Description
Luangwa Safari House is a stunning private house situated on private land. The house is owned and run by Robin Pope Safaris who were among the first to operate safaris in this area. The superstructure of the house is made up of 25 ancient leadwood trees, with an imposing entrance faced with local stone. The house comprises four large ensuite bedrooms, a substantial dining/sitting area, and a private pool.
The views from the house are awe-inspiring, as it is built on the edge of a seasonal lagoon, with a backdrop of the Chindeni Hills. From the terrace, a magnificent raised walkway leads to a wooden deck surrounding a small group of huge ebony trees in the middle of the lagoon. There is a large leather sofa, a hanging chair and a dining table and chairs for al fresco meals. The waterhole is nearby, and if you sit quietly, you may see families of elephants coming to bathe.
All activities are exclusive to the house guests. Your private chef and house manager will discuss daily menus and activities to suit all ages and preferences.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in four double rooms, each has a style of its own. Extra large beds, both king size or twin fit into each room under one mosquito net. There is a wooden ceiling fan inside each net. The beds have all been designed differently, from two poster beds to raised futon style. The materials used in the bedrooms are hand painted and made locally at Tribal Textiles. Each bathroom has a different theme for the fittings, reflecting the colours of the rooms. From copper for the "Coral room" (including a hand made copper bath) to recycled sandblasted aluminium in the "Blue Agate" bedroom.
Childcare
Children 7 years and over are very welcome at Luangwa Safari House, there is a whole range of family safari activities available including game drives and nature walks to learn to identify animal spoor and droppings, birding for beginners and learning to use spotlights at night. Families may want to do activities together but if a child wants to stay behind they can be looked after and entertained. Other activities available include safari packs with fun quizzes and puzzles, trips to Kawaza School to meet Zambian children, helping out in camp or playing games in the house. The older boys love going to the workshop for the morning, playing sport (beach cricket) or even having a sleep in, lazy morning and fry up by the pool.
Facilities
To one site of the quartz tiled terrace there is a large plunge pool. From this terrace a magnificent risen walkway leads to a wooden deck surrounding a small group of ebony trees in the middle of the lagoon. There is a large leather sofa, and a hanging chair plus dining table and chairs for al fresco meals. The waterhole is only meters from the deck and families of elephant frequently come to bathe here.
Activities
Activities are entirely chosen by the guests and tailored to their requirements. Guests have the option of a walk or a game drive. The drives include morning, afternoon and night drives. An all day drive, with a picnic lunch, is also available. The walks are led by very knowledgeable guides, and escorted by armed National Park scouts. The standard of the guiding is outstanding.
During the months of December to April (Emerald Season) the Luangwa River is rising and falling depending on the rainfall. January to March it is flowing bank to bank. At times it is near full and pouring into the adjacent lagoons. Whatever the level, boating on the river during these months is simply magical.
Alternatively, guests can choose a cultural visit to a local village and school as well as Tribal Textiles an industry based in Mfuwe producing gorgeous hand printed fabrics.
Services
There is a private chef and house manager who will tailor food and menu plans to suit. Activities and are exclusive to house guests and can be designed to suit the individual group requirement.
When to travel
Zambia has a moderate to sub-tropical climate with three distinct seasons: from November to March is the Emerald, or the rainy season, April to July is Zambia's winter, when the weather is cool and dry, and August to October is summer, when the weather is hot and dry. In terms of game-viewing, the dryer months, meaning a higher concentration of game at the permanent water sources, are a superb time to visit. Alternatively come for some superb bird-watching at the end of the rains.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
In the Nkwali area of the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Luangwa has a great bush location overlooking a waterhole and the backdrop of the Chindeni Hills.
How to get there
10 hour international flight to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lusaka. After a 70-minute flight from Lusaka, you arrive at Mfuwe Airport where you are met for a game drive transfer to camp, through South Luangwa National Park which takes approximately 30 minutes.
