PUKU RIDGE – SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Puku Ridge Camp is a small, luxurious air conditioned camp set in a ridge in a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park with an outlook onto a private floodplain and lagoon frequented by wildlife.

The camp was completely rebuilt in 2019 and blends in completely with the surrounding wild environment. This is a small luxury camp with every comfort – yet it is intimate and friendly with just eight canvas tents and personalised service.

The South Luangwa is known for its elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions, wild dogs, zebras, buffalos and various antelope species – many of which will be easily spotted from camp. The area around camp can also be explored on foot with park rangers and tracking guides and at night you can see some of the more elusive animals such as leopards, genets and honey badgers.

LOCATION

Puku Ride Camp is located on the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.

CAMP

The camp has just 8 luxury safari tents which are set on an elevated ridge overlooking the plain and woodlands below.

The air conditioned tents have either a super-king or large twin bed configuration with overhead fans mosquito nets. Ensuite facilities include a private WC and indoor shower plus his & hers washbasins and huge bathtub with view.

Outside there is a multi-level veranda with plunge pool overlooking the plains plus a tower with star bed perfect for nights under the stars.

All the tents have a minibar with tea and coffee station, complimentary wifi, 24/7 220v power, and international charging facilities.

The main area of Puku Ridge offers indoor and open-air lounge with various dining options as well as a campfire and viewing hide overlooking the waterhole.

Food is fresh, creative, varied, always delicious and always served with a smile and incredible view. Colourful fresh vegetables are hand-picked from the local markets just outside the National Park and rare herbs and spices come from secret locations. Meals are paired with fine South African wines and topped off with freshly ground coffee and a wide selection of teas.

WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES

The South Luangwa is a vast, unspoiled ecosystem with varying habitats and an abundance of wildlife. Activities include walking safaris, photographic opportunities from the new hide and 4 x 4 game viewing during the day and evening. Lions and leopards are often seen in the area around the camp, as are buffalo, giraffe, zebra, Puku, hyena and elephant.

Game drives – are in open 4wd vehicles that have been specially adapted for safari use with comfy seats, pockets to stow your gear and bean bags to steady your camera. Usually departing in the early morning drives can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on what you see and in the late afternoon drives set off for an hour or so before stopping at a scenic point for sundowners. Once the sun has set night drives commence and your guide will use a filtered spotlights which does not interfere with the wellbeing and behaviour of the wildlife. Nocturnal wildlife you might see are civet, porcupine, genet and some of the larger predators on the move. It is not uncommon to see a pride of lions on a kill or a leopard stalking through the bush.

Bush walks – an armed ranger and qualified and experienced guide will guide you through the wilderness on foot interpreting spoor, identifying the various flora and fauna and highlighting conservation issues. Elephants and buffalo are seen on most walks and sometimes the big cats. The pace is leisurely and the walks normally last for a couple of hours.

PUKU RIDGE IS CLOSED DURING JANUARY TO MARCH EVERY YEAR

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 12 YEARS AND OLDER. PLEASE NOTE THAT CHILDREN 16 YEARS AND YOUNGER MUST BE ACCOMPANIED OVERNIGHT BY AN ADULT AND CHILDREN AGED 14 AND OLDER CAN ENJOY WALKING SAFARIS