Luxury Safari Lodges in Zambia

Zambia has long been renowned as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the continent’s untamed wilderness. From the iconic South Luangwa National Park to the remote and pristine Lower Zambezi region, the country boasts a diverse array of luxury safari lodges that seamlessly blend modern comforts with the rugged beauty of the bush detailed in this Luxury Safari Lodges in Zambia.

One of the best places to stay for a safari in Zambia is Wild Dogs Lodge in Lusaka. This family-owned, intimate lodge features 10 African-style rooms under 4 thatched chalets, accommodating up to 20 guests. The lodge offers a peaceful escape in the middle of Lusaka city, with a beautifully decorated garden, a swimming pool, and delicious meals prepared with fruits and vegetables from their own garden.

For those seeking a more affordable option in Livingstone, The Victoria Falls Waterfront is an excellent choice. Located just 10km from the famous Victoria Falls, the lodge offers stunning views of the Zambezi River and amenities such as a swimming pool, braai facilities, and a lively bar.

In the heart of Zambia’s wilderness, Mukambi Safari Lodge in Kafue National Park provides an intimate safari experience. Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro in Lower Zambezi National Park offer exclusive and remote safari experiences, while Chindeni Camp and Chamilandu Bushcamp in South Luangwa National Park immerse guests in the untouched beauty of the Luangwa Valley.

For a truly remote and authentic safari experience, Luangwa Bush Camping and Mwaleshi Camp in North Luangwa National Park are ideal choices. These camps offer an opportunity to connect with nature and witness the abundance of wildlife in Zambia’s most pristine and untouched wilderness areas.

Puku Ridge, South Luangwa National Park

Nestled in the heart of Zambia’s premier conservation area, Puku Ridge is a new luxury lodge that sets a new standard for safari experiences. Operated by experienced bush couple Grant and Annemie Parker, the lodge features eight glass-fronted, canvas-lined villas that offer guests an intimate and exclusive encounter with the surrounding wildlife.

The rooms at Puku Ridge are designed to blend effortlessly with the natural environment, featuring sustainable bamboo floorboards, recycled-plastic thatched roofs, and spacious private decks with plunge pools and rooftop star beds. Guests can enjoy the lodge’s indulgent amenities, such as big baths, personalized minibars, and mains electricity and Wi-Fi, while still feeling deeply connected to the wilderness.

The culinary experience at Puku Ridge is equally impressive, with menus that feature a delightful balance of indulgence and superfoods. Guests can savor dishes like twice-baked cheese soufflé alongside sesame-strewn slaw with vegetable tempura, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Beyond the luxurious accommodations and dining, Puku Ridge offers guests unparalleled access to the game-rich South Luangwa National Park. Guests can explore the area on foot or in custom-designed, red-spotlit Land Cruisers, with the guidance of the lodge’s experienced and knowledgeable guides.

Lolebezi, Lower Zambezi National Park

Situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Lolebezi is the latest addition to the African Bush Camps family and is poised to become one of the most spectacular safari lodges in Zambia. Designed by the acclaimed Johannesburg-based duo Fox Browne, the lodge seamlessly blends luxury and sustainability, offering guests a truly immersive and eco-conscious experience.

Lolebezi is set on five hectares of protected wilderness, with a private one-kilometer stretch of river frontage that provides unparalleled access to the region’s diverse wildlife. The lodge’s six suites are designed to maximize the breathtaking views, with glass walls and private plunge pools that allow guests to soak in the natural beauty of their surroundings.

The contemporary design of Lolebezi effortlessly incorporates the luxury expected in a world-class safari camp, with a modest elegance and simplicity that can only be found in the African bush. Guests can indulge in Ottolenghi-style halal cuisine, exercise while watching wildlife from the glass-walled gym, or enjoy an Africology massage in the spa above a water-lily pond.

Beyond the lodge’s exceptional amenities, Lolebezi offers guests a range of exciting activities, including game drives, walking safaris, river cruises, and fishing. The Lower Zambezi National Park is renowned for its exceptional wildlife sightings, particularly its impressive leopard population and vast elephant herds, making it an ideal destination for the adventurous traveler.

Kaingu Safari Lodge, Kafue National Park

Nestled on the banks of the Kafue River, Kaingu Safari Lodge is a hidden gem that offers a truly unique and immersive safari experience. Located just outside the Kafue National Park, the lodge is situated in a Game Management Area, providing guests with exclusive access to the surrounding wilderness.

Kaingu Safari Lodge comprises six double Meru-style tents, each with en-suite bathrooms, indoor showers, and open-air showers. The “Honeymoon-tent” even features an additional outdoor bath, allowing guests to soak in the tranquility of the river while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush.

In addition to the luxurious accommodations, Kaingu Safari Lodge offers a range of exciting activities, including boat safaris, game drives, and walking safaris. The lodge’s location on the Kafue River provides guests with the opportunity to explore the diverse habitats and abundant wildlife that thrive along the waterways, including a wide variety of bird species.

One of the unique features of Kaingu Safari Lodge is its commitment to sustainability. The lodge has three beautifully appointed grassy campsites beside the river, catering to self-driving guests and offering a more rustic, yet still comfortable, safari experience. Each campsite has its own ablution block with hot and cold running water, a kitchen sink, fire pits for cooking, and a thatched sheltered area for protection against the sun and rain.

Conclusion

Zambia’s safari lodges offer a truly unparalleled experience, blending luxury, sustainability, and a deep connection to the natural world. From the glass-fronted villas of Puku Ridge to the contemporary elegance of Lolebezi and the rustic charm of Kaingu Safari Lodge, each property provides visitors with a unique and unforgettable safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking an indulgent escape or a more immersive, eco-conscious experience, Zambia’s safari lodges have something to offer every discerning traveler.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

All visitors to Zambia must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. The Government of Tanzania has rolled out an online Visa application portal accessible on internet. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler. For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest Zambia Embassy or Consulate.

LANGUAGE: English

TIME: GMT +3

CLIMATE: Southern Africa climate is predominantly tropical. The long rains are from mid-March to late May and the short rains from November to January. The hottest months are from October to February and the coolest months are June to August.

VOLTAGE: 220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the National Grid in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

CURRENCY: Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency. However, US$ older than 2009 are only accepted

CLOTHING: Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

BAGGAGE: Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

WATER: You will find many different of opinion of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

HEALTH: Southern Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions. Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards:

Malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential. You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs. Be sure to wear long sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray. The hotels provide mosquito repellent sachets as part of the room’s amenities in all our locations.

Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or safari hat.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: For those guests with specific dietary requirement, please ensure Imbasa is notified prior to travel so that the respective Hotels and Lodges are informed

GRATUITIES: As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following:

The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day

Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

PHOTOGRAPHY: Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.

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