Chikunto Safari Lodge is a superb new boutique luxury Lodge located on an amazing site within the world-renowned South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Itself recognised as one of Africa’s premier National Parks and has been described by many as the ‘real Africa’. Known as the ‘Valley of the Leopard’ and famous for its high density of game and the absence of high volume game-viewing traffic it is a huge bonus to actually be based inside the Park itself.
Chikunto was built with the assistance of local villagers from the rural Mfuwe area, under the guidance of the German/Swiss owners, and is renowned for it’s game-rich location, the quality of its Guiding and the superb food it consistently delivers. The close bond with the local Community has been retained, with many of the locals involved with the original construction being re-trained and continuing to work as part of the ‘Chikunto Family’.
This not only gives back to the local Community, but also helps to ensure the next level of customer service.
With 5 spacious luxury Tented Suites (including 1 x Honeymoon Suite and 1 x Two Bedroomed Family Suite) it never feels crowded at Chikunto. Having said that, the extra-large firepit provides and ideal space around which you can gather for a pre-Dinner drink or two and discuss some of the day’s sightings. For those of you that might be thinking of travelling with family or a few friends the option of Exclusive Use is becoming increasingly popular.
The spacious main area is set under a large thatch roof, and incorporates reception, dining area, a well-stocked bar and a relaxing lounge area with an eclectic mix of African and European-style furniture – with some stunning black & white animal photography from the well-respected photographer, Patrick Bentley.
The Lodge is built on raised decking that helps from both a security point of view (it is in the middle of a National Park, after all!) and helps make the most of the stunning views directly out to the Luangwa River. It is quite possible that the back-drop to your alfresco dining could a family of elephants making their way down to river to drink, whilst you listen to the sounds of the bush.
Whilst the game-viewing is clealy likely to be one of the highlights of your stay (helped by the option of the Night Drives that maximise your chances of seeing one or more of the Leopard in the vicinity) your stay at Chikunto really gives you the opportinity to immerse yourself in the sights, the sounds and, dare I say it, the smells of Africa.
The salt-water swimming pool (no chlorine) has a counter-current system for those who wants to do some exercise and provides for some amazing photo opportunities for those that are so inclined.
An amazing elevated Stargazing / Sleepout Platform opened in June 2022, and this 6 metre high platform provides stunninng views over the Luangwa river and up to the African sky.The platfor comes complete with its own private telescope and the opportunity to have a private sundowner and dinner on nthe deck before falling asleep to the glow of the stars and the sounds of the African bush. To then wake up to the dawn chorus and the sight of a herd of puku or impala directly beside you.
A vist to Chikunto Safari Lodge will provide you with a visit to ‘The Real Africa’, an authentic safari experience but with the best of the modern day creature comforts. Memories that will last a life-time, or at least until your return visit to the Chikunto Family…
.
