Known as the birthplace of walking safaris, and the most supreme destination for leopard sightings and Pel’s fishing owl nesting sites; South Luangwa National Park is a pristine wildlife sanctuary, packed with diversity, rich in culture, and famed for the abundant Luangwa River Valley. This Zambian national park is over 9000 square kilometres, and is perhaps the country’s most popular destination. Easy to access via Mfuwe airport, and perfectly suited to a Botswana-Victoria Falls itinerary, South Luangwa offers a unique landscape of open spaces, vast wetland, wide rivers, and unbelievable birdlife. With all of this on offer, we are thrilled to introduce the brand new Chikunto Safari Lodge, opening its doors in April this year!
Chikunto is kicking off the new year by tying together the final details of this enormous project, which they have documented along the way. A relationship between a husband and wife team and a third partner has led to the successful launch of this project, and it is evident that it was born out of a passion for the wildest places in Africa. When it comes to location, Chikunto couldn’t be in a more ideal place on the banks of the Luangwa River, where herds of buffalo gather to drink, lion prides lie in wait using the terrain of the river bed to hide, hippos bellow lazily from their half-submerged positions in the water, and birds flit across the surface in a blur of colour.
These are the first released photos just as the lodge came together – enough to whet the appetite – and we are looking forward to learning more about Chikunto after they launch at ITB Berlin in March. In the meantime, this is what they are offering, and we’re already picturing ourselves in those elevated safari tents with view of the river!
There are 4 double safari tents (each sleeping 2 people) and 1 family tent (sleeping 4 people), all luxuriously constructed on elevated wooden decking overlooking the Luangwa River and offering magnificent views. Beds are either kingsize or two twins, and every room is kitted out with mosquito netting, a sitting area with a sofa and coffee table, a wardrobe, writing desk and en-suite bathroom. Each luxury tent also has its own viewing deck, which is shaded and offers a tranquil and blissful place to relax and watch the goings on around the camp.
The main area of the lodge has a swimming pool – which is a luxurious necessity during the hot summer months – a bar, boma, dining, and lounge. The positioning of the main lodge is also elevated and overlooking the Luangwa, ensuring that whether guests are sitting on their own covered verandas or relaxing at the pool, they don’t miss out on the wildlife activity at the river.
We can not wait to visit!
Check out the video taken during the build up to lodge completion – what a location!
