Flatdogs Camp | South Luangwa National Park
Flatdogs camp offers a mix of accommodations right next to the South Luangwa NP. The luxurious Crocodile Nest is a two bed-roomed tented house with private pool, which comes with a private vehicle and guide. The wilder Jackalberry Treehouse is a two bed-roomed, open-fronted reed house built on platforms around four live Ebony trees, over-looking a game rich waterhole. The chalets suit families perfectly as they feel more solid and the kids can walk through to their parents’ room without having to go outside. The luxury tents are spread out along the riverbank and are the “Africa under canvas” experience, often with elephant browsing around them and hippo grazing just outside. The standard tents are just a little smaller but still with full en-suite facilities.
The food at Flatdogs is renowned in the safari world as the a la carte restaurant serves a wide range of delicious & creative meals catering to all allergies, diets and preferences!
Safaris are led by expert guides who have studied all facets of the natural world. They can explain in detail the inter-locking ecology of the Park and use nature’s alarm calls to find interesting sightings for guests rather than following the herd!
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CROCODILE (CROC'S) NEST – 1 tented house with 2 bedrooms
The Croc Nest has been set on a deck looking onto the banks of the Luangwa River, so has lovely river views. This huge tented structure has been split into two en-suite tented bedrooms at either end of the house, both with either one king or two twin beds, with space for a third bed inside each bedroom if required. The two bedrooms both have semi-open air bathrooms with hot showers, flush toilets and basin. The bedrooms both lead into the living room/dining area in the middle of the house, which has sofas, soft chairs and a dining table as guests in the tented house will be welcome to eat privately at the house if they prefer. If a group or family of six wish to take the house then the extra beds can also be set up in this large living area rather than in each bedroom, depending on their preference. The living room and both bedrooms open onto an outside deck and sitting area, with views onto the Luangwa River. There is a private swimming pool built into the deck too, just for the house guests, which also looks onto the river. The house is on mains electricity so easy for charging camera batteries and other items as well as having electric fans and a fridge for cold drinks. Guests staying in the tented house will also have a private guide and their own safari vehicle so they can plan their activities depending on their particular interests.
JACKALBERRY TREEHOUSE - Open fronted treehouse with 2 bedrooms
Set in a private spot away from the rest of camp, the Jackalberry Tree House is a special treat indeed. The “house” is made up by three joined platforms built around three mature Mchenja trees (African Ebony or Jackalberry tree). There are two en-suite bedrooms with an open sitting/dining deck in-between them.
The bedroom platforms have romantic and rustic four poster beds (one queen and one king which can be split into two twin beds), open front walls and uninterrupted views of Africa. Each bedroom has an open air bathroom platform with hot shower, flush toilets and basin. A large sofa, armchairs and throw cushions are spread out on the middle deck for relaxing during the heat of the day and watching the game which wanders past the house, oblivious to your presence. There is also a dining table and chairs should guests prefer to dine at the house. A fridge and bar are provided in the Treehouse as well as tea and coffee-making facilities. A hand-held radio is provided, so that guests can call for a vehicle to bring them to the restaurant or bar, or in case there is a problem of any kind. Their safari guide will otherwise plan with them when they would like collecting from the house and their preferred activities.
The Tree-house is on mains electricity and has UK style 3-pin rectangular plug sockets for re-charging cameras or laptops. Giraffe, bushbuck, puku and elephant are commonly found all around the Treehouse and it is wonderful to wake to the sounds of elephant feeding below you or having a mud bath from the waterhole in front of the house.
The six regular chalet rooms are found in three separate buildings. Each chalet building has a downstairs double room with ensuite bathroom and an upstairs twin or triple room with their own private bathroom just downstairs. There are four main chalet buildings, each of which has two separate guest bedrooms; the downstairs room is a double room with ensuite and a verandah, the upstairs room is a twin or triple room with bathroom and verandah downstairs from the bedroom but entirely private. In between the 2 bedrooms is the small "kitchenette" where there is a fridge, kettle and tea/coffee making things. This works as an inter-connecting door for families so that kids can walk through to their parents room without having to go outside.
Furthest from the main area, is the larger family chalet which has three bedrooms in total but just two ensuite bathrooms - the two downstairs bedrooms are both ensuite - one room has a king bed and a single bed, the other has a king and a single or three single beds. There is also a kitchen area between the two bedrooms. There is a spiral staircase from the kitchen leading up to the "loft room", sitting area and upstairs viewing deck. The viewing deck looks out towards the Luangwa river, the perfect place to relax and watch the sun set... The loft room has two more single beds but has no ensuite bathroom, guests sleeping here need to share the bathrooms downstairs. Outside this chalet is also an open sala sitting area with sofa and chairs.
There are seven Luxury ensuite safari tents, six of which are pitched permanently on the banks of the Luangwa. These made-to-order tents have a thatched roof for extra shade, ensuite facilities (hot shower, flush toilet and basin) with a canvas half roof over the bathroom, full-sized beds with sprung mattresses, large mosquito nets and all bedding and towels provided. The tents have electric lights, a fan and charging points for camera batteries. There is also a room safe and tea & coffee making facilities. Six of the luxury tents including the family tent look straight out onto the river, one tent (tent 11, the honeymoon tent) has plenty of privacy and looks out onto a pretty lagoon, which attracts plenty of birdlife as well as elephant for their daily mud baths and giraffe and bushbuck when they are thirsty.
The Family Tent (a luxury tent) is a little different to the others, this is a specially designed tent which has space for a double bed and two single beds, both with large mosquito nets and with a large bathroom at the back of the tent, shared between the family. The family tent is now to be found on the river bank, closer to the main area than it was, with lovely views of the river.
There are also three “Classic” en-suite safari tents which are smaller and simpler than the Luxury tents, but are still walk-in tents with ensuite bathrooms with open air shower, toilet and basin. Two of these standard tents are situated on the river bank, the other looks directly onto the same lagoon as tent 11 (the honeymoon tent). The standard tents also have full beds (king or twin), bedding, mosquito nets, charging points and electric fans. The standard tents do not have tea and coffee making facilities or safes.
Set in a private spot away from the rest of camp, the Jackalberry Tree House is a special treat indeed. The “house” is made up by three joined platforms built around three mature Mchenja trees (African Ebony or Jackalberry tree). There are two en-suite bedrooms with an open sitting/dining deck in-between them. The Treehouse is entirely open at the front.
The bedroom platforms have romantic and rustic four poster beds (one queen and one king which can be split into two twin beds), open front walls and uninterrupted views of Africa. Each bedroom has an open air bathroom platform down a short flight of steps with hot shower, flush toilets and basin. A large sofa, armchairs and throw cushions are spread out on the middle deck for relaxing during the heat of the day and watching the game which wanders past the house, oblivious to your presence. There is also a dining table should guests prefer to dine at the house. A fridge and bar are provided in the treehouse as well as tea and coffee-making facilities. A hand-held radio is provided, so that guests can call for a vehicle to bring them to the pool, restaurant or bar, or in case there is a problem of any kind. Their safari guide will otherwise plan with them when they would like collecting from the house and their preferred activities.
The tree-house is on mains electricity, ideal for re-charging cameras or laptops. Giraffe, bushbuck, puku and elephant are commonly found all around the Treehouse and it is wonderful to wake to the sounds of elephant feeding below you or having a mud bath from the waterhole in front of the house.
FLATDOGS CROCOCDILE (CROC) NEST – 1 tented house with 2 bedrooms
The Croc Nest has been set on a deck looking onto the banks of the Luangwa River, so has lovely river views. This huge tented structure has been split into two en-suite tented bedrooms at either end of the house, both with either one king or two twin beds, with space for a third bed inside each bedroom if required. The two bedrooms both have semi-open air bathrooms with hot showers, flush toilets and basin. The bedrooms both lead into the living room/dining area in the middle of the house, which has sofas, soft chairs and a dining table as guests in the tented house will be welcome to eat privately at the house if they prefer. If a group or family of six wish to take the house then the extra beds can also be set up in this large living area rather than in each bedroom, depending on their preference. The living room and both bedrooms open onto an outside deck and sitting area, with views onto the Luangwa River. There is a private swimming pool built into the deck too, just for the house guests, which also looks onto the river. The house is on mains electricity so easy for charging camera batteries and other items as well as having electric fans and a fridge for cold drinks. Guests staying in the tented house will also have a private guide and their own safari vehicle so they can plan their activities depending on their particular interests.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Viewing Hide, Game Walks, Natural History Tours, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours
We leave camp at 0600 after a light early breakfast of toast, cereal, yoghurt, tea and coffee from 0530. We do our safaris in open game viewers so that guests have an all round view of the birds, trees, wildlife and beauty of the Park.
Midway through the drive there is a tea/cold drink stop so guests can stretch their legs before carrying on, looking for new sightings, or following alarm calls to a predator or a kill.
Morning game drives usually return to camp at around 1000 depending on the season.
We leave camp at 4pm for our afternoon safaris, after tea in the courtyard. The safaris head out again after the heat of the day, when animals and birds start to get active again after the midday stupor! Your safari guide will aim to stop at a scenic spot just before sundown, so you can enjoy an infamous African Sundowner! Once the sun has set, you will continue on with a spotlight, operated by your spotter, who looks for interesting nocturnal creatures that you are unlikely to see during daylight hours. There is a chance to see nocturnal birds like night-jars, owls and bathawks as well as nocturnal mammals such as honeybadgers, civet, genet, porcupine, leopard and hyaena.
Afternoon drives return to camp at around 8pm which the National Park's gate closes.
The South Luangwa is renowned as the "home of walking safaris", this is where Norman Carr first offered the idea of visitors exploring the Park on foot rather than by vehicle, escaping the noise of the engine and experiencing the thrill and excitement of being at one with the wildlife and habitat at a slower pace. Our safari guides will explain the smaller details of the bush which you can see, hear and smell when on foot, from bird calls to alarm calls to trees and plants which have medicinal uses and tracks of the wild, so you can interpret what you are seeing and hearing with more clarity. Walking is usually enjoyed in the mornings when the temperatures are cooler, but can be enjoyed through the year for longer periods during cooler months. Each walk is usually 3-4 hours long at a gentle pace.
Unlike most of these "Traditional Village" projects, Kawaza Village is really a living working African village where the local residents have agreed amongst themselves to invite visitors into their lives with no tourism hype at all. They then use the money raised by visitors & donations to pay for orphans’ education, teachers’ salaries at the school and other village projects. The project has won the Silver Otter Award as the best rural tourism project worldwide, deservedly so. During the visit, for example, guests can see and help villagers preparing maize for meals, drying sorghum, making “hooch”, hoeing the fields, building houses and also visit their local herbalist/medicine lady as well as the Kawaza school, meeting the teachers and pupils. The day trip including a local style lunch costs $40 per person. Transfers to the village cost US$130 per vehicle for day trips. Overnight stays at Kawaza are also possible, for a more in-depth experience, meeting the villagers and spending the night in a traditional local hut. Overnight stays cost $80 per person per night including all meals (entirely authentic local dishes – you eat what the villagers eat). Transfers for an overnight stay cost $115 per vehicle each way. It is also possible to organize a taxi to the village in the dry season. If the village visit is chosen to be done instead of either a morning or an afternoon game drive, then there is no charge for the transfers for groups or four or more.
Flatdogs a la carte restaurant
Guests at Flatdogs camp are treated to an a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Jess & Ade love their food and source the best local ingredients to make delicious fresh & seasonal dishes with the 10 Flatdogs chefs. From free range eggs & organic chickens to dry aged beef and locally grown vegetables, they use the best of what's available in the Province for the daily specials board. There are full vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menus available as well.
Your Stay
5 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
No. Rooms: 20
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Nkonzi Bush Camp | South Luangwa National Park
Nkonzi Bush Camp is a unique, intimate, owner run bush camp in a secluded destination, nestled in the heart of the South Luangwa
National Park.
Known for its stunning scenery and rich wildlife, the camp offers guests a true immersion in nature while emphasising
sustainable tourism practices. Renowned for its small and friendly atmosphere, Nkonzi Camp ensures that every guest receives personalised attention.
The 5 walk-in safari tents seamlessly combine old-world charm with modern comfort, exceptional service and first class guiding.
Gavin Opie, founder and owner of Nkonzi Camp has over 18 years of guiding in South Luangwa and is passionate about sharing his love of the wildlife and ecosystem of the valley. He is on site throughout the season and along with one other full time guide, they lead all walking safaris and game drives for guests.
Transfer time from Mfuwe Airport to Nkonzi Camp is around 2 hours, 45 minutes to the park entrance and the remainder a game drive through South Luangwa, N.P. to camp.
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Authentic walk-in safari tents, each offer an open air en-suite bathroom with flush toilets and bucket showers, wooden framed beds and white cotton linen, solar powered electric charging points and a central light.
In addition, each tent has an outside lounge area with sun beds and sofas for relaxation.
Offering single, twin or kingsize on request.
Authentic walk-in safari tents, each offer an open air en-suite bathroom with flush toilets and bucket showers, wooden framed beds and white cotton linen, solar powered electric charging points and a central light.
In addition, each tent has an outside lounge area with sun beds and sofas for relaxation.
Offering single, twin or kingsize on request.
Authentic walk-in safari tents, each offer an open air en-suite bathroom with flush toilets and bucket showers, wooden framed beds and white cotton linen, solar powered electric charging points and a central light.
In addition, each tent has an outside lounge area with sun beds and sofas for relaxation.
Offering single, twin or kingsize on request.
Authentic walk-in safari tents, each offer an open air en-suite bathroom with flush toilets and bucket showers, wooden framed beds and white cotton linen, solar powered electric charging points and a central light.
In addition, each tent has an outside lounge area with sun beds and sofas for relaxation.
Offering single, twin or kingsize on request.
Authentic walk-in safari tents, each offer an open air en-suite bathroom with flush toilets and bucket showers, wooden framed beds and white cotton linen, solar powered electric charging points and a central light.
In addition, each tent has an outside lounge area with sun beds and sofas for relaxation.
Offering single, twin or kingsize on request.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Guided Tours, Laundry Service, Library, Smoking Section, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Drinking Water Filtration System, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, External Shower, Fan, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Twin Bed, Verandah, Wardrobe
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Natural History Tours, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Gavin Opie, who leads most of the walking safaris from Nkonzi Camp, describes a walking safari -
"Being on a walking safari removes any barriers between you and the environment. On a drive, those barriers may be minimal, but you are still one step removed from what is going on around you. When walking, you are better able to take it all in. you feel the earth and smell the air. Not only are you able to observe many aspects of the bush that you miss, when on drive, but you also experience a greater connection – a deeper appreciation of where you are and the significance of the environment you are in. There is no greater thrill than approaching lions from downwind or observing elephants walking past you on their way to water. It can’t be described, you have to experience it!"
Nkonzi Camp features two hides designed for immersive wildlife viewing. The first hide is strategically located next to a permanent water source, easily accessible by vehicle or on foot during a walking safari. This prime location has yielded incredible wildlife sightings over the years, including lions, elephants, wild dogs, and an abundance of birdlife. It’s a fantastic spot for avid photographers and nature enthusiasts alike to observe these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat.
The second hide is conveniently situated within the camp itself, providing guests the freedom to visit at their leisure. This hide offers a tranquil space to watch the local birdlife while enjoying the sounds of nature.
Additionally, directly opposite the camp lies a well-frequented waterhole, where a wide variety of wildlife often gather. From the comfort of your safari tent, you can catch glimpses of animals coming to quench their thirst. This unique setting allows for some prime game viewing right outside your door.
Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or new to safaris, these experiences promise to enhance your stay and create lasting memories.
Departing camp at 6:00 AM, we set off in our open game viewers for an exhilarating full-day drive through the stunning landscapes of South Luangwa National Park. With ample time on our side, we’ll enjoy a scenic morning tea break and a leisurely lunch amidst nature, allowing you to relax in the heat of the day and absorb your surroundings.
The full-day safari gives us the opportunity to venture further into the park, exploring its incredibly diverse habitats. This significantly increases your chances of witnessing extraordinary wildlife sightings, including some of the park’s iconic animals in their natural behaviour.
As the day winds down, we aim to return to camp in time to bask in the breathtaking sunset unfolding before Nkonzi Camp, providing a perfect end to a day of adventure. Following the stunning views, you’ll be treated to an early dinner prepared with fresh, local ingredients, allowing you to reflect on the day’s experiences with fellow guests.
This unforgettable day is sure to be one of the highlights of your stay at Nkonzi Camp and is guaranteed for those booking a stay of four nights or more. Join us for an adventure that promises both excitement and unforgettable memories.
Start your day with an unforgettable morning game drive, departing from camp at 6:00 AM after enjoying a light breakfast set against the stunning backdrop of the dry riverbed in front of Nkonzi Camp. Our carefully designed open game viewers allow guests an unobstructed view of the spectacular birds, lush trees, and diverse wildlife that inhabit the surrounding area.
During the drive, we pause midway for a refreshing morning tea break in the shade. This is the perfect opportunity for guests to stretch their legs and indulge in a delicious homemade muffin or cookie while soaking in the natural beauty around them.
Morning game drives typically return to camp between 10:30 and 11:00 AM, providing you with ample time to relax, unwind, or enjoy a rejuvenating shower before gathering for lunch at midday.
Our afternoon safari begins with a departure from camp between 3:30 and 4:00 PM, depending on the season. After enjoying afternoon tea in camp, we set off. . As the sun begins to dip on the horizon, we'll take a leisurely pause for sundowners, giving you the chance to soak in the breathtaking beauty of an iconic African sunset.
Once the sun has fully set, we shift gears and continue our adventure under the stars. Equipped with powerful spotlights, we embark on a thrilling search for nocturnal animals as they come to life in the cooler evening air. This unique experience allows you to witness the park from a different perspective, unveiling the secrets of the night.
We aim to return to camp around 7:30 PM, allowing you just enough time to relax and share stories of the day’s adventures before gathering for dinner at 8:00 PM.
Your Stay
4 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Camp
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 5
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
