Luangwa Safari House
Luangwa Safari House is an exclusive private house bordering the central Mfuwe sector of South Luangwa National Park.
Luangwa Safari House is an upmarket private house which is perfect as an exclusive base for family groups and friends travelling together (4 to 8 guests – a few extra beds can be added if needed for larger family groups). Undertaking game drives in the productive Mfuwe area does mean you will encounter other vehicles, but the immediate vicinity around the house is very exclusive and the house has a lovely setting with animals often wandering past. Food, service and guiding is all of a very high standard and the whole stay has a very private and personalised feel. A plunge pool and spacious central areas allow guests to relax and have fun in between safari activities.
Rooms
There are four bedrooms, two each at both ends of the house, with two bedrooms on the ground floor and two bedrooms upstairs (directly above the ground floor rooms). All the rooms are good size and en suite and so the house is suitable for 8 adults as well as for families with children. Each room is comfortably furnished and has ‘evening breeze’ air-conditioning over the bed – a blessing in the hotter months!
Central Areas
The House has a large reception, dining and lounge area under a high vaulted thatch roof (off which the bedrooms lead) which leads out to a spacious outside deck, fire pit and swimming pool.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – No
Power for charging – Yes
Swimming pool – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
The Luangwa Valley is one of Africa’s most scenic and game-rich National Parks. Forming part of the southern end of the Great Rift Valley, the wide valley floor is about 1,000ft lower than the surrounding plateau and through the centre flows the Luangwa River which is fed by dozens of sand rivers during the rainy season, causing it to become a raging torrent. It frequently alters its course from season to season, causing many ox-bow lakes to form. These lakes are very important to the ecology of the valley and account for the high carrying capacity of the park.
Elephant, although slightly smaller than their southern African savannah counterparts, are plentiful, as are buffalo (in huge herds), kudu, waterbuck, puku, impala, bushbuck, warthog, and reedbuck. Thornicrofts giraffe (endemic to the region) are commonly seen and the Cookson’s wildebeest can be seen in the northern sector of the park. Along the river hippo can be seen in their hundreds, in the late dry season packed into ever decreasing water pools, whilst huge crocs laze on the many sand banks. However, the park is perhaps best known for its predator populations, in particular lion and leopard, the latter of which are seen regularly by day and at night. Wild dogs have made a good comeback in the park in recent years and are often sighted. Night drives can also be very productive, with nocturnal species such as civet, genet, honey badger, white-tailed mongoose, African wild cat, spotted hyaena and porcupine regularly seen in addition to the many superb leopard sightings.
The birdlife of the Luangwa is equally exceptional, with over half of the total Zambia species (around 700) being recorded here. Commonly sighted species include crowned crane, carmine- and white-fronted bee-eaters (which nest in the banks of the river from late August onwards), Lilian’s lovebird, purple-crested turaco, paradise whydah, striped kingfisher and the impressive saddlebill storks. Pel’s fishing are also regularly seen.
Activities
Game viewing activities include both day and night game drives by open four-wheel drive vehicles, using either a pontoon to cross the river into the park, or gaining access via the main bridge and park gate. Guided walks are also available. A visit to the local village may also be arranged. All activities are exclusive (one guide and vehicle provided as standard, larger groups may need two guides).
Seasons
Luangwa Safari House is open from mid-March until mid-January each year but game viewing will be best from July to October.
Luangwa Safari House is designed for private groups and families and is a particularly good option for larger family groups or multi-generational parties. There is a swimming pool and large lounge area for relaxation during the heat of the day.
Robin Pope Safaris, operators of Luangwa Safari House, supports Project Luangwa which is a local charity formed by the safari operators of South Luangwa as a part of their commitment to responsible tourism. The aim is to ensure that tourism in the area benefits the nearby communities, helping them improve their economic prospects and education programmes whilst avoiding a negative impact on their natural environment.
They also offer financial support to Conservation South Luangwa through a mandatory Luangwa Conservation & Community Fee that each guest is charged per night and is shared between monitoring wildlife and Project Luangwa.
They work closely with The Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) which works to conserve large carnivores and their environments by means of education, conservation and research.
Together with several other operations, Robin Pope Safaris assist in the administration and employment of local forestry scouts to look after the natural resources within the Game Management Area.
The Luangwa Safari Association Medical Fund was founded by Robin Pope Safaris and contributes to the upkeep of Kakumbi Health Centre providing healthcare for over 20 000 people. They assist the centre through guest donations by providing supplies and medicines. Support is also given to the Chikowa local HIV project who support those living with the disease.
Support is also given to Kawaza Village which offers a cultural village experience and provides employment for village members, financial support to the elderly and orphans and study supplies for the primary school.
Where ever possible supplies for camp are purchased locally to assist the local economy and producers. Local craftsman are employed to construct or refurbish existing buildings and guests are offered the chance to purchase goods created by local artisans.
Luangwa Safari House are members of Pack for a Purpose where guests may use the empty space in their suitcases for donations of much needed school, sport and medical supplies for their supported projects.
