Luxury Safari Lodge
Zambia

Chinzombo Safari Camp
South Luangwa National Park

Chinzombo Safari Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia
Chinzombo Safari Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia
Chinzombo Safari Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia
Chinzombo Safari Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia

Highlights

  • Luxury Tented Villas: Spacious and elegantly designed, each villa features a private plunge pool, open-air deck, and floor-to-ceiling views of the Luangwa River. The combination of canvas and contemporary design creates a seamless blend of wilderness immersion and five-star comfort, offering guests an unparalleled safari retreat.
  • Exclusive Wildlife Access: Located in a prime area of South Luangwa National Park, Chinzombo provides unrivalled access to some of Africa’s best game viewing. The region is known for its high concentrations of leopards, lions, elephants, and hippos, with wildlife often seen right from the lodge’s deck.
  • Sustainable Design: Built with locally sourced timber, recycled materials, and solar power, Chinzombo is designed to be both luxurious and eco-friendly. The lodge prioritises sustainability with energy-efficient systems and a minimal environmental footprint, ensuring the pristine surroundings remain unspoiled.
  • Expert-Guided Safaris: Guests benefit from the expertise of Zambia’s finest safari guides, who lead game drives, walking safaris, and boat excursions. Walking safaris, a hallmark of South Luangwa, offer an up-close experience with wildlife, tracking big game on foot while learning about the intricate ecosystems of the bush.
  • Private Boat Transfers: Access to the lodge begins with a scenic boat ride across the Luangwa River, enhancing the sense of exclusivity and adventure. This unique arrival experience sets the stage for an intimate and luxurious stay in one of Zambia’s most breathtaking safari locations.
  • World-Class Dining: The lodge’s gourmet dining experience showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients, prepared with international flair and served in breathtaking bush settings. Meals are complemented by an excellent selection of wines, and private dining experiences under the stars add to the magic of the safari.

Good to know

How to get there

Flights from Lusaka take around an hour to reach Mfuwe from where there is a one hour road transfer to the lodge including crossing the Luangwa River.

Are children welcome?

Chinzombo Safari Camp welcomes children of all ages. The camp offers a two-bedroom family villa, ideal for families seeking luxury accommodation. However, as the camp is unfenced and situated in a wildlife-rich area, it’s essential for parents to supervise their children at all times. Additionally, certain activities, such as walking safaris, have a minimum age requirement of 12 years. Families with younger children may need us to arrange private activities, which could incur extra costs.

Giving back

Chinzombo Safari Camp is dedicated to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. Key aspects of their sustainability policy include:

  • Eco-Friendly Construction: The camp’s design incorporates natural materials such as timber, recycled elements, and locally produced leather, reed work, and canvas. This approach minimizes environmental impact and harmonizes with the surrounding wilderness.
  • Green Energy and Waste Management: Chinzombo employs cutting-edge green power solutions and waste management technologies to ensure the camp leaves the lightest possible environmental footprint.
  • Community Engagement: Through the Time + Tide Foundation, the camp supports local communities by investing in education, healthcare, and conservation initiatives, fostering a positive relationship between tourism and the local population.

What wildlife can you expect to see?

Chinzombo Safari Camp, located in South Luangwa National Park, is renowned for its diverse and abundant wildlife. Visitors can expect to see:

Big Cats & Predators:

  • Leopards – South Luangwa is one of the best places in Africa for leopard sightings, especially during night drives.
  • Lions – Large prides roam the park, often seen resting in the shade or hunting in the early morning and evening.
  • Wild Dogs – Though rare, African wild dogs are occasionally spotted in the park, particularly during their denning season.
  • Hyenas – Frequently heard at night, hyenas are opportunistic scavengers and skilled hunters, often competing with lions.

Large Mammals:

  • Elephants – Herds gather along the Luangwa River, particularly in the dry season when water sources become scarce.
  • Buffalo – Large herds, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, roam the floodplains and woodlands.
  • Hippos – The Luangwa River is home to some of Africa’s highest hippo concentrations, often seen wallowing in pods.
  • Giraffes – The unique Thornicroft’s giraffe, found only in South Luangwa, can be spotted browsing the treetops.
  • Zebras – The endemic Crawshay’s zebra, distinguishable by its lack of shadow stripes, is commonly seen grazing on the plains.

Antelope Species:

  • Puku – These shaggy-coated antelope are abundant along riverbanks and floodplains.
  • Impala – A common prey species for big cats, seen in large numbers throughout the park.
  • Waterbuck – Recognisable by the white ring on their rump, they are often found near water sources.
  • Kudu – Shy and elusive, kudu are more commonly spotted in woodland areas.

Birdlife:

  • Over 400 bird species can be seen, including iconic species like:
    • Lilac-breasted rollers
    • Carmine bee-eaters (seasonally nest along riverbanks)
    • Fish eagles (the national bird of Zambia)
    • Pelicans, storks, and herons in the river’s lagoons

Reptiles & Other Wildlife:

  • Crocodiles – Often seen basking on riverbanks or lurking in the Luangwa River.
  • Monitor Lizards – Large lizards that thrive in wetland and woodland areas.
  • Baboons & Vervet Monkeys – Active primates frequently seen near camp, often interacting in playful social groups.

Why we love Chinzombo

As the camp is located on a private stretch of the Luangwa River there is an incredible sense of exclusivity here, especially when relaxing on the deck watching the wildlife without having to go anywhere. To really immerse yourself in the safari experience we’d highly recommend heading out on foot with one of the incredible guides.

Melissa Kirby

Specialises in

Africa and the Indian Ocean
Chinzombo Safari Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia

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