Zambia is home to some of the best quality safari experiences on the continent. The lodges are across the board more of a rustic barefoot luxury experience, than super glitzy. Of course though, there are very luxurious options out there if that is your style. The essence of a Zambia safari though, is not in the added creature comforts like private pools, spas and gyms, but luxury can be found in the quality of the overall safari experience – a high bar which has been set across the country. Zambia is home to some of the most knowledgeable guides on the continent, and as such, it is a place for the seasoned safari goer who wants a wholly enriching wilderness experience.
Even though some of the rustic lodges are not flashy, Zambia’s excellent dedication to phenomenal high-quality safari and truly world-class wildlife areas means that even in their shabby-chic glory, lodges here still can come with a price tag. Not to the extent that, say, safari-ing in Botswana does, but it is not the most economical option either. Good quality lodges range from $800 per person per night, up to $1,500 per person per night.
You can escape the crowds more than you could think possible on a Zambia safari. One of the best lodges for this is Mwaleshi Camp – tucked away in the wilds of the remote North Luangwa National Park; this is a very open wilderness experience, like camping, but with an ever so Zambia twist. The structure is made up of reed, and so it leaves absolutely no footprint on the surrounding nature. It is a unique experience, and although the accommodation is fairly basic – nothing about the experience ordinary. It offers the very best of the walking safari purity Zambia is so heralded for. For this unique and truly classic camping experience you are looking at around $700 per person per night.
A classic example of a company which is dedicated to safari, and not so fussed about the glitz and glam is the Norman Carr walking safari lodges - Nsolo, Mchenja and Luwi. Intrepid, authentic, and classic, this is a one of a kind barefoot luxury safari experience which is best done by those who are obsessed with untangling the mystery that is the African bush from a raw and authentic perspective – on two legs! The camp experience is all about immersing yourself in nature and an excellent guide to show you a safe way to navigate it on 7km walks, moving from lodge to lodge. For this old school Zambia, excellent quality safari experience you are looking at forking out around $950 per person per night.
Although Zambia is all about getting back to the basics of safari magic, there are a few options for those who love the life of luxury too. Chinzombo is located not far from the gates to the South Luangwa National Park, and offers chic luxury in one of the best wildlife destinations in Africa. Leopard around every turn and returning to the comfort of absolute luxury in the bush means Chinzombo is also one of the most expensive lodges in Zambia at $1,500 per person per night.
If you want the best of Zambia’s untouched and remote wilderness without compromising on every luxury under the sun, then Liuwa Plains and King Lewinika is one of the best experiences for this on the continent – truly fit for a king! It costs to go somewhere this remote and wholly luxurious though, and as such, Lewinika comes in at around $1,500 per person per night and when you put expensive (and irregular) flights on top of this, it is definitely the most premium option out there for a Zambian safari.
The best authentic Zambia safari camp
You can escape the crowds more than you could think possible on a Zambia safari. One of the best lodges for this is Mwaleshi Camp – tucked away in the wilds of the remote North Luangwa National Park; this is a very open wilderness experience, like camping, but with an ever so Zambia twist. The structure is made up of reed, and so it leaves absolutely no footprint on the surrounding nature. It is a unique experience, and although the accommodation is fairly basic – nothing about the experience ordinary. It offers the very best of the walking safari purity Zambia is so heralded for. For this unique and truly classic camping experience you are looking at around $700 per person per night.
The best authentic Zambia safari lodge
A classic example of a company which is dedicated to safari, and not so fussed about the glitz and glam is the Norman Carr walking safari lodges - Nsolo, Mchenja and Luwi. Intrepid, authentic, and classic, this is a one of a kind barefoot luxury safari experience which is best done by those who are obsessed with untangling the mystery that is the African bush from a raw and authentic perspective – on two legs! The camp experience is all about immersing yourself in nature and an excellent guide to show you a safe way to navigate it on 7km walks, moving from lodge to lodge. For this old school Zambia, excellent quality safari experience you are looking at forking out around $950 per person per night.
The best luxury Zambia safari lodge
Although Zambia is all about getting back to the basics of safari magic, there are a few options for those who love the life of luxury too. Chinzombo is located not far from the gates to the South Luangwa National Park, and offers chic luxury in one of the best wildlife destinations in Africa. Leopard around every turn and returning to the comfort of absolute luxury in the bush means Chinzombo is also one of the most expensive lodges in Zambia at $1,500 per person per night.
If you want the best of Zambia’s untouched and remote wilderness without compromising on every luxury under the sun, then Liuwa Plains and King Lewinika is one of the best experiences for this on the continent – truly fit for a king! It costs to go somewhere this remote and wholly luxurious though, and as such, Lewinika comes in at around $1,500 per person per night and when you put expensive (and irregular) flights on top of this, it is definitely the most premium option out there for a Zambian safari.
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Kaya mawa - Lake Malawi
Although slightly awkward to get to, Kaya Mawa is well worth the effort. This is a little bit of barefoot heaven. We are very fond of Ras Kutani, but this is Ras Kutani +++, I would say in a different league, but with the same laid back charm - even more so. It is an idyllic situation between two lovely beaches with a view over the lake to Mozambique five miles away. Lake Malawi is crystal clear, full of myriads of small colourful cichlids. Each cabin is supplied with two sets of snorkels and flippers and there is free sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding. There is also water skiing and scuba diving, but these must be paid for.The cabins themselves are delightful, well spread out and private, beautifully and originally designed around rocks, with large decks , comfortable armchairs and sunbeds, and in some cases like ours, with a plunge pool. The views are stupendous, even from the bed.
The standards of food and service were quite exceptional. The chef was Michelle's partner Rich (who we did not actually meet) and although there was not a choice one's personal dietary quirks were always remembered and everything was delicious. All the staff knew each guest by name, their favourite drinks etc, and thought of every requirement before the guest himself. Very friendly but never obsequious.
I have spent rather a lot of space on Kaya Mara, but I don't think you have been there, unlike the other camps, even though we went at your suggestion. Tell your clients to forget the Caribbean - this is infinitely better!
- P Bullick
Our Rating:
Client Rating:
Cost: $445
King Lewanika - Liuwa Plains
Our View
One of the earliest protected areas in Africa, Liuwa Plains. Unspoilt, exclusive with rare game viewing and a rich natural heritage.Despite its luxurious design, King Lewanika Lodge retains a lot of its safari authenticity with canvas walls, lovely decks overlooking the grassy plains
This is a great choice for those looking for a remote stay in an unspoilt region wanting fantastic and unique game viewing.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,420
Kuyenda, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia - South Luangwa
Our View
Many clients travel to Kuyenda simply due to sharing their experience in the Luangwa with Phil Berry, one of the Luangwa's best and most legendary guides. He certainly is a massive reason to choose this camp over others. Leaving his excellent guiding and hospitality aside, Kuyenda is a great little camp and a favourite in the office.
Our Rating:
Cost: $870
Lion Camp - South Luangwa
Our View
Lion Camp is a hidden gem – its remote location in the north of the South Luangwa Valley means there are fewer camps and therefore less vehicles to be met on game drives; it really does feel wild.
Our Rating:
Cost: $600
Liuwa Plains Camp - Liuwa Plains
Our View
This camp has now closed.Described on the Norman Carr Safaris website as ‘simple yet extremely comfortable’, Liuwa Plains rather undersells itself! It is certainly extremely comfortable and although ‘simple’ that’s the last thing that crosses your mind on entering camp, it is a simply stunning bush camp in a fantastic game viewing area.
Our Rating:
Cost: $750
Luangwa River Camp - South Luangwa
Our View
Luangwa River Camp is located in a really beautiful setting on the main river and accesses the park from a different point to the main gate. It has had a face lift since Robin Pope Safaris took it over, they've done a great job and run a good ship. It just doesn't have that 'wow' factor we look for - it's awkward to get to, which arguably gives it that remote feeling, but then the game driving area is mainly Mfuwe and therefore the busy part of the park. There are more convenient options than this for exploring the main area of the Luangwa.
Our Rating:
Cost: $640
Luangwa Safari House - South Luangwa
Our View
In the office here we have previously put Luangwa Safari House forward for the Good Safari Guide awards for 'best private home in Africa'. Needless to say, we think it is exceptional! With all the luxuries you could ever need, and a fine balance with the surrounding environment, we think Luangwa Safari House is architect Neil Rocher's finest piece of work. The area and location is stunning; without doubt the best place in the valley for groups who don't want the bush camp approach to safari.Our Rating:
Cost: $4,000
Luwi Bush Camp - South Luangwa
This is a true wilderness experience of the highest quality. With just a few chalets nestled there is a very intimate, warm community feeling and great community spirit. The staff were incredible as well as our great guide with his great knowledge and the walking experience was up there with the best!- K. Johnstone
Our Rating:
Client Rating:
Cost: $950
Mchenja Bush Camp - South Luangwa
Mchenja was equally impressive. Lovely facilities, great guides, excellent food, (even brand new Land Rovers. Very posh.)- T. Harding
Our Rating:
Client Rating:
Cost: $1,050
Mfuwe Lodge - South Luangwa
Our View
We're a bit undecided about Mfuwe Lodge - it is inside the main gate which is a huge bonus and means the wonders of the park are right on the doorstep. However, it also mean the entrance road is also on the doorstep to one stretch of the chalets - avoid the 'buffalo' line or you'll have safari traffic disturbing you when you're trying to siesta. Having said that, it's a great lodge - it's on the big side and not to everyone's taste, so depends what you're after, but it's got some great guiding and works well as an overnighter before heading into the bush camps. It's also famous for the elephants walking through the reception later in the year - quite a spectacle!
Our Rating:
Cost: $870
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