MFUWE LODGE – SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Mfuwe Lodge is located inside the South Luangwa National Park just five minutes’ drive from the main gate of the Park and 45 minutes from Mfuwe Airport. This luxurious and very comfortable lodge is an ideal place to stay if you would rather stay somewhere a little less remote, as a stopover before heading deaper into the bush or if you have a young family who demand a swimming pool! All the rooms are air conditioned and there is a superb swimming pool and a bush spa.

This region of the park is renowned for its outstanding game – including hippo, lion, elephant, leopard, giraffe, buffalo, antelope and crocodile. A real highlight of staying at Mfuwe Lodge in November is the chance to see local elephants wander through the lobby in search of wild mangos!

LOCATION

Mfuwe Lodge is located near the main gate of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Access is via a flight from Lusaka which takes around an hour and 10 minutes and the lodge is around 45 minutes’ drive from the airport.

CAMP

The lodge has just 18 air-conditioned ensuite chalets set beneath a canopy of ebony and mahogany trees and its thatched buildings are arranged around the banks of two lagoons where you can watch wildlife and birds from the veranda of your room.

The airy interior of the lodge complements the natural surroundings and the main area is beautifully furnished with African artifacts, comfy chairs, coffee tables, natural coir rugs and stunning handmade lighting. There is a bar and restaurant area and outdoor seating on the expansive decks.

The lodge has a swimming pool, library/wifi room, a bush spa and a curio shop.

WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES

The South Luangwa is renowned for its wide diversity of habitats and high game density. With more than 60 different mammal species in the park, there is an abundance and diversity of wildlife and the survival of these animals depends on the meandering Luangwa River – crowded with hippos, crocodiles and wading waterfowl.

Elephants, baboons and vervet monkeys seem to be everywhere from the moment you enter the park. Antelopes, zebra and other plains game congregate on the open floodplains and grasslands along the River and its numerous tributaries. Large herds of buffalo roam the park, impala and puku are plentiful and there are plenty of waterbucks and bushbucks. The endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe is indigenous to the park, as are Crawshay’s zebra and Cookson’s Wildebeest. The South Luangwa is a superb area to see wild dogs with numerous resident packs.

Night drives are renowned for sighting lion and leopard (the density of leopards is among the highest in the world). And nocturnal animals like the honey badger, porcupine and civet are often seen by spotlight.

Birdwatching – is superb and with over 400 species of birds recorded you could easily see over 100 different species in a three day visit. Some particularly attractive ones include: Carmine Bee-eaters, Malachite Kingfishers, Lilac-breasted Rollers, Bateleur Eagles, Saddle-billed Storks, Crowned Cranes, Pel’s Fishing Owls and Fish Eagles.

Walking Safaris – the South Luangwa is the home of the walking safari and this is where it was first pioneered by Norman Carr back in the 1960s. To stride out on your own two feet is the only way to understand the wilderness and the guides will explain the secrets of the bush from teaching you how to track a leopard by identifying spoor and listening for tell-tale alarm calls, to explaining how to soothe insect bites with the juice of a sausage tree. If you have a particular interest in a specific area such as birding or local bushcraft then just let your safari guide know and he will tailor the walk accordingly. With every step there is something new to learn, a new bird or animal to spot and a new unforgettable experience.

Game Drives – are an ideal way to explore the different range of habitats in the area and there are game drives in the morning and evening – which normally return back to the camp after sundowners and a short night drive.

Cultural visits – to the local village, school and textiles/handicraft market.

MFUWE LODGE IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE LODGE WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN OF ANY AGE. PLEASE NOTE THAT CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON WALKING SAFARIS.