Flatdogs Camp

a pleasant base from which to explore central areas

Flatdogs Camp is located in the South Luangwa Central area of eastern Zambia.

The camp is in a pleasant riverside position alongside the main Luangwa River adjacent to the main Mfuwe Bridge Gate into the national park. This area south of the bridge is a Game Management Area, so remains clear of human habitation and also contains a reasonable amount of wildlife.

From the vehicle turnaround, we first arrive at a colonnaded reception building. From here we follow a path to the main central areas, which are similar in design but are arranged around an inner courtyard.

To one side is the bar and lounge, to the other the main restaurant, whilst to the centre there is an internet cafe.

Out in the grounds there is a good sized swimming pool.

Animals in camp

One aspect which we particularly appreciate is the amount of wildlife which can be seen both in camp and out on the river directly below.

Elephants are very regular visitors, lured in by the shade and the seed pods which fall from the ebony trees; they can often be seen at very close quarters. Sometimes they doze here in great heaps through the heat of the day.

Hippos and vervet monkeys can also often be seen around camp.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Flatdogs Camp is in a total of 20 rooms, of various specifications …

Standard Tents : x3 : These simple Meru tents are set back from the river and do not have views as such. They are zippered at the front and rear, so the beds do not need mosquito nets, which is remarkably rare in this area and we consider to be a big advantage. To the rear is a simple open bathroom with conventionally plumbed basin, shower and toilet.

Safari Tents : x6 : These larger tents have the best river views, five overlooking the river and one the adjacent lagoon. They are shaded under thatch, which makes them cooler during the day but warmer at night. The beds have a large mosquito net and are cooled by a floor-standing fan. They are zippered at the front, but unfortunately not to the rear, where there is a larger open reedwork bathroom.

Luxury Family Tent : x1 : One of these tents is a little larger again and has an additional bed for a child.

Chalet : x6 : These rooms are contained within three separate buildings on two storeys. Upstairs is a twin or triple room with a bathroom at the bottom of the stairs. Downstairs is a double room. Each pair of rooms shares a small kitchen and verandah.

Family Chalet : x1 : This building has two downstairs bedrooms, plus a further loft room on the first floor, with nice verandahs upstairs and down. It also has its own braai or barbeque facilities.

Jackalberry Treehouse : x1 : This two-roomed option is completely different again. It is located a couple of minutes drive away from the main lodge and takes the form of a large low treehouse, wrapped around some stunning ebony trees and overlooking a small waterhole. There is a double room one end and a twin the other, with lounge and dining areas in between. Below the treehouse is a small photographic hide. Guests can get in touch with the lodge by radio and can have meals delivered or eat over at the main lodge. It really is very stylish and surprisingly well priced, even for couples.

Crocs Nest : x1 : The latest room is more to the level that one would expect in an exclusive and very expensive safari camp, a lovely suite with three bedrooms, two outdoor bathrooms and fronted by a private swimming pool.

Activities

Flatdogs Camp provides the following guided activities …

• vehicle safari
• walking safari
• village visits

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 30 minutes by road into camp.

usually combined with Livingstone and other safari areas