Chikunto Safari Lodge

Highlights

• Chikunto Lodge is nestled on a picturesque bend of the Luangwa River
• Offers guests unparalleled views and a luxury safari experience in the heart of South Luangwa National Park
• exceptional safari guides and trackers both an extensive knowledge base
• Spacious, elegantly decorated suites that combine rustic charm with modern amenities
• Exquisite cuisine that blends Zambian culinary traditions with international flavours
• An open-air thatched lounge area and a well-equipped bar with views of the Luangwa River
• Classic game drives and walking safaris to boat excursions are available
• Offers educational and entertaining activities for children aged eight and above
• A strong commitment to sustainability and supporting local communities

Information

• Lodge type: Luxury Safari Lodge
• Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
• Lodge size: 5 Tented Suites
• Recommended stay: 3-7 nights

Chikunto Safari Lodge: Where Luxury Meets The Untamed Luangwa Wilderness

Chikunto Safari Lodge distinguishes itself through a harmonious blend of luxury and wilderness. This unique safari destination offers guests an unparalleled experience of South Luangwa National Park's rich wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

Guests are invited to immerse themselves fully in nature while enjoying modern comforts. The lodge's commitment to eco-friendly practices ensures a minimal environmental footprint, making it an ideal choice for the eco-conscious traveller.

With a limited number of suites, Chikunto, on the iconic Luangwa River provides an intimate and personalised safari experience, facilitating close encounters with nature and wildlife. Activities at the lodge cater to a diverse range of interests, including guided game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching, allowing guests to explore the untouched beauty of Zambia's wilderness.

Chikunto boasts a stunning view of the meandering Luangwa River at a picturesque bend located on the famous Big Bend site. It's renowned as one of the top safari lodges in Zambia and the South Luangwa National Park, offering an exceptional setting for your genuine wilderness safari adventure.

Rooms And Suites

At Chikunto Safari Lodge, each tented suite exemplifies a blend of elegance and African authenticity. Crafted with attention to detail, the interiors are adorned with locally sourced materials, ensuring every element resonates with the natural beauty surrounding the lodge.

Airy and expansive, the suites are equipped with all modern amenities without compromising the rustic essence that defines the safari experience. Guests can indulge in the comfort of high-quality bedding, enjoy the convenience of tea and coffee-making facilities, and relax in the seating area that offers panoramic views of the untamed wilderness.

The integration of luxury within the wild enriches the authenticity of the safari experience, ensuring guests enjoy unparalleled comfort amidst nature's untouched beauty.

• Four Deluxe Safari Tents are available, each with two king-size/twin beds and two king-size beds. Each tent features an open-plan en-suite bathroom with a private shower, twin washbasins, and a flushing toilet.
• 1x Deluxe Family Tent offers two bedrooms (one king-size and one twin), the communal living area separates the bedrooms, with a screened off en-suite bathroom including a shower, twin washbasins, and a flushing toilet.

All the tented suites are set up at a height of 1.5 - 2m above the ground for safety reasons.

Cuisine And Wine

The cuisine at Chikunto Safari Lodge stands as a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Zambia, combined with a flair of international cuisine, creating incredible dining experiences. Ingredients are locally sourced, ensuring freshness and supporting the surrounding communities.

Each dish is thoughtfully prepared, presenting a palette of flavours that reflect the diverse landscapes of Zambia. Guests can enjoy their meals overlooking the serene vistas of the South Luangwa National Park and the Luangwa River, making dining at Chikunto Safari Lodge an unforgettable experience marked by exquisite tastes and spectacular views.

Facilities

The heart of the lodge is a spacious, open-air sanctuary beneath a thatched roof, offering a touch of understated luxury. Here, you can relax, swap stories of wildlife encounters, browse through the collection of wildlife books, or simply take in the breathtaking views of the Chikunto waterhole and the Luangwa River. For those eager to share photos with loved ones or catch up on emails, there's even high-speed internet access available.

Nestled under the thatched roof is a well-equipped bar, complete with plush leather barstools for utmost comfort. Adjacent to the main lounge is an alfresco circular deck featuring a captivating fire pit where guests can gather for pre-dinner drinks and conversations or enjoy a cup of coffee before heading out on an early-morning game drive.

Positioned directly in front of the lounge area is a saltwater counter-current swimming pool, a unique highlight specific to South Luangwa.

Activities

South Luangwa National Park truly shines as one of Africa's premier National Parks, presenting exceptional game-viewing opportunities all year round. The distinct seasons offer visitors a chance to relish a variety of experiences, from classic game drives to renowned walking safaris and water-based boat safaris (when water levels permit). Chikunto Safaris and Chikunto Safari Lodge operates from mid-February to mid-November, offering a blend of game drives and boat excursions.

Renowned as 'The home of the walking safari,' South Luangwa provides a unique way to connect with the land and its ecosystem. Your Guide, accompanied by an armed Scout from the Department of National Parks, ensures a secure and immersive experience.

Every game drive is an adventure in itself, beginning with early-morning drives that feature a picturesque coffee break before returning mid-morning. In the afternoons, post-tea and cakes, you have the opportunity to explore various parts of the park, relish African Sundowners, and conclude with a night game drive back to camp.

Child Friendly

Chikunto Safari Lodge is known for its family-friendly ethos, provides a myriad of activities designed to cater to guests eight years and older.

Children are welcomed with open arms and invited to partake in a variety of educational and entertaining activities, such as wildlife tracking, bird watching, and cultural excursions. These activities are thoughtfully tailored to be accessible and enjoyable for young explorers, ensuring that every family member has a memorable and enriching experience.

Chikunto Safari Lodge is unfenced, and parents will have to watch the kids at all times.

In Conclusion

Chikunto Safari Lodge presents an extraordinary opportunity to immerse oneself in the raw beauty of Zambia's South Luangwa National Park. With its attentive blend of luxury and authenticity, guests are ensured an unparalleled and untouched wilderness experience.

The array of activities, from the traditional game drives to the unique walking safaris, offers something for everyone, regardless of age. The lodge's commitment to conservation and community engagement adds depth to your stay, making it not just a holiday but an insightful venture into wildlife and cultural preservation.

Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or a profound connection with nature, Chikunto Safari Lodge stands as a beacon of excellence in the Zambia safari experience space.