwa River. Please contact us for special package rates.

Chindeni Bushcamp Chindeni Bushcamp is a tented camp with large A-framed tents built on wooden decks overlooking a permanent lagoon. It is an excellent location late in the dry season when many other lagoons have dried up and game concentrates here in large numbers. Bird watching is also excellent here. Accommodation is in 4 en-suite luxury tents each with a private viewing deck with hammock. The tents are either twin or double bedded and well protected from unwelcome visitors. Chindeni has a range of dining options from the main viewing deck, the covered dining area to a small beach area on the shores of the lagoon. Please contact us for special package rates.

Kafunta Island Bushcamp This bushchamp is set on an island in the Luangwa River amongst extensive sandbanks. This is one of the remotest bushcamps being located high up the Luangwa Valley. This creates a very intimate bush experience. The camp is ideal for walking safaris with gentle sandy terrain and lowland riverbank walking. Because of the island location there are no game drives available from this camp. The rustic accommodation has a beach feel to it with 4 open-fronted bandas with twin beds. There is en-suite bathroom facilities with warm water provided in the morning and evening and on demand bucket-showers. The dining area is an open thatched building with a large open fire. Please contact us for special package rates.

Kuyenda Bushcamp Perhaps the wildest of the bushcamps, Kuyenda is nestled amongst shady trees near to a permanent spring. In recent seasons both wild dog and leopard kills have been witnessed actually within the camp. There is also a resident pride of lions in the vicinity of camp. Accommodation is within 4 authentic thatched rondavals with en-suite bathrooms. The excellent road network in this part of the park allows a good variety of game and night drive options as well as walking safaris. Phil Berry is the resident safari guide at Kuyenda and is a great asset to the camp. Phil is noted as the most experienced guide in the South Luangwa Valley having lived there for 35 years. He has published widely on the Valley’s wildlife and is a genuine safari expert. Please contact us for special package rates.

 

Cultural tours:

The Kunda people welcome visitors to their villages and are happy to share their traditions with tourists. Guided visits can be arranged on the way to or from the National Park and from Kafunta River Lodge. An evening in the village can also be arranged offering you the chance to participate in traditional dancing and take a meal with you host family. A visit to Tribal Textiles is also possible, usually on the way back to the airport. Tribal Textiles was founded in 1991, inspired by traditional African design, a small team of local artists now supplies and distributes internationally to U.K., Europe, USA and Canada. This is an excellent example of a community business growing to sustain the local economy. The production process makes a fascinating tour option. The Malimba Community School, the first school in this local area was set up & initiated by a local teacher. It now has 140 pupils and Tribal Textiles have helped funding the building and funishing of the school.

Ethical & Environmental Principles

The Bushcamp Company contribute funds to two school projects – Chiwawtala in the local village and Chilongazi in the remote bush. The two schools have over 600 pupils between them and only 6 teachers! Cash and goods donations from the lodge have helped sponsor more teachers and fund orphaned children through school. Students have also been encouraged to tend vegetable gardens and sell produce to the local tourist lodges.

Tailor-made itineraries BAOBAB Travel is more than happy to suggest a tailor-made safari itinerary in the South Luangwa National Park and quote you an exact holiday price. But why not stay a bit longer and visit some of the other famous areas in Zambia and/or Malawi? Please check the following web links for further information: Lower Zambezi National Park Victoria Falls & Livingstone Lake Malawi

BAOBAB Travel has put a 1-week sample itinerary together to give you ideas of the various options available and the prices. Please check our sample itinerary for the South Luangwa National Park. However, your stay in Zambia can be fully tailor-made - you tell us your personal requirements, interests and budget and we are more than happy to put a personalised itinerary together. Please contact BAOBAB Travel.