Exceptional Zambia

A game drive is a wonderful way to explore the area allowing you to get close to sightings while maintaining a minimal presence. At Sungani we value the quality of the area above all else. Each time you board one of Sungani’s custom built safari vehicles the anticipation is high. Our vehicles have modified suspension, individual luxury seats, comfortable footrests and nifty spaces and holders for an array of equipment. Each vehicle is equipped with Manfrotto camera rests, and the roof canopy is designed to be easily removed upon request.

Set off from camp in the cool of the early morning to enhance your chances of seeing animals as daylight illuminates the wilderness once again. Our guides will befriend you in a short time as they generously share the skill and passion they have for their craft. Allow yourself to be infected by the anticipation and begin to appreciate and engage in the pace of the African wilderness.

We promise that a cup of local freshly brewed coffee will take on a new meaning as you stop in the shade for a mid-morning break. Your senses are now on high alert for the unexpected sighting or magical moment to take place. Breathe in the sights and sounds and really tune out the rest of the world for a while. Look through the bush and notice shapes and obvious different colours as you begin to really see.

Later in the afternoon set off once again and this time experience the magic of an African sunset with an icy cold drink of choice in hand, surrounded by the fading light. As darkness begins to creep in you will begin to hear an array of new noises and notice your sense of smell sharpen. Adrenaline and anticipation kick in as the spotlight illuminates the night in search of big cats, elusive mongoose, or the charismatic scrub hare.

Sungani Lodge and Kulandila Camp have been designed to be accessible to any level of photographer. Michael Davy, our talented resident photographer and head safari guide, has developed a hide network which showcases a variety of levels and landscapes. Imagine getting eye to eye with hippo or looking up into the mouth of an elephant! You can also experience being elevated on the riverbank and photographing the bright bursts of colour when the Carmine Bee Eaters come to nest.

Our vehicles have modified suspension, individual luxury seats, comfortable footrests and nifty spaces and holders for an array of equipment. Each vehicle is equipped with Manfrotto camera rests and the roof canopy is designed to be easily removed upon request.

You can elevate your safari by making use of our top end camera equipment.

We are proud to feature a full line of the latest Canon RF mirrorless camera bodies and lenses. We have everything from a close up 100m macro shot to a 1200mm bird in flight covered.

If you would like to opt for private guiding, this is something we can assist with (subject to availability). Private guided safaris allow you focus on the technical and creative aspects without interruptions. Your guide has the knowledge to get the vehicle into the right position and will be willing to work with you to get the photo whilst ensuring your safety.

Back at the lodge, Sungani features a 27” Apple studio desktop which is loaded with the latest Adobe software and available for you to use during your stay.

Hire of photographic equipment is available to both Sungani Lodge and Kulandila Camp guests, while the Apple studio screen and software is available to Sungani Lodge guests exclusively.

Dine along the banks of the Luangwa river, taking it all in as our Sungani chefs prepare a meal to remember. Things just taste better in the bush!

At Sungani our picnics or brunches are reminiscent of family adventures and time spent around the table.

On request your guide can arrange an all-day game-drive. What better way to be totally immersed than to see a day through its full turn? With cooler chests packed full of the chef’s treats and pit stops whenever the mood dictates, this is a way to spend quality time exploring an area that is now truly beginning to witness a rebirth.

By the time you arrive back in camp your senses should be totally sated in every way and we would prescribe a long lazy soak in your private tub overlooking the beautiful Sungani lagoon.

As the first raindrops fall on the dry Luangwa valley the smell of petrichor assails the senses. The sense of anticipation is elevated, and the animal behaviour tells a story of its own. The only thing we are sure of is that the mighty free flowing Luangwa river will flood, and the landscape will be changed once more.

Green takes over and we are finally able to launch the boats, pack the equipment and set off to drift down the Luangwa river, explore tributaries and enjoy the wildlife from a new perspective. This is an exciting time for birders as migrants fly in for a visit. Mercurial skies, meandering currents, and boundless colour …. emerald season truly is a magical time to visit.

Capture that once in a lifetime memory in our photographic hides adjacent to a watering hole or up close and personal with the carmine bee-eaters. Sit atop the viewing platform on the lagoon and wait to catch a glimpse of the elusive Roan antelope, watch the hippos frolic, or witness a crocodile capture his next meal.

At Sungani we are constantly adapting and improving our photographic experience to cater for all. Our head guide is a keen photographer himself, and always excited to assist, whether you are a beginner, or just need some help in capturing the perfect shot. Whether you’re after a specific species or are hoping to see it all, we aim to get you close with as little impact to the animals as possible. After all, we are privileged to share this wonderful space with them!

This is the home of the walking safari and we are excited to share it with you. Explore the banks of the meandering Luangwa river and the historical floodplains. There is no better way to be totally immersed in mother nature than to see her on foot. Your guide is silently in tune with every sign and sound walking you through a sensation filled safari. Experience being up close with wildlife as your senses come alive and you will begin to feel part of the ebb and flow of mother nature.

Our expert guiding team will take you on a journey through their eyes. As skilled naturalists they will translate the spoor, the signs and the vegetation giving an insight into the workings of this complex and dynamic ecosystem. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa. The South Luangwa is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and remains evocative of safaris of old.

Lions and leopards are often seen in the area around the camp, as are buffalo, giraffe, zebra and elephant. For big game like this, guests really need a vehicle to get up close and here in the South Luangwa, travellers have the privilege of going on game drives at night. Guests are always amazed how much can be seen when they go down to the river for sundowner cocktails before leisurely driving back to camp. Bush babies in the trees stand out with their enormous eyes, puku and impala scarcely notice as vehicles pass by. Guests often see hyena and leopard in the early evenings and are able to get very close in Puku Ridges' specially designed 4 x 4 vehicles. On the open plains below the camp there are always grazing herds of antelope and of course they attract the predators that every guest wants to see.

Also available are night drives which employ Chiawa Safaris' unique, award-nominated spotlight protocol, where a red filtered spotlight is used to find and watch the nocturnal action, and a diffuse filtered spotlight is used to help with the photography, ensuring that night drives are low impact on the wildlife which rewards our guests with more natural behavior and better wildlife sightings.

Walking is the best way to see the bush around Puku Ridge Camp. The South Luangwa is home of the walking safari and it remains the best way to experience the sights and sounds of the bush. Puku Ridge's experienced guides love showing guests the indicators of the wild, 'rewinding' the action of the last few hours from just a few small give away signs. See where an elephant stopped to browse, where a leopard scratched a tree or a pangolin rolled into a ball. Accompanied by an armed game scout and taking careful note of the wind to mask any scent. There's nothing like seeing lion tracks or the giant footprint of an elephant to make guests relish the comforts of camp. The area is home to 60 mammals and over 400 bird species, making it one of the top birding destinations in the world.

Venture out in the early morning or the late afternoon to witness the glory of the bush. Enjoy a private sundowner watching elephants crossing the mighty Zambezi, or your coffee in the morning in the absolute splendour of the Winterthorn forest after an exciting morning tracking lion.

The wildlife on the river is everchanging, surprising and always exciting. Whether watching a pod of hippos jostle in the afternoon light, or a family of elephant bathing in the mud at the bank, the calm of the Zambezi will flood the soul with the magic of the bush.

With the gentle lap of water against the canoe, the measured peace of slowly drifting down the Zambezi River in serene wonder, canoeing gives you the opportunity to see the wildlife along the riverbank at your own pace, guided by an experienced paddler.

Encounter the bush at it's best - on foot with our experienced guides, watch as they explain the art of tracking animals from their spoor and listen as they unravel the symbiosis of species that make up the rich tapestry of life in the bush.

With an almost unparalleled species diversity of birds in the Lower Zambezi valley, there is always something to excite both experienced birders and novices alike.

Whether a keen angler or complete beginner, catching a Tiger Fish is one for the bucket list. With a selection of rods, reels, and all necessary tackle, our coxswains will guide you through the cast, play, landing, and of course the trophy shot before releasing back into the water.

Morning and Sunset river cruise on the Zambezi River.

Situated across from the Zambezi national park, you are able to see animals come down to the river to have a drink or graze on the banks of the Zambezi.

Observe elephants and other captivating wildlife as they gracefully traverse the banks of the majestic Zambezi River.

Guided Victoria Falls excursion on the Zambian Side of the Victoria Falls.

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls. Visit the Mosi oa tunya National Park to appreciate the Victoria Falls in all its splendor.

Fly over Victoria Falls. Get incredible views of Victoria Falls, from multiple angles, that would not be possible at ground level. This helicopter tour takes you over the mighty Falls, the Batoka Gorge, the Zambezi River, and the wildlife-filled Zambezi National Park.

Indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience. De-stress and enjoy complete pampering and rejuvenation from our team of experienced professionals at our luxury spa. Rekindle your energy and relax in total comfort and privacy.