Mfuwe Lodge is situated in a prime location in the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, just five minutes’ drive from the main gate. This enchanting thatch-and-timber lodge offers a cool, airy and comfortable stay on the banks of a lagoon that teems with wildlife. Overlooking the Mfuwe Lagoon, which is home to a large pod of hippo and is covered in brilliant green Nile cabbage, it is very pretty.
Location of South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.
Accommodation and Amenities
Entering the lodge, you will find high beamed ceilings and thatch roofs. 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 large open plan dining room, lounge and bar area that leads onto a lovely big pool deck with views of a smaller lagoon. 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.
Scattered along the banks of the lagoon are Mfuwe’s 18 private chalets. The 13 Standard Chalets offer open-plan living, an en suite bathroom, mini bar and private game-viewing deck overlooking the lagoon. The lodge has 18 chalets, including three family rooms and two suites. Scattered along two lagoons' shady banks lie Mfuwe Lodge’s thatched chalets, where visitors enjoy a private piece of Africa. Each has its own private deck area overlooking the lagoons. Stone paths lead to 18 well appointed timber and thatch chalets, two of which are split-level suites and two that are family rooms. Every chalet overlooks the lagoon and has a large sun deck. Sitting on your chair you can watch the hippo wallow and splash in the water in front of you. Inside, the chalets are spacious, with double or twin beds, walk-in mosquito nets, fans, writing desks, fridge and en suite shower rooms. The newly updated rooms provide comfortable seating areas and en suite bathrooms with spacious walk-in showers. The split-level suites are entered through an upper lounge and deck area, while the bedroom and bathroom below offer another spacious decking area.
Mfuwe’s main areas include a large open-fronted restaurant and bar area, looking out to the extensive deck and swimming pool. Enjoy freshly-made breakfasts, buffet lunches and gourmet dinners under African skies in the reed-enclosed boma which includes a bar and lounge for your comfort. It is a larger camp so perfect for those who want to blend in and not be fussed over too much, great amenities with a well-stocked curio shop, bush spa, photographic room and library. The bush spa offers all sorts of treatments, from full-body stress-relief massages to reflexology to rehydrating wraps.
Read also: Mukuni Village Experience
The swimming pool area at Mfuwe Lodge.
Wildlife and Activities
Mfuwe Lodge is set in a prolific wildlife area within South Luangwa National Park. An imposing and luxurious lodge, it is encircled by two of South Luangwa's permanent lagoons, guaranteeing excellent game-viewing right from the comfort of your deck! Cool off in the lodge’s swimming pool while watching African wildlife graze or drink at the lagoon below you or head off on an exciting morning, afternoon or night game drive or even a guided walking safari.
Activities from Mfuwe focus on exploring the South Luangwa in day and night 4X4 game drives, all in open-topped vehicles, and accompanied by an expert guide. 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 evenings these game drives become exciting spot-light night drives, perfect for finding Luangwa's predators such as lion and leopard, which are frequently seen. This region of the park is also renowned for giraffe, buffalo, antelope and crocodile, which are constant visitors to Mfuwe Lodge’s lagoon. If you get the opportunity to head out after sunset you should take it. The bush transforms under the cover of darkness as the nocturnal wildlife gets going.
*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns.
The Unique Elephant Experience
The Elephants that came to dinner 🐘🐘🐘 | Mfuwe Lodge, Zambia
Read also: History of Zambia's Air Force
Elephants walking through the reception area of Mfuwe Lodge.
Conservation and Community Support
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.
Location and Accessibility
Great location for the start or end of a South Luangwa safari due to its location close to Mfuwe Airport. Although you cannot ignore the fact that Mfuwe Lodge is a large hotel in the bush, it works perfectly as the start or finish of a safari in the South Luangwa.
Wildlife Sightings
Each region has varying concentrations and species of wildlife, and the chart below 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.
Read also: Zambia Travel Guide
| Animal | Likelihood of Sighting |
|---|---|
| Lion | High |
| Elephant | High |
| Hippo | Very High (around the lagoon) |
| Leopard | Common |
| Wild Dog | Moderate |
| Zebra | Common |
| Hyena | Common |
| Giraffe (Thornicroft’s) | Common |
| Buffalo | Common |
| Antelope | Common |
| Crocodile | Common |
| Wildebeest (Cookson’s) | Common |
Popular articles:
tags: #Zambia
