Zambia Lodges
Mobile camping safaris offer a truly unique experience, with the sounds of grazing animals or vervet monkeys hopping between the roves. Zambia is a truly wild destination and accommodation really does reflect this, with beautiful walking trails focused on the outdoors. This doesn’t mean that you won’t find luxury; the comfort and exclusivity of camps such as Tena Tena, Mchenja and Tafika will make your experience truly exquisite. For families and small groups, safari houses such as Luangwa House offer space, activities and safari programmes from one exclusive bush base. Take a look through some of our favourite accommodation options in Zambia, and contact us for details on these or indeed others.
1. Chula Island Camp
Chula Island Camp is a stunning tented camp with all the luxuries one could wish for, but with the charm and ethos of a true seasonal bush-camp. With just 5 guest tents, catering for no more than 10 people in camp at once - each tent is carefully and expertly located for the best possible views across the Zambezi River. The Chula tents are bespoke and very comfortable, with high quality linen and mattresses, alongside flushing toilets, running water taps and traditional bucket-showers! A main area stretch-canvas tent set beneath massive Natal Mahogany trees makes for an exceptional location for meals, reading, charging cameras and wildlife watching. The wilderness experience and wildlife viewing are second to none.
2. Chisa Busanga
Hidden away in the trees, the Chisa Busanga Nests weave together luxury and romance while immersing you in the enchanting wilderness of the Busanga Plains. The four Nests are built four metres off the ground and shaded by terminalia trees. You are treated to expansive views from your luxurious beds, private outdoor deck and indoor/outdoor shower. Wooden steps lead you to your haven in the trees, which is lined in canvas tenting and fitted with a modern en-suite bathroom and king size bed covered in soft linens. There is a central Bedouin-style chitenge tent where guests will eat and relax between safari outings, there is also a small communal plunge-pool.
3. Kafunta River Lodge
Located in South Luangwa National Park, Kafunta River Lodge overlooks the wildlife-rich flood plain. The lodge has eight en-suite, private, thatched safari chalets, all built upon raised wooden platforms, with a traditional African style interior. In addition, there are two luxury suites with a private deck, luxurious bathroom and an upstairs veranda, perfect for viewing wildlife. The main lodge has a spacious lounge and dining area and it's facilitates include a swimming pool, a natural hot spring tub and a wellness spa and gym, perfect for relaxing after a day of safari.
4. Chamilandu Bushcamp
An amazing location on one of the prime stretches of the Luangwa River, makes Chamilandu Bushcamp one of the best locations for game viewing in the South Luangwa. This small and intimate bush camp offers accommodation in just three thatched chalets perched on stilts, giving the feel of being in a tree house. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom which is open-fronted, allowing you to enjoy views across the river as you shower, with every chance of spotting an elephant ambling past. The camp also benefits from having a photographic hide overlooking a watering hole, which is a perfect way to spend down time between safari activities. Alternatively, unwind on your sala (day bed) on your private verandah.
5. Kuyenda Bushcamp
Combining modern luxuries with the isolated bush, Kuyenda Bushcamp has a truly authentic feel, rustic in style with no unnecessary extras - a real old style safari experience. There is plenty of wildlife around, in fact just walking around the camp is like a game safari! Accommodation is four thatched, spacious rondavels (circular huts) giving you an experience of being at one with nature. The Camp is run by Babette Alfieri and Phil Berry, one of Zambia’s best guides with over 40 years experience in the bush. The camp and the service you receive exude charms and warmth resulting in a wonderfully intimate atmosphere as soon as you arrive.
6. Tongabezi
Tongabezi Lodge is set about 45 minutes upstream from the famous Victoria Falls. With a variety of cottages and houses all set on the mighty Zambezi River the rooms all feature individual African Fusion designs and offer guests the opportunity to sit back and unwind after indulging in the extensive range of activities around Victoria Falls. Each room has its own valet to make your stay as relaxing as possible. Many rooms are open fronted, truly bringing the African bush to your doorstep. Private candlelit dinners can be arranged along the banks of the river, on a Sanpan drifting along the Zambezi, on your private balcony or alternatively eat in the stunningly located open sided dining room overlooking the Zambezi.The main area is massive and beautifully laid out, with 3 open air dining decks and lots of seating overlooking the Zambezi. There is also the ‘ultimate chill zone’ called The Lookout. This is next to the lounge, dining and cocktail decks, stilted over the river with comfortable seating, hammocks and a place to dine. Each of the suites at Tongabezi Lodge has a different name and has been designed with luxury, romance and originality in mind. All of the accommodation is sat on the banks of the Zambezi, with the Garden House wrapping around a private garden set back from the shores. Apart from the River Cottages and the Nuthouse, are all completely open to the river.
7. Sausage Tree Camp
Sausage Tree Camp is hidden amongst mature sausage and mahogany trees on the banks of the Zambezi River. The funky Bedouin style tents feature ensuite bathroom and private verandah. Refreshing sundowners can be enjoyed in the welcoming bar area, which is fronted by an enormous teak deck that overlooks the Zambezi River, while a sparkling swimming pool completes the setting. Spend an evening dining on the banks of the Zambezi, serenaded by hippos and frogs. Grab a fishing rod and try your hand at catching the powerful tiger fish (and releasing it, of course) and sip on a refreshing drink while you cruise down the Zambezi at sunset.
8. Chinzombo
Chinzombo is a relatively new camp (opened in March 2013) that has taken Zambia safaris to a new level in the South Luangwa. Located on the Luangwa River, this lodge has a super luxurious feel whilst still keeping with the traditional Africa bush style of a tented camp. Each of the six villas are spacious with free standing bath tubs and private plunge pools, both with incredible views over the river - perfect for those lazy afternoons whilst watching the wildlife come down to the river to drink.
9. King Lewanika Camp
King Lewanika Lodge is a newly-opened luxury lodge, designed by the architects behind Miavana, North Island and Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, and situated in the wildlife-rich but relatively undiscovered Liuwa Plains National Park. Named after the Barotse King who first proclaimed Liuwa a protected area in the 1880’s, King Lewanika comprises six luxurious villas, including a two-bedroomed family villa, each offering expansive views over the surrounding plains. Famous for its lions, Liuwa is also home to the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa and more than 300 bird species. King Lewanika comprises six modern and luxurious villas, including a two-bedroom family villa, and accommodates a maximum of 15 guests. Each villa is carefully positioned on a raised wooden platform, providing guests with maximum privacy and spectacular views of the surrounding plains.
10. Sugani
Sungani Lodge is the most Southerly Camp in the South Luangwa National Park. Just a little further upstream is Kulandila Camp. The properties are 6kms apart by vehicle. Due to the very remote location, guests will fly from Mfuwe International Airport to the Sungani airstrip in the Sungani plane - this is approximately a 20-minute flight. Sungani Lodge is situated on the edge of a lagoon, sheltered by trees, blending seamlessly into the landscape. The entire lodge is built on elevated decking, allowing guests to safely wander around during the day. The main area of the lodge has a variety of living spaces and a pool where your time is uninterrupted and the space is yours to do as you please. The library area provides a space to make use of the charging points - you can download your photos or curl up and read a book. Challenge someone to a game of chess at the antique chess table or just relax with your thoughts. There is a separate WC, gift shop and WiFi (in the common areas). The custom designed tents are set atop polished concrete floors to create a cool environment and offer approximately 1150 square feet indoors to relax in. The bathroom has a slipper bath, fluffy towels, fresh soaps and salts.The camp is limited to seven luxury guest tents comprised of 4 King rooms and 3 Doubles (Queen beds). One double is configured to accommodate 2 adults and 2 children. The Directors’ Tent is complete with WiFi, DSTV, Nespresso machine and outdoor sleeping.