The Camp

Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Number of Chalets: 18

Important Note: Mfuwe offers Premier level amenities, but it offers Distinctive level rates, being a lodge instead of a small camp.

Mfuwe Lodge is nestled beneath a canopy of ebony and mahogany trees, beside two tranquil lagoons, where an endless stream of wildlife wanders. Scattered along the banks lie 18 thatched chalets with covered verandas that look out over resident hippo pods. The newly updated rooms provide comfortable seating areas and en suite bathrooms with spacious walk-in showers. The airy interior of the main lodge is an exquisite complement to its natural surroundings. The open floor plan featuring cozy sofas and chairs and African-chic styling incorporates a lounge, dining and bar area under a thatch roof supported by palm poles and dominated by two impressive chimneys at opposite ends. There is a broad timber deck where the swimming pool is situated, overlooking the main lagoon. From here you can relax and cool off while witnessing the parade of wildlife nearby. A Bush Spa provides all types of relaxing treatments and a Curio Shop and library are also available.

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Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with shower
• Shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion
• Hair dryer
• Air conditioning
• 220v charging outlets in room
• In-room safe
• Central swimming pool
• Spa (extra cost)
• Outdoor gym
• Wi-Fi in libarary
• Laundry included
• Credit cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard)

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Wildlife Viewing & Activities

The wildlife viewing at Mfuwe Lodge and the surrounding area is astonishing. Walking safaris can be arranged on request, but the majority of outings consist of wildlife drives in the incredible Luangwa Valley. Drives usually set out at first light, and then again in the late afternoon, when the wildlife is at its most active. Prides of lion, elephant, hippo, leopard, wild dog, zebra and hyena abound in the nearby forests and open plains. In the evening, spotlights are used to pick out a new cast of nocturnal creatures. This region of the park is also renowned for giraffe, buffalo, antelope and crocodile, which are constant visitors to Mfuwe Lodge’s lagoon. In November, a family of local elephants regularly wanders through the main lobby in search of succulent fruits hanging from a nearby mango tree - an incredible sight to behold. Cultural visits to the local village, school and textiles/ handicraft market are also available.

Each region has varying concentrations and species of wildlife, and the below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in the area. Other typical sightings may include Thornicroft’s giraffe, Crawshay’s zebra, Cookson’s wildebeest, and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on seasonality and wildlife movements.

Climate

Conservation

Mfuwe Lodge assists the wildlife and people of the South Luangwa by working with the local community to develop projects that help conserve precious resources and generate sustainable sources of income. Back in the 1960’s, when Norman Carr first started to operate walking safaris in Zambia, he realized that conservation could not work without the local people truly benefiting from the wildlife around them. Today, this approach to responsible tourism is more pertinent than ever. In 1999, the operators of Mfuwe Lodge started providing much-needed help to two local schools, Chiwawatala Basic School in Mfuwe and Chilongozi School in a remote area close to their bush camps and lodges. Since their support began, the progress of the schools has been remarkable. With generous donations they have been able to sponsor pupils, pay teachers’ salaries, build classrooms and staff houses and take the school children into the park on wildlife drives.

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