Mfuwe Lodge
Zambia
The Luangwa Rift Valley
Also known as the lodge where ‘the elephants walk through the lobby,’ Mfuwe Lodge in Zambia, is the perfect start and end to a Zambian safari in the Luangwa Rift Valley.
The Luangwa Valley is one of Africa’s prime wildlife sanctuaries, with concentrations and varieties of game and birdlife that have made it world famous. This is the landscape of the ‘Real Africa’, with herds of antelope sheltering under acacia trees or roaming the plains, predators skulking in the shadows and primordial drama in every vale.
The valley lies at the tail end of the Great Rift Valley, that continental fault which runs from the Red Sea down the length of East Africa. This accounts for the spectacular escarpment scenery in East Africa as well as the African Lakes.
As the Rift Valley reaches Zambia, it divides; one arm to the east encompasses Lake Malawi and the western arm becomes the Luangwa Valley, which stretches some 700km / 435mi at an average width of about 100km / 62mi.
In the west, the Muchinga Mountains form the limit of both the valley and the national parks. In the east is a similar, though less well-defined escarpment. The valley floor is about a kilometre / half a mile lower than the surrounding plateau.
Down the centre flows the Luangwa River, fed by dozens of sand rivers that come down during the rainy season. The Luangwa carves a tortuous course along the floor and when in flood rapidly erodes the outer bends, depositing silt within the loops. Eventually the river cuts a new course, leaving the old course to silt up, forming ‘ox bow’ lagoons. These lagoons are very important to the ecology of the riverine zone and account for the high carrying capacity of the area.
The countryside is spectacular in its rugged beauty, the vegetation thick and, near the Luangwa River and its many tributaries, a lush riverine forest occurs that is green all year round. Flanking the river’s western banks are the North and South Luangwa National Parks separated by the 30km / 19mi long Munyamadzi corridor. To the east, between the two main parks lies Luambe, one of Zambia’s smallest national parks. Further east on the rocky uplands beyond the floodplain is the Lukusuzi National Park.
Discover an unrivalled safari experience in a Park that is widely recognised as the holy grail of wildlife destinations in Africa.
The Property
In Zambia’s iconic South Luangwa National Park, The Bushcamp Company operates 6 exclusive Bushcamps in the remote south of the park, as well as the award-winning Mfuwe Lodge with the new 2-bedroom Director’s House and the brand-new KuKaya, just inside the main park gate.
Set out from any of these secluded, intimate camps for a guaranteed an unrivalled wildlife experience in one of the last unspoilt wilderness regions of Africa – the very place where the African walking safari was pioneered.
While the name “Bushcamps” may be misleading, these are super chic camps, each with an individual style. As the safari industry becomes increasingly commoditised, it is refreshing to find a balanced safari style that combines the cocooning of luxury and safety with wild, connected safaris. With The Bushcamp Company’s expert guides you not only see Africa from a vehicle, but step off and feel, hear and smell Africa on foot.
Founded by Andy Hogg, the company continues to be run from its headquarters at Mfuwe Lodge. It also remains the only safari operator in the southern section of the park, guaranteeing intimacy, seclusion, and an unrivalled wildlife experience.
Accommodation
With 18 air-conditioned chalets (2 suites, 3 family rooms and 13 double & twin rooms), all set underneath a canopy of ebony and mahogany and arranged around two lagoons, Mfuwe Lodge is perfect for families.
Whether you’re staying at Mfuwe Lodge before or after an adventure to the Bushcamps or enjoying some time as a family, its laidback charm with enviable surroundings is the ideal setting for a relaxed and prolific safari.
All chalets are en-suite and have their own private decks for watching wildlife around the camp. Suites have a bedroom downstairs and upstairs there is a sitting area with a daybed and a small bathroom. Family chalets have a king size bed upstairs with a daybed downstairs in the sitting area.
Private and stylishly decorated, the Luxury Suites are a joy to spend a night in and difficult to leave.
The large windows above the bath and giant sliding doors to the deck offer incredible views of the riverbed and any animals that may be wallowing there.
Each of the Luxury Suites have an en-suite bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower and have been carefully designed and spaced to provide privacy. The elegant finishes and extremely comfortable beds complete the impressive rooms.
CHALETS x 18 from US$ 480 – US$ 760 per person per night sharing
Children sharing with adult from US$ 265
Road transfers to/from Mfuwe Airport
The Director’s House
is ideal for families, small groups or travellers looking for space and privacy. The 2-bedroom 2-bathroom, exclusive-use villa is elegant, modern and tastefully decorated, making it the perfect place to unwind and relax after a day of exploring South Luangwa.
Director’s House
RATES INCLUDE:
• Rates are per person per night sharing and include accommodation, all meals, shared road transfers to/from Mfuwe Airport, tea and coffee, laundry, 16% VAT and service charge.
RATES EXCLUDE:
• Government Levies, Park Fees, Luangwa Conservation and Community Fund, ZCP, travel insurance and any other personal expenses.
Getting there
FLY
Fly from Lusaka International Airport to Mfuwe International Airport, then road transfer to Mfuwe Lodge and the bush camps. The Bushcamp Company also has a private airstrip close to Kapamba, which services private charters only.
DRIVE
45-minute drive from Mfuwe Airport to Mfuwe Lodge. If travelling to the Bushcamps, guests stop at the lodge for refreshments before continuing the drive to the camps through the National Park, which takes between 2-4 hours, depending on which camp.
A typical day
Times will vary depending on the season and are based on
sunrise and sunset times
Wake-up
Morning tea & coffee with a selection of homemade rusks,
biscuits and fruit will be served on the deck before departing
for your morning drive
Game drive, approximately 3 hours
Breakfast served on return from game drive
Lunch
High tea will be served prior to afternoon game drive
Game drive, approximately 3 hours
Opportunity to enjoy a drink at the bar or freshen up before
dinner is served
Optional activities
Bush walks daily, during or after the game drive.
This can be discussed directly with your guide
Spa treatments and yoga
External activities (such as panoramic tours / Hot Air
ballooning) can be arranged
Community Visits
Other information you may like to know
The camp is not fenced but has an electric strand to discourage buffalo and elephant
Check in 14H00 / check out 11H00
All credit cards accepted except American Express
Child Policy
Children of all ages are welcome
Children under 6 years of age are not permitted on game drives unless authorized by management
To guarantee game drive for children, a private vehicle should be booked at an additional cost
Children under 16 years of age are not permitted on bush walks
Contact Us
Insurance
It is the Guests’ sole and absolute responsibility to ensure that they have adequate and suitable comprehensive travel and medical insurance in place to cover themselves, as well as any dependents | travelling companions. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: cancellation or curtailment of the booking, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, hometown repatriation expenses, damage and/or theft / and/or loss of personal property, baggage, money, and goods.
Live Life Travels, their representatives, directors, officers, employees, and agents will not be responsible for any damage, loss, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by the guest, or guest’s dependents or travelling companions, as a result of or in connection with any of the abovementioned events. Guests will be charged directly by the relevant service providers for any emergency services they may require and may find themselves in a position unable to access such services should they not be carrying the relevant insurance cover.