activities - So Many Ways to Unwind

South Luangwa National Park is widely recognised as one of Africa’s premier National Parks, delivering a wide range of excellent game viewing opportunities throughout the year. The changing seasons are very pronounced, providing visitors with the opportunity to partake in a mixture of the more traditional game drives, walking safaris (for which South Luangwa is justifiably famous) and water-based boat safaris (water levels permitting). Chikunto Safaris opens in the middle of February (with a combination of game drives and boat drives available until late-April / mid-May) and closes in the middle of November as the rainy season begins.

Reservations

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Day and...

There are a number of benefits of being located deep inside the National Park’s, in an area rich with a wide variety of animals and birdlife. One of them being that your wildlife viewing can begin from the main raised deck area as you have your early morning coffee and breakfast; another being that none of your precious safari-time is wasted travelling unnecessarily. No two safari drives are the same and you will have the opportunity to join one of the purpose-built safari vehicles for early-morning drives that includes a stop for a scenic coffee & biscuit break before heading back to the lodge mid-morning.

... NIGHT GAME DRIVES

In the afternoons, following your afternoon tea and cakes, there will be another opportunity to explore a different area of the park and to enjoy one of the eponymous African Sundowners, and to finish with a night game drive back to the camp / lodge. Your guide is joined by a specially trained ‘spotter’ whose job it will be to use the handheld spotlight to help track down the many nocturnal animals and birds – perhaps focusing on the lions and the leopards, but also including elusive animals such as the secretive civet and genet amongst others.

Walking Safaris

South Luangwa is sometimes referred to as ‘The home of the walking safari’, providing you with an opportunity to bring even closer in touch with the land and the eco-system as a whole. Your Guide is joined by an armed Scout from the Department of National Parks, ensuring that you can make the most of this unique experience whilst maintaining the highest levels of safety. On a walking safari you get to learn from your guide to touch, feel and smell the environment that the wildlife inhabits – all in an area of pristine natural beauty. Whilst completely optional a walking safari is something that you should at least seriously consider doing your visit to South Luangwa.

Boat Safaris

During the Emerald Season, from mid-February through to the latter part of April / early May, the camp / lodge is accessed directly by boat via the Luangwa River and there will be the opportunity to combine morning game drives with an afternoon boat drive and a leisurely sundowner, drifting down the Luangwa River. Take the opportunity to explore from a different dimension, to check out the hippos and the crocodiles in the river, as well as the myriad of bird species that frequent the riverbanks.

Testimonials

What Clients Say?

Great Location, Great Kitchen

We spend 4 Nights (Family tent for 4 people) in Jens' loveley Place! Team was very warmly welcoming us - Special thanks to Irene & Joan and our Skipper Sam ! Small Lodge with 5 tents - in the middle of nowhere 😎 Outstanding was the kitchen team - Best Food we had in Sambia ! Many thanks as well to our Guide "Money" - well experienced, funny and always with a great Story to tell! We will remember...

PeterPanPallin
April 2024 on Tripadvisor
Life changing

We didn't know what to expect when we showed up, but three days into our stay we decided to book it for next year!! I can't say enough about this place. Everything from the food to the staff. We came as strangers and left as family!!

duanes933
October 2023 on Tripadvisor
Abundant wildlife from a super, intimate lodge

A fabulous experience from start to finish. The accommodation was excellent, the food delicious and the staff delightful. Chikunto is well placed to access the best parts of the South Luangwa National Park and our guide James had both an extensive knowledge of the animals and of their behaviour which allowed him to position the Land Rover for the best view of the action. We were thrilled to watch ...

F7687EMjohnw
October 2023 on Tripadvisor
Leopard Heaven – if you want a ‘sure thing’ stay at Chikunto Safari Lodge

Leopard Heaven – if you want a ‘sure thing’ stay at Chikunto Safari Lodge Seeing is believing! Three leopards later on my first game drive with Chikunto Safaris there was little doubt in my mind that South Luangwa is indeed The Valley of the Leopard. And Chikunto’s guides are expert at finding them. Talk about good 'spotting'! Finally, my dream had come true - I was in ‘leopard heaven' as our ex...

Tiffany-on-holiday
October 2023 on Tripadvisor
Great lodge location within the park and a wonderful welcome

We'd heard that there were wild dogs in the area and obtained some excellent help and advice even though we were not residents. This included a short tour of the facilities which seemed very luxurious from a stunning pool to the small number of exclusive cabins. Definitely one for the bucket list as it was clear that you'll be well looked after

SolihullRichard
September 2023 on Tripadvisor