the lodge
Our Location
Luangwa Wilderness Lodge lies within Luambe National Park, in eastern Zambia.
It is cradled on the banks of the Luangwa River in the Luangwa Valley, between the North and South Luangwa National Parks.
Being the only lodge within the entire park, Luangwa Wilderness offers exclusive accommodation and allows the visitor to experience a truly authentic and vibrant Africa.
Although the lodge itself is worth a visit for a couple of days it can serve as well as a convenient stopover for people going to North Luangwa from South Luangwa or vice versa, and also for the more adventurous travelling from Mpika down the Munyamadze corridor. 4x4 vehicles are essential for these safari tours.
Luambe National Park itself is comparatively small (about 35–38,000 hectares), but has a varied and beautiful landscape, and a large number of game and species diversity due to its year-round water-holding lagoons.
Its riverside location also provides ringside seats to the elephant that come down to drink, and, in October, to hundreds of hippos splashing in the water.
The lodge`s GPS coordinates are S 12°27.550`; E 32°08.700`.
The Accommodation
The lodge has five safari-style tents built on wooden platforms overlooking the river. Each has two beds, cupboard space, an en-suite toilet, wash-basin and hot shower. For families, a special 2-bedroom chalet is available.
Your hosts provide all the necessities for a pampered stay in a truly African atmosphere. Guests can relax and enjoy a sundowner and views of hippo and other game from the comfort of their river-side accommodation.
A set of teak armchairs in our communal dining area also invites you to just relax, watch birds across the river or have a look at our displayed guides and books about wildlife.
Separate, but alongside the lodge there is also a campsite, where showers are taken under huge African skies.
Your hosts
Since the turn of the year, our lodge manager has been Darlene Elliot. Darlene was born in South Africa and has more than 1o years experience within the travel industry. She has already made a great impression on guests, staff and our local community. She looks forward to welcoming you to the lodge in the near future.
Our professional and local guide, Matthews - who always proves hugely popular with guests - has been promoted to the position of Assistant Manager. This a title and role that he shares along with our 'chef du cuisine', Peter, who was also recently promoted. We are delighted to reward the commitment, enthusiasm and application that these two "home-grown" talents have shown.
In addition we employ 12 fully-trained and hard-working staff members from nearby villages, who are ready to attend to your every need.
Dining at Luangwa Wilderness Lodge
Experience truly magnificent meals as delightful interludes to your peaceful stay, with options to suit any visitor's taste.
The day usually starts with freshly brewed coffee and tea, served besides our fireplace or outside your tent.
Full catering includes a substantial brunch after the morning drive, morning and afternoon tea or coffee, and a three course dinner. This can be taken either in the large thatched dining area around the open fireplace, overlooking the river, or, by arrangement, in exotic candle-lit locations beside nearby lagoons or under enchanting forest canopies.