This week we are focusing on the stunning area of the South Luangwa. Zambia, is possibly one of our favourite places to visit and explore. Not only are the people incredible, but the views and varied locations are truly magical. We would like to turn your attention to some of the most unique stays you can enjoy if you are looking to travel to this stunning and nearly remote part of the African continent.

Located in the Northwest of Zambia, within the Luangwa Valley is the Southern part of the South Luangwa. During the months of April through to October the Luangwa valley turns from a vibrant green to a dry crackling brown as the sun heats up the African soil. From November through to March the rains come and turn the brown earth into a luscious iridescent green, it obviously makes the animals very happy to have a plethora of delicious fauna to eat, but it does often make for difficulty in spotting wildlife.

The South Luangwa has long been knowns as one of the greatest wildlife and is one of Zambia’s main draws – at 9,050 sq km the park is centred around the Luangwa River, and certainly lives up to its reputation as it is one of Africa’s largest concentrations of wildlife. The density of leopards here is among the highest in the world, although sometimes spotting these elusive creatures can still be tricky. The South Luangwa National Park is the ultimate addition to any luxury bespoke Zambia safari and is also a birders paradise. The best time to go is in the dry season, as the weather is at its best, and this also offers the best chance of seeing the elusive and rare African wild dog.

Puku Ridge is one of top places to stay within the South Luangwa, relatively new in design, it offers a total of 7 private suites lining the shores of a dried-up flood plain and now acts as a sort of mini savannah. Each of the suites is spacious, with private plunge pools and their own star beds up on top of the roofs. The rooms and the lodge in general is perfectly located to experience one of the best sunrises over the Luangwa valley and this is the perfect introduction before embarking on your morning game drive. Puku Ridge has been inspired by its natural surroundings, embracing warm hues throughout and a large spacious decking echoing the stunning floodplain beyond.

(the luxurious suites at Puku Ridge)

(Star beds above the luxurious suites at Puku Ridge)

Chinzombo is one of the most luxurious places to stay within the South Luangwa. It is unlike anything else and offers exclusive and enormous villas in one of the best game viewing locations of the South Luangwa. The site that Chinzombo sits on is also full of memories and history relating to the early explorers of the South Luangwa. Each villa is raised with exceptional views and boasts private plunge pools and lavish bathrooms. Chinzombo has 60 acres of private game filled land to explore on the Luangwa River.

(Luangwa River views from your rooms at Chinzombo)

(Sunrise by the fire pit at Chinzombo – with an elephant crossing the River in the distance!)

Finally, the crème de la crème of the Luangwa Valley is the very new Sungani Lodge. A wonderfully elegant new camp located in Zambia’s stunning South Luangwa. When staying at Sungani, each room is spacious and private, with vast deckings, access to your own private plunge pool with views overlooking a watering hole that is often inundated with elephant and plains game such as puku, impala, kudu and zebra. With most produce sourced locally, you can expect to dine in style. Activities include morning and afternoon game drives, with stops in some of the most beautiful locations for sundowners.

(the fire pit at Sungani)

(one of the bedrooms in one of Sungani‘s suites)

With a plethora of places to stay to choose from, it can be quite overwhelming. We are here to help, we will speak to you to find out exactly what you are looking for, what you like and what you are looking to do and we will find the perfect places and locations for you to explore.