Best hotels in South Luangwa

In the northernmost reaches of South Luangwa, a region so remote it's rarely visited, is the only mobile walking safari in the park. Run by expert operator Robin Pope Safaris, the five-night walking expedition leads you along the banks of the Mupamadzi River through an area that's renowned for its excellent, and totally undisturbed, quantities of game. Depending on exactly where the wildlife is, the camp will move up to three times, making sure you're always in the best spot for the most thrilling of experiences.

Renovated to perfection, Puku Ridge is a gorgeous safari lodge in the land of walking safaris, South Luangwa. Rebuilt with an even lighter footprint than before, the lodge has earned its place beside the private floodplain. Enjoy the shimmering view from your sky bed or alfresco dinner table and scan the waterhole for wildlife that seems to appear out of nowhere. As for the tents, they take glamping to new heights with a multi-level veranda, plunge pool, and outdoor shower. Run by true safari masters, Puku Ridge invites you to experience South Luangwa in its full glory.

Tucked into the terrain in the remote southern reaches of the South Luangwa National Park is Kafunta’s rugged little sister, the Island Bush Camp. With panoramic views stretching from the Chindeni Hills in the east to the Muchinga Escarpment in the west (and lots to look at in between) this is a wonderfully authentic little bush camp. With only 4 rooms, no electricity and whole lot of character a safari here is reminiscent of the old days and walking safaris are wild, private and truly eye-opening.

Set at the confluence of the Luangwa, Luzangazi and Kapamba rivers in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, this lovely little bush camp plunges you into a pristine and otherwise hard-to-access wilderness. Only open during the dry season (from the end of May to early November), the area is best traversed on foot and you’ll enjoy a slower pace of life on walking safaris with the expert guides. Back at base, the camp is smart and stylish, with charming luxury tents on stilts built with their own viewing platforms and sleep-out decks. It's a sophisticated wilderness camp, worlds away from city life.

South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia is well-known for its potent game viewing and dense river-life. Drive along the Luangwa River, which forms the south-eastern border of the park, and see crowded pods of boulder-like hippos that practically stymie the river's flow. Zikomo Safaris is strung along the banks of the river, set behind a wide plain in an old-growth forest. The winsome hospitality of this family-owned lodge is deft but unfussy. With both chalets and campsites, Zikomo caters to a wide spectrum of travelers and their budgets. Good guiding and a lively restaurant atmosphere push this camp a notch above the rest.

Robin's House is an exclusive home away from home on the banks of Zambia’s impressive Luangwa River, set beneath a canopy of Ebony and Sausage trees. Formerly the family home and base for the well-known Robin Pope Safaris, this small thatched homestead offers a sole-use bush retreat with a dedicated team of staff on hand; a fabulous and relaxing safari experience, perfect for a family or small group of friends. The property falls within a game management area opposite South Luangwa National Park with a private pontoon over the river, making access to the Park quick and easy.

Built in the 1970s as a personal retreat for former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda and redefined in 2025, Chichele Lodge defines sophistication in the bush - especially after being completely rebuilt and reimagined. From its forested hilltop position, the lodge overlooks wildlife-rich floodplains and the Central South Luangwa Valley, a region well known for its game viewing and good network of tarred roads (this is the only section of national park that is open year-round). This elegant, well-established lodge feels more like a hotel than a bush camp, so it's perfect if your idea of a safari includes a desire for creature comforts and personal attention.

Follow elephant and hippo trails into the heart of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, renowned for its untouched wilderness areas, abundant wildlife, and once-in-a-lifetime walking opportunities. Big Lagoon Camp is a seasonal bush camp which operates during the dry season (generally end of May to beginning of November), with just three rustic chalets overlooking a peaceful bend in the Luangwa River. Simple facilities provide the basics for a comfortable bush break, with excellent hospitality and outstanding guides. All game viewing and exploring is done on foot, accompanied by an experienced guide; a liberating and adventurous, back-to-nature experience. This camp used to be called Crocodile River Camp and has been renamed to Big Lagoon Camp

This family-friendly tented home is the latest addition to Zambia's legendary Flatdogs Camp situated on the border of one of Africa's greatest game reserves: the South Luangwa National Park. Crocodile Nest is a private home, ideal for a party of 4, from where you can savor the African bushveld and embark on walking safaris, guided game drives and village tours. With nine thousand square kilometers of wilderness on your doorstep, you're guaranteed an unmatched game-viewing experience. Here you can choose to relax in the comfort of your private home or be social at the communal camp and restaurant area.

Tune into your surroundings with a digital detox at this teeny-tiny bushcamp in the heart of the South Luangwa. Simple but rustically stylish, the four tents are located in one of the least-visited and most game-rich regions of the park - simply open your tent flaps and you're in the heart of the wildlife-spotted wilderness. Explore on game drives, night drives and walking safaris (they're famously good in the South Luangwa and Nkonzi Camp is no exception) and then return to your bush home for dinner in the sandy river bed and whiskies around the camp fire.

Lying on the border of the fabulously wild South Luangwa National Park, Flatdogs Camp is a constant for safari-goers who return time and again for its idyllic setting and its affordability. Jackalberry Treehouse, a private hideaway a short distance from the main camp, offers an even more peaceful refuge, one that's tucked beneath the treehouse's lattice of limbs. With unimpeded views across the dambo wetlands and lagoon system, this little slice of the bush is particularly precious. It's serviced by a dedicated team during the day – for the rest, you're left to enjoy the solitude of this natural sanctuary.

A unique lodge that redefines the safari experience, KuKaya gives you the freedom of choice to design your own timetable with flexible activites and dining options. KuKaya is set in pristine bush overlooking permanent water holes, only 2.5 kilometres from the main gate of the South Luangwa. The lodge has five beautiful and very spacious tented thatched chalets (4 doubles and one single). Each chalet has an outdoor shower, comfortable living and dining area, kitchen, and deck with a private plunge pool, firepit, pizza oven and barbecue area to make the most of the alfresco safari lifestyle. Embark on game drives and walking safaris, shared or private, visit the hide and brush up your photography skills, or simply choose to relax by your private pool, drink in hand, and watch the wildlife go by. Visit the Deli and choose from a selection of delicious ready-made meals, fresh salads and snacks for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Then, decide if you would like a private chef and waiter, or to prepare it yourself – the choice is yours!

Surrounded by untouched wilderness, Msandie River Lodge blends luxury and sustainability. This eco-friendly lodge leaves behind nothing but great memories whilst maintaining a high level of comfort and style. The tents and chalets all have excellent river views for uninterrupted wildlife viewing from the luxury of your own room.

Having opened its doors in 2022, Sungani is a stellar addition to the South Luangwa landscape. Translated to mean 'custodian' in the Chichewa language, Sungani was built to emulate the natural tones and textures of the wild, and prides itself on using mostly local ingredients. The main lodge is entirely open-sided so mealtimes are an added opportunity to watch the wildlife quench their thirst or wallow in the lagoon. The state-of-the-art tented suites enjoy panoramic views that will have you dreaming of the next day's adventures, whether that's boating down the Luangwa River or enjoying an iconic walking safari.

Located in the grounds of Mfuwe Lodge and with a focus on privacy, the house has two spacious, interconnecting bedrooms (both with ensuite bathrooms), an enclosed garden with a private pool and a firepit, pizza oven, and braai area. In the heat of the day, relax on the verandah with a book or take a dip in the pool – and watch out for the resident monkeys who sometimes wander through the garden.

Overlooking the Luangwa floodplains, Sunset House boasts magnificent views and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Accommodating up to 9 guests, this newly built and beautifully designed house is the perfect spot for an exclusive inter-generational or multi-family getaway. With three en suite bedrooms and a private swimming, the house invites you to spread out and make yourself at home. Because your party will be the only guests at the Sunset House, the staff will cater to your specific interests and fancies. Spend your days on game drives, bush walks, swims in the pool, and meals by the fire.