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Chikunto Safaris is a relatively new boutique luxury hybrid lodge/camp located on an amazing site within the world-renowned South Luangwa National Park in Zambia; recognised as one of Africa's premier National Parks, known as the 'Valley of the Leopard' and famous for its high density of game and the absence of high-volume game-viewing traffic.
Easily accessible yet away form the increasingly busy central Mfuwe area, Chikunto provides an ideal base from which to explore South Luangwa.
With 5 spacious luxury Tented Suites (including 1 x Two Bedroomed Family Suite and an amazing Stargazing & Sleep platform) it never feels crowded at Chikunto. The option of Exclusive Use is becoming increasingly popular, from small family groups through to specialist photographic groups.
The main area incorporates a reception, dining area, bar, and lounge under a thatch roof - overlooking a waterhole and the meandering Luangwa River. There is a new onsite photographic hide and a fabulous, heated salt-water swimming pool, complete with counter-current system for the more active!
The elevated Stargazing & Sleepout platform provides amazing views of the setting sun and the opportunity to fall asleep to the sounds of the bush, looking up at the stars. Memories for a lifetime.
This amazing Tented Suite combines your spacious main Suite with a private walkway to your own 6-meter-high Sleep Out & Stargazing platform, complete with its own private shower and bathroom facilities.
Ugrading to this Suite also gives you the option of a private Sundowner and private Dinner up on the platform before retiring to fall asleep looking up at the stars and listening to the sounds of the African bush.
The spacious luxury Tented Suites are raised on 1.5 - 2m high wooden platforms and have their own private veranda.
The double beds are king size, with the option of converting to a twin. Again all the tents face the Luangwa River with door windows that allow undisturbed views to the river and the wildlife at the banks.
All Tented Suites have 24/7 power, with instant hot water and powerful showers as well as perfectly safe drinking water from the taps.
The spacious luxury Two Bedroom Tented Family Suite has two separate Bedrooms with a shared bathroom and shared internal and external communal spaces.
The Suite is on a raised 1.5 - 2m high wooden platform. The Suite has the option of Kingsize Double or Twin beds and face the Luangwa River with door windows that allow undisturbed view to the river and the wildlife at the banks. An additional bed can be provided on request.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic, High Tea, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours, River Cruises, Walks (Guided)
After your morning Wake Up call of 'Knock Knock' at c. 5.00 a.m. (everything is optional!), there is time for a warming / refreshing cup of tea / coffee and home-made biscuits before you leave for c. 6.00 a.m.
Some of the primarily nocturnal predators are still active at this time of the day, so there is an excellent chance of coming across leopard or lion sightings, as well as seeing some of the many antelope and other animals such as the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe as well as some of the many elephant and buffalo.
Your experienced Guide will find an idea scenic spot for another tea / coffee break, before you meandar your way back to the lodge for mid-morning.
After your optional afternoon siesta, it is time for Afternoon Tea and the off for another trip to explore a different section of the amazing South Luangwa National Park, with its range of diverse habitats.
Perhaps this time you will across that pack of Wild Dogs, see a family of Elephants crossing the road right in front of you, or see a pride of lions feasting on a kill made earlier in the day.
Just before the sun sets, it is time to get ready for your Sundowner. An extra special experience at Chikunto Safari Lodge, the various of which will last a lifetime. Needs to be experienced rather than described.
Then it is time for your night game drive, in one of the only places in Africa that allows you to see predators like the lions and leopards in their natural hunting environment.
The Spotter on your vehicle will also give you the opportunity to see other nocturnal animals such as the Civets, Genets and Porcupines.
The South Luangwa National Park is rightly famous for being known as 'The home of the walking safari'.
There is no compulsion to go on a walking safari, but one can be arranged for you during you stay - anything from a 'gentle' 1 1/2 to 2 hours to a more extended experience.
In the company of an armed Scout from the National Park, your experienced Chikunto Guide will fascinate you with details on the local flora and fauna, pointing out and explaining the numerous animal tracks. Amongst other things, you will become an expert on elephant and hippo dung and their contributions to life in The Valley!
Although the larger animals tend to be more wary of people on foot than in a vehicle, you still have a reasonable chance of getting relatively close to some of the larger animals - your safety will always be the number one priority.
Another memory that stay with you forever.
This new 6 metre high platform provides stunning panoramic views out over the South Luangwa National Park, with the river itself and the setting sun directly in front of you.
Upgrading for a night or two the deluxe Stargazing & Sleep out Combination Suite allows you to combine having your own suite with direct private access to, and exclusive use of, the platform. With your own private sun lounger and Day Bed, plus the options of a private Sundowner, private dinner and your sleep out option you will be spoilt for choice on the memory front.
Imagine your private sundowner or dinner on that raised platform / deck, connecting with nature and each other, listening to the sounds of the hippos in the nearby Luangwa River and the noises of the African bush, with the sun slowly setting over the meandering river directly in front of you, stars above you, subtle lighting all around, drink in hand…
then waking the next morning to the dawn chorus and herds of puku or impala beneath you - memories for a lifetime.
Build in time during your visit to relax and to immerse yourself in being out in the bush, away from the stresses of 'normal' life.
Enjoy spending time by, or in, the unique salt-water counter-current swimming pool; lie out on the deck overlooking the waterhole, watching a wide variety of animals that come on a regular basis to quench their thirst; take time to relax in the spacious lounger area - see how many of the birds you can recognise in the voluminous Roberts Bird Guide or just sit at the bar and treat yourself to one of the premium drinks...
Take time to savour some of the delicious dishes that will be served up by the wonderful team in the kitchen.
Chikunto Restaurant
Chikunto Safari Lodge has established a deserved reputation for deliver top quality cuisine, with our vegetarian, vegan and coeliac guests just as happy as our predominantly carnivore guests!
With our team of highly experienced chefs using only the freshest ingredients (locally sourced wherever possible) and everything cooked and baked on site, it will be hard to believe that you are in the middle of a remote National Park.
You can decide if you want to have a romantic dinner for two, join in with pe-dinner drinks around the fire-pit before a social group meal - swapping stories and experiences. Or maybe even see if there is the option of a Private Dinner up on the raised Stargazing Platform.
