Puku Ridge - South Luangwa Safaris from Puku Ridge, Zambia

Our View

Puku Ridge is one of the most luxurious offerings in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, with brilliant views over a floodplain in front of camp. With Old Mondoro and Chiawa Camp also in the Cumings family’s safari portfolio, you know what you’re getting here: luxury in the wilderness with world-class guiding and an intimate, personalised experience.

Puku Ridge Camp - The Details

Puku Ridge has been done out to the highest standard (while staying true to its authentic safari origins) with its eight rooms set on an elevated ridge, all complete with look-out decks, private plunge pools and relaxing neutral decor. Each room can have a super-king or large single configuration, and air conditioning - a rarity in the South Luangwa - is also available, as well as an indoor and outdoor shower, and a bathtub with a view. Guests can also make the most of the Milky Way above, with the option to sleep in a private star bed set on a tower above their room.

Various dining locations are available around Puku Ridge’s spacious main area, which benefits from an indoor-into-outdoor lounge, a firepit sundowner spot and multiple relaxation areas. Food is a priority here, so expect more of a fine dining experience than other more traditional safari camps tend to offer.

Sometimes guests won’t even have to leave their room for wildlife action, as, especially in the depths of dry season, animals will appear in front of camp to drink from the waterhole. The lodge has a photographic hide, which allows you to admire passing wildlife at close proximity without scaring them away. Early morning and evening game drives, with night drives included in the latter, are available from Puku, as well as walking safaris.

The wildlife in the South Luangwa is unmatched, with a huge amount of lion, elephant, hippo, and leopard. Expect sundowner spots on the Luangwa River to include sometimes 100s of snorting hippos under a pink sky, which at the right time of year also sees clouds of colourful carmine bee-eaters flutter in and out of view.