Safari Lodges in Zambia
Safaris in Africa entice more and more people every year – the image of a near-silent group of people in an open topped jeep watching lions and zebras is very tempting. In Zambia, the opportunity to do this is improved by the national parks – 30% of the country is set aside for wildlife. The top safari lodges and camps set up in these parks take their business seriously – groups are accompanied by a trained guide and a rifle bearing guard. Whether walking or driving, the guides are careful with your safety, but they also know exactly where the local wildlife hangs out. They know how to recognize tracks, where you’re most likely to spot the elusive leopard, and where to keep a watchful eye out for angry hippos. The dry season in most of Zambia is in the winter, from May to December, and many of the camps are only open during that time, but some are available year round. Where to go though? Check out our top 10 to find the perfect spot for you.
Mfuwe Lodge: The Best of Safari Lodges in Zambia
The number one spot on our Top 10 list has to be the amazing Mfuwe Lodge. Situated in the most prolific game area of the Luangwa Park, the lodge boasts a lagoon which is regularly visited by hippos, buffalo, antelope, and giraffes. There are 18 thatch-roofed chalets, and the central lodge has a swimming pool, library, and spa in addition to the dining area and lounge. The real draw here, though, is the elephants. From late October to mid December the wild mango tree next to the reception area draws a local herd of elephants. Undaunted by the building in the way, they simply walk right through it to reach the fallen fruit on the other side. What better way to experience the majesty of these animals?
Busanga Bush Camp
Busanga takes us to Kafue National Park, with big open plains, vast herds, a large lion population, and the opportunity to see cheetahs. The camp is hidden away in an island of trees on the Busanga Plains – 4 safari tents and a lodge area for dining and relaxing. The camp offers day and night rides, as well as hot air balloon rides out over the plains. As the plain dries up after the rainy season, oceans of mist rise off the ground in the early morning making for some spectacular sights. Kafue is also a bird watchers paradise, with some 490 different species.
Tafika Camp: Unique Safari Lodges in Zambia
Tafika Camp takes us back to South Luangwa, where they offer 6 chalets on a grassy peninsula above the river under a canopy of lead trees, sausage trees, and mahogany. The camp has the usual driving and walking safaris, but also offers biking tours, and the owner will take you up in his microlight at sunrise for a new and beautiful perspective of the park. The chalets are made of natural materials and the showers are open to the sky. The kitchen is supplemented with veggies grown in their own garden. On safari, you’re likely to see leopards and lions, antelope and elephants.
Islands of Siankaba
The Islands of Siankaba resort is on two small islands about 24 miles up the Zambezi River from Victoria Falls. Seven secluded chalets offer five-star service at this luxurious resort. The facilities include a swimming pool and spa, and the central lodge includes a lounge and dining area. The resort offers guided tours of Victoria Falls, trail walks, sunset cruises on the river, fishing, and bike tours.
Zungulila Camp
Zungulila Bushcamp is on the Kapamba River in Luangwa. With four thatch-roofed safari tents, this is a small and intimate camp that is perfect for small groups. With numerous springs attracting wildlife to the area, the primary activity at this camp is walking tours through the shallow waters, but they also offer drives. The camp is lit by lanterns and candlelight, as there is no electricity, making it feel even more secluded. Enjoy the plunge pools at the end of a hot day.
Chiawa Camp: Luxury Safari Lodges in Zambia
Chiawa Camp takes us out of the Luangwa Park and into Lower Zambezi National Park on the banks of the Zambezi River in a mahogany grove. The camp has nine safari tents, several with thatched roofs, for accommodation, as well as a lounge and bar with a second floor viewing deck, a swimming pool, and two wildlife viewing hides. In addition to the bush walks and day and night drives, Chiawa Camp also offers trips out onto the river. You can go out on a motor boat (with a quiet engine) or paddle a canoe down the river for a new view of the wildlife. There is also catch and release fishing.
Flatdogs Camp
Flatdogs Camp is on the shores of the Luangwa River, home to crocodiles (“flatdogs”) and hippos, and near an elephant crossing. The camp has chalet rooms and safari tents, as well as a treehouse to stay in. The facility has a swimming pool, bar, and a la carte restaurant. They offer a variety of walking and driving tours of the wilderness, including an all day tour with a picnic lunch. In addition to the crocodiles, warthogs and giraffes are regularly seen in the area, along with zebras and antelopes.
Tena Tena
Tena Tena Camp is again in the South Luangwa National Park, near Kawaza village. The elegant camp is in a grove of mahogany trees on the edge of the Luangwa River, and has 5 luxury safari tents privately nestled among the trees. The activities on offer here include the usual walking and driving safaris, as well as trips into the village of Kawaza, a local wildlife education center, and a local tribal textiles shop.
Chindeni Bush Camp: Top Safari Lodges in Zambia
Chindeni Camp, open from May to December, is right on the edge of a lagoon surrounded by ebony trees in the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. The four rooms are safari tents over wooden floors with four-poster beds. Each one has a private viewing deck looking out over the lagoon. They offer walking safaris, day and night drives, and bird watching. The lagoon attracts hippos and elephants, and at dawn and dusk many of the parks wildlife wander to the edge for a drink.
Sanctuary Puku Ridge
Puku Ridge Camp is up on a hillside overlooking a floodplain in the South Luangwa National Park. The accommodation is in the style of luxury safari tents with en suite bathrooms and a private viewing deck. You’ll be able to see zebra, lions, leopards and elephants from the camp itself, and the camp offers both walking safaris and game drives to see the wildlife out in the park such as buffaloes and hippos.