LUANGWA SAFARI HOUSE – SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Luangwa Safari House is an impressive 4 bedroomed private house which sits gracefully on the edge of a lagoon system frequented by large herds of elephants, impalas, giraffes and countless other species which use the lagoon as a source of water and food throughout the year. The house has the Chindeni Hills as

The house has a backdrop of the Chindeni Hills and during the dry season lunch can be enjoyed on the raised deck surrounded by up to 80 elephants splashing around and enjoying the cool water.

Luangwa House has been designed to assault the senses from the minute you arrive – a strong castle like structure looms up in front of you, then and as you enter through the enormous pivoting door, light and grace as the entire front of the house is open to wilderness. The four double rooms each subtly but differently decorated to mimic the elements – water, earth, wind and fire – encompass the feeling of bringing nature into the house.

This outstanding private house is the ultimate in luxury and the perfect getaway for families with children aged over seven, or groups of friends seeking an indulgent and private break.

For families – the house will adapt the safari to each family depending on the needs and interests of everyone in the group. The Luangwa Safari House guide has a fantastic way with children and will calmly and clearly explain the safari to them as well as show a particular sensitivity towards the children on certain sightings. Depending on the children’s ages there are a whole range of activities available to them including game drives, nature walks where they can learn about animal spoor and droppings, star gazing and a children’s pack with crosswords and dot to dots to make learning about the bush fun.

LOCATION

Luangwa House is located in the park gate area of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Access is by flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe where you are met and driven 40 minutes’ drive to the lodge.

HOUSE

The structure of Luangwa House hangs between twenty-five enormous leadwood poles – this silvery weathered wood embodies the powerful yet elegant nature of the house.

On entering through the huge pivoting door you are welcomed by a large airy main area, the front of which is completely open affording incredible views of the landscape and wildlife as it strolls past the house. This room – the ceiling of which reaches up to twelve meters in height – is dominated by enticing sofas, two floating staircases on either side leading to the upstairs bedrooms and a large wrought iron and marble dining table. The open front of the main area leads on to a tiled terrace with a refreshing plunge pool on one side and a decked walkway through the ebony trees on the other.

Each of the spacious bedrooms are individual in style and have their own ensuite bathroom and private veranda area for you to enjoy the tranquility and peacefulness of the park.

During your stay at Luangwa House you will be looked after by the team dedicated solely to you. Your private guide will tailor each and every activity around your personal preferences and requirements, whilst the chef and house manager will ensure that everything is as you want it for when you are back in the house.

Please note that there is no WIFI but there is limited mobile reception at the house.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

The unspoiled South Luangwa National Park is one of the best places in Africa to view leopard and home to one of the most varied collections of wildlife on the planet.

The South Luangwa Park is 9050 square km with the river, its tributaries and the riverine strips being the focus of the wildlife viewing. There are diverse habitats from huge ox bow lagoons of varying stages of maturity, woodlands, ebony groves, grassland and thickets, that host a great variety of wildlife.

The Luangwa River’s natural ebb and flow of flooding makes much of the park inaccessible by road and keeps it a sanctuary for the large concentration of wildlife that live there. The park is a paradise for birders with over 450 species to be found in the park and the wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, hippos, giraffe, leopards and lions. Wild Dog populations have vastly increased in the last ten years and packs are often seen hunting or relaxing on pans.

Game drives – an option of day or night drives in open top Landcruiser vehicles affording 360 degree vision.

Walking Safaris – the walks are led by a knowledgeable guide and escorted by an armed National Park scout. The guiding team is very passionate and will certainly impart some amazing bush insights at a level that will surprise you.

Seasonal Boating – a special treat indeed for guests in the Emerald Season from the end of December/January to around April every year. Explore the lagoons for enhanced game viewing and birding.

Village Tours – a visit to Kawaza Village and the schools is often remembered years later by guests as the most rewarding part of their visit to Africa. This gives a more holistic experience of the Luangwa Valley. Alternatively take a stroll within the community around the Mfuwe area which is bustling with small dukas or shops, the market, bars, and small businesses.

Wildlife Education Centre – a charitable trust for school children of the Luangwa Valley to teach them about wildlife and conservation and is a great activity for the adults and children.

Tribal Textiles – for unique locally produced hand-painted textiles which draw inspiration from the stunning Zambian wildlife and surroundings.

LUANGWA HOUSE IS CLOSED FROM MID JANUARY TO MID MARCH EVERY YEAR

THE HOUSE WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN OF 7 YEARS AND OLDER. DO NOTE THAT ONLY CHILDREN AGED 12 YEARS AND OLDER CAN PARTICIPATE IN WALKING SAFARIS