Mfuwe Lodge

a reasonable base from which to explore central areas

Mfuwe Lodge is located in the South Luangwa Central area of eastern Zambia.

The lodge is in a pretty position between a large waterhole and a usually dry oxbow lagoon in the Central Sector, just 2 km north of the main Mfuwe Bridge Gate.

It is one of the largest properties inside the reserve and really is more of a hotel than a safari camp. It is centred on a substantial and relatively stylish main building characterised by unusual circular brickwork columns under an enormous thatched roof. This building contains the main lounge and dining areas, which are airy and nicely decorated. There is also a good gift-shop here.

Outside the extensive lawn areas include a reasonable swimming pool, which is very popular during the middle part of the day.

A little further away there is an extensive spa facility offering a wide range of treatments and with a lovely relaxing view over the lagoon. Unfortunately we are always too busy to take advantage of the spa, but it is widely praised by guests.

Animals in camp

One particular aspect that we always appreciate is the amount of wildlife that comes into camp.

Here you can expect to see warthogs, impalas, zebras, bushbucks and monitor lizards at close range.

But far more impressive are the local elephants, led by matriarch Wonky Tusk, who have rather famously taken to walking right through reception when wanting to get between the lagoon and the oxbow. Obviously these elephants have become unusually habituated to humans, but guests need to be aware that this is a potentially very dangerous situation, which should not be taken lightly. Nevertheless it is probably the number one reason that people choose to stay here.

There can also be a good deal of hippo noise during the evenings, which is very atmospheric.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Mfuwe Lodge is in a total of eighteen rooms, all of which are on the quieter oxbow side.

They are all heavily built of blockwork under thatch and nicely presented, with private verandahs out front. Conventionally plumbed bathrooms include twin basins and impressive showers. The beds are surrounded by large mosquito nets and are cooled by fans.

Standard Rooms : x13 : These rooms are no lesser in style, but are smaller and only on one level.

Honeymoon Suites : x2 : Two storey rooms, entered on the upper floor where the bedroom is situated, the lounge, bathroom and deck being below.

Family Suites : x3 : Entered on the lower floor, where there is a small lounge, bedroom and bathroom, with a master bedroom upstairs.

Activities

Mfuwe Lodge provides the following guided activities …

• vehicle safari
• walking safari
• night vehicle safari

South Luangwa is a very high quality safari area that often serves as the primary location in a trip.

The stay duration tends to be 5-8 nights split between two camps, or more occasionally 3-5 nights at one camp. Three camp combinations are also possible.

Seasonality

The best time to visit South Luangwa is during the May-Oct dry season, when the wildlife is focused on the riverine areas and easy to find.

Within that period, May-Jul is pleasantly cool at night, but the animals may not yet be fully migrated back into the river.

Towards the end of that period, Oct-Nov the wildlife should be at its strongest, but the weather is likely to be uncomfortably hot, especially at night. Bear in mind that most camps do not have air-conditioning.

Getting around

South Luangwa lies to the east of the country and is usually accessed by light aircraft services from Lusaka or Livingstone.

From Mfuwe Airport it is 45 minutes by road into camp.

usually combined with Livingstone and other safari areas