Mfuwe Lodge is one of the few centrally located game lodges which is actually IN the South Luangwa National Park of Zambia (only 5 minutes from the park gates.) It offers the ideal way to ease yourself into Luangwa safari life before heading to some of the wilder bush camps.
Hidden away among the huge ebony and fig trees on the banks of two of Luangwa's famous ox bow lagoons lies Mfuwe Lodge. The imposing central building and 18 luxurious en-suite thatched chalets overlooking these lagoons with grunting wallowing hippos providing endless spectacle.
This region of the park is renowned for its prolific game - giraffe, buffalo, antelope, crocodile are constant visitors to the lagoon, whilst in November the local elephants regularly wander right through the lobby, lured by a nearby wild mango tree.
The airy interior of the lodge is an exquisite complement to its natural surroundings with reception, lounge, dining and bar areas all under a huge thatch roof supported by palm poles and dominated by two impressive chimneys at opposite ends. This cool and airy central meeting place is the heart of Mfuwe lodge. It opens onto a broad timber deck that cantilevers dramatically over the main lagoon. Game activity at the lagoon continues day and night as endless stream of wildlife, and especially breeding herds of elephants, come out of the bush to quench their thirst.
The deck has a swimming pool which also overlooks the ox bow lagoon. For quieter moments the library offers a unique collection of antiquarian books and modern reference material on African culture, tradition and history of Zambia. The library also includes a video library and has its own timber deck overlooking the lagoon. Here you can read or write your safari journal in peace. Mfuwe lodge has an open boma for dinners under starlit Zambian African skies or you enjoy dinner on the deck next to the lagoon.
The chalets are scattered along the shady banks of the two lagoons which both attract abundant wildlife. These newly refurbished rooms are the perfect place to unwind with a comfortable sitting area and en suite bathroom with spacious walk-in showers and separate toilet. Each has a shady private deck overlooking the lagoon.
Mfuwe Lodge is one of the very few lodges in Zambia to offer spa facilities, a calm sanctuary offering true relaxation and rejuvenation while on safari. From the spa's private deck, with its views over a wildlife-rich lagoon, you can view game in style as you sink into a heavenly herbal Jacuzzi or enjoy a reflexology foot massage.
Mfuwe Lodge is open throughout the year. Activities at Mfuwe Lodge focus around day and night game drives when lion and leopard are often seen. The lodge also offers walking safaris (on request) for closer contact with the game as well as exceptional bird watching. En route to/from the airport, you can also visit the local village, school and textiles & craft market (by request).
Mfuwe Lodge accepts children and children are allowed on game drives from 6 years or more. Ideally we recommend that you to take a private game-viewing vehicle so that you have the flexibility to return to the lodge whenever you like. Walking safaris are only possible for children of 12 years or more. Five suites have an elevated sleeping area so they are ideal for families.
1 Night
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 20
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
We have a soft spot for Bilimungwe Camp, an immensely comfortable bush camp in the southern part of the South Luangwa National park in Zambia, home to award-winning guide, Manda Chisanga.
The camp set beneath magnificent Mahogany trees with a small plain on one side and a series of three productive waterholes on the other. It is run by the Bushcamp Company which operates six such bush camps, all varying in character and location.
It's hard not to be seduced by the particular charms of Bilimungwe Bush Camp. It has a lovely ambience: the heart of Bilimungwe is the cool shady lounge, bar and dining area set beneath a huge winterthorn tree on a raised deck. Spend a relaxing hour or two here overlooking the Bilimungwe's main waterhole favoured by local warthogs, elephant and other thirsty game. With the open waters of the Luangwa River also on your doorstep and the plains where leopard like to prowl, this is a nature-lover's paradise. The camp staff have added 'Joe's bistro' which is an informal dining area decked with lights by the camp's kitchen.
Bilimungwe has just four spacious thatched chalets on raised viewing decks. Supremely comfortable yet still retaining an authentic bush camp feel. All are integrated into the shady landscape with the dark wood of the mahogany trees echoed in the beautiful wooden furniture, handmade by local artisans. Bright African textiles bring splashes of colour to these elegant rooms. There's an en suite bathroom with shower, toilet and double basins and outside you can enjoy a refreshing open air shower. Solar power provides lighting, battery charging facilities and hot water.
Manda Chisanga - Bilimungwe's award-winning resident guide - offers a superb guiding experience with his exceptional knowledge and quiet charm. Head out with him on a combination of walking safaris, day and night game drives, and sundowners on the river's edge. The nearest waterhole also offers the luxury of bird-watching and wildlife viewing from the comfort of the main lodge, and the camp is particularly known for its leopard sightings.
The transfer time to Bilimungwe is 3 hours from Mfuwe Lodge (and over 3½ hours from the airport) and usually takes the form of a game drive.
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 4
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Hiking, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Bushcamp Company own and run a group of five individual bushcamps, all within walking distance of each other, allowing you to either stay at one or two camps or to walk from one camp to the next, with your luggage being portered separately so that it is waiting for you on arrival.
Chindeni camp is situated on the edge of a permanent lagoon with the Nchindeni Hills as a magnificent backdrop. Raised on wooden decking, Chindeni's four en-suite luxury tents have private raised decks from which you can view the resident big game or simply enjoy the serenity of the lagoon. Each tent has two queen-sized beds, hot and cold running water, shower, toilet, double vanities and polished floors. This camp offers both walking safaris and night drives by game vehicle. The permanent lagoon also offers the possibility of bird-watching and wildlife viewing from your raised deck. Transfers from Mfuwe Airport are done in the form of a long game drive en route to the lodge.
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 4
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Leisure, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
