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

+353 87 693 3333
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?

The best Safari Lodge, with abundant wildlife

We joined a group from Naturetrek and were treated to an excellent week by the wonderful staff at the Lodge who looked after us all so well. The rangers gave us the chance to see all the animals as well as a great number of birds. Highly recommended, and we are planning to return.

angelasF5205OT
October 2024 on Tripadvisor
Family Safari At Its Best

One of the best stays of my life. From the moment we arrived they puty the needs of our family top of their list, making every moment special for us and especially my little girl. The room was beautiful and they created a safari experince that flowed around our needs. This was my 15th visit to South Luangwa and as an experienced safari travller it was great to see how they made our safari special...

G3427BXandreww
September 2024 on Tripadvisor
Stunning

Chikhunto and South Lungwe were a stunning experience. The safari experience is breath taking with varied landscapes and amazing safari. Sometimes the guides tracked down animals, sometimes you turned a corner and....wow! I won't repeat the comments people have already written. The quality of our experience here significantly contributed to us rating our trip to Zambia as the best ever travelli...

PMandLW
September 2024 on Tripadvisor
Hidden Gem!

Stunning place to stay! The staff were incredible - especially Irene as she was a ray of sunshine! The food was also delicious and we had some fabulous game drives. Manny was our guide with a trainee called Harry and they were both true professionals that made the trip very fun and very informative. We saw lions, leopards, elephants and so much more. This place is such a hidden gem.

alexwbeighton
September 2024 on Tripadvisor
A sparkling gem in the bush

Chikunto Safari Lodge is definitely a gem in South Luangwa Park. Wonderfully comfortable accommodations, Michelin-worthy meals, a welcoming friendly staff, and some of the best bush guides I've ever met. I have stayed at other safari lodges in Africa at nearly triple the cost and Chikunto easily met those standards. My room was extremely clean and comfortable, the showers were wonderful with amp...

V180LHamyr
June 2024 on Tripadvisor