“Luangwa Safari House was beyond our expectations! The staff, the food, the location and especially the host, Jacob (let's see what mother nature has for us today!). ...”The Clare Family: UK April 2011 more guest feedback
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Luangwa Safari House
The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. It is through this that the great meandering Luangwa river runs, with its ox bow lagoons, riverine supported woodlands and large plains, all of which play host to huge concentrations of game including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds.
Designed by Neil Rocher this impressive private house sits gracefully on the edge of a lagoon system frequented by large herds of elephants, impalas, giraffes and countless other species which use the lagoon as a source of water and food throughout the year. All of which is magnificently set off by the back drop of the Chindeni Hills. During the dry season lunch can be had on the raised deck surrounded by up to 80 elephants splashing around and enjoying the cool water.
Luangwa House has been designed to assault the senses from the minute you arrive, a strong castle like structure looms up in front of you, then and as you enter through the enormous pivoting door, light and grace as the entire front of the house is open to wilderness. The four double rooms each subtly but differently decorated to mimic the elements – water, earth, wind and fire encompass the feeling of bringing nature into the house.
This magnificent private house is the ultimate in luxury and the perfect getaway for families (children over seven) or groups of friends seeking an indulgent and private break.
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The house
The magnificent structure of Luangwa House hangs between twenty-five enormous leadwood poles – this silvery weathered wood embodies the powerful yet elegant nature of the house.
Upon entering through the huge pivoting door you are welcomed by a large airy main area, the front of which is completely open affording incredible views of the landscape and countless animals as they stroll past the house. This room, the ceiling of which reaches up to twelve meters in height, is dominated by enticing sofas, two floating staircases on either side leading to the upstairs bedrooms and a large wrought iron and marble dining table. The open front of the main area leads on to a tiled terrace with a refreshing plunge pool on one side and a decked walkway through the ebony trees on the other.
Each of the spacious rooms are individual in style and have their own en-suite bathroom and private verandah area for you to enjoy the tranquility of Zambia.
During your stay with us at Luangwa House you will be looked after by our team dedicated solely to you. Your private guide who will tailor each and every activity around your personal preferences and requirements, whilst the chef and house manager will ensure that everything is as you want it for when you are back in the house.
The Luangwa Safari House is extraordinary - large and powerful, this castle like house gives you space, luxury and comfort with nature on your doorstep.
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Activities
Game drives
· An option of day or night drives.
· Toyota Landcruisers with two tier seats (three tier for groups / families) are used - a "window" seat (i.e. two people per row) for everyone.
· Open top vehicles, affording you total 360 degree vision.Walking
· The walks are led by our knowledgeable guide, and escorted by an armed National Park scout.
· Our guiding team is very passionate and will certainly impart some amazing bush insights at a level that will surprise you.Seasonal Boating - A special treat indeed for guests in the Emerald Season.
· From end December/January to around April.
· Explore the lagoons for enhanced game viewing and birding.Village Tours
· A visit to Kawaza Village and the schools is often remembered years later by our guests as the most rewarding part of their visit to Africa. This gives a more holistic experience of the Luangwa Valley.
· Alternatively take a stroll within the community around the Mfuwe area which is bustling – small “dukas” (shops), the market, bars, and people offering various skills.Wildlife Education Centre
· A charitable trust for the school children of the Luangwa Valley to teach them about wildlife and conservation.
· Great activity for the children especially.
Tribal Textiles
· For unique locally produced hand-painted textiles, drawing inspiration from the stunning Zambian wildlife and surroundings.
· A perfect place to buy a souvenir or two of your Zambian experience...
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Families
At Luangwa Safari House we welcome children above seven years old and will adapt the safari to each family depending on the needs and interests of everyone in the group. The Luangwa Safari House guide has a fantastic way with children and will calmly and clearly explain the safari to them as well as show a particular sensitivity towards the children on certain sightings. Depending on the children’s ages there are a whole range of activities available to them including game drives, nature walks where they can learn about animal spoor and droppings, star gazing and even a children’s pack with crosswords and dot to dots to make learning about the bush fun.
Early mornings aren’t suited to all children and if they wish to stay behind and have a lie in whilst mum and dad enjoy a quiet game drive the two of this is no problem at all. Your private host(ess) will be at hand to ensure that they are well looked after during the course of the morning and depending on the children’s age and interests they can have fun in the plunge pool, bake cookies with the chefs for your afternoon tea, make lions or elephants heads from papier mache, play games or simply have a slow morning with a cooked breakfast and a gentle start. Don’t forget about Kawaza village and the fun that can be had there - meeting Zambian children and seeing how they live, playing football and dancing with the families to the beat of the local drums.
The team will also speak to you about meals and meal times to ensure that the kitchen prepares the types of food that the children enjoy and will even provide a packed dinner for them to have at sundowners in the park if they need to eat earlier.
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Why stay here
The breathtaking Luangwa Safari House sits proudly on a spectacular lagoon which attracts game all year round. The space and privacy of the house is unrivalled and provides an understated luxury combined with a very welcome and friendly feel.
The highly experienced and passionate guiding team cannot fail to guarantee you an excellent safari experience and even when not out on an activity the wildlife that comes to the lagoon in front of the house is exceptional.
A stay at Luangwa House is ideal for those looking for a personalised and private safari experience.
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Camp Layout
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Map
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Team
It is the little things that make a difference – a belief that we hold close and a comment which comes back time and time again. One of the biggest “little things” is the team who are there to make your holiday amazing.
As part of our responsible tourism policy we employ a team of staff mainly from the local community whom we bring through the system and teach and train as we go. From the guides who share their extensive knowledge and passion about the bush to our chefs tempting you at every turn with mouthwatering treats, we’ve built a team that we believe in but that also love what they do and have a great time doing it and at Luangwa House it is this five star service that makes the difference.
Key Facts
- Open dates Mid March - Mid January
- Country Zambia
- National Park South Luangwa National Park
- Accommodation Uniquely designed private house with four large ensuite bedrooms
- Fact sheet Download PDF information sheet
- Availability & rates Check availability and make a booking enquiry