Sungani Lodge – South Luangwa

Sungani Lodge is a family‑owned, adventure‑based luxury safari retreat set on the edge of a vast, perennial lagoon in the remote southern reaches of South Luangwa National Park. Designed for privacy and deep relaxation, the lodge blends contemporary elegance with the textures and tones of the bush. Elevated wooden walkways connect light‑filled spaces where wildlife wanders beneath and life moves at an unhurried pace.

The attention to detail is outstanding and the staff are fabulous – come here to be spoilt and pampered in luxurious surroundings with superb wildlife right on your doorstep in a very remote area.  A real bonus is the lodge is family owned and managed with a photographic editing suite on site – keen photographers can hire a very experienced, private photographic guide during their stay along with a good selection of cameras and lenses – please ask!

Location and access

Sungani is the most southerly camp in South Luangwa National Park. The lodge is surrounded by riparian thicket that gives way to semi‑open woodland – prime habitat for predators and plains game. Guests typically fly into Mfuwe International Airport, then connect by Sungani’s light aircraft to the Luamfwa airstrip (about 20–25 minutes). Road transfers from Mfuwe take roughly three hours and feel like an extended game drive.

Accommodation

Limited to just seven luxury guest tents – four King rooms and three Doubles (Queen beds), with one Double configured for families (two adults and two children) – Sungani Lodge offers generous space and privacy. Each tent provides approximately 1,150 sq ft of indoor living on polished concrete floors, opening onto a private deck with a plunge pool. Interiors are calm and refined, with natural textures and warm tones. Bathrooms feature an indulgent slipper bath, twin basins and both indoor and outdoor showers. The elevated main area overlooks the lagoon and includes inviting lounges and expansive decks for dining and relaxation.

For an extra measure of seclusion, the Director’s Tent adds special touches such as Wi‑Fi and DSTV alongside all the signature Sungani comforts.

A dedicated photographic studio with an Apple Studio desktop and Adobe software is available for image review and editing, and a fully air‑conditioned gym sits a short walk from the main deck.

Cuisine at Sungani is fresh, simple and seasonal, with an à la carte breakfast from the grill, relaxed buffet‑style lunches and elegant, flavour‑forward dinners drawing on locally sourced ingredients. Throughout the day, the bar and coffee station are at your disposal. Complimentary daily laundry keeps packing light and effortless.

Activities

Days at Sungani are shaped by unhurried, immersive safaris led by expert naturalists. Game drives at dawn and late afternoon explore riverine woodland, oxbow lagoons and open plains; after dark, you can seek out nocturnal life on night drives. Walking safaris reveal the smaller details – spoor, tracks and seasonal blooms – and deepen your understanding of this dynamic ecosystem. A thoughtfully positioned network of photographic hides brings you eye‑level with hippos, elephants and birdlife, while sundowners on the riverbank celebrate the golden light that South Luangwa is famous for.

Facilities & Amenities

Private deck and plunge pool • Indoor bathroom with slipper bath • Outdoor shower • Air‑conditioning and ceiling fans • 24‑hour power and Wi‑Fi • Tea/coffee and minibar • Mosquito nets • Main swimming pool • Gift shop • Photographic studio • Fully air‑conditioned gym • Complimentary daily laundry.

Giving Back

Built by the Davy family together with local artisans, Sungani is rooted in conservation and community. The team prioritises local employment and skills transfer, supports anti‑poaching partners and invests in the long‑term restoration of this remote corner of the Luangwa Valley – demonstrating how gentle, respectful tourism can help protect wildlife and empower communities.

Need to know

Sungani is open from the 15th May to the 15th November every year during the dry season.

Families are welcome and children should be aged 12 years or older.  The camp has one family tent.  If booking the entire camp then children of a younger age will be considered.

A minimum of three nights is recommended to settle into the rhythm of the bush; photographers may wish to stay longer to make the most of the hides and changing light.