Luangwa River Lodge is a relative newcomer to Luangwa Valley. It was built by a young English couple, Barry and Tara, who arrived in Zambia in 2001 with a host of ideas and a huge amount of enthusiasm and determination to carry them through. Six years later, and Luangwa River Lodge is a beautifully designed contemporary lodge set in shade trees on the banks of the Luangwa River, which subtly blends in with the surrounding area and offers guests walking and driving safaris.
Tara's background as an interior designer is very clear in the design of the lodge which merges local materials with modern designs. Water features, palm trees and enormous red earthen plaster pillars make this an impressive yet very comfortable space.
The lodge has a large lawn area at the front, with canvas chairs on the edge of the riverbank – from here the sunsets really are spectacular – and it's a prime point to view elephants crossing the river in the evenings.
On our last visit, the guiding was being done by Victor and James, who were both are knowledgeable and enthusiastic – and this came across very clearly. In fact, we've known Victor for many years (he used to be a scout at Phil Berry's Camp, Kuyenda, before he trained up to become a fully-fledged guide) and he has a real depth of experience in the area.
Luangwa River Lodge offers both walks and 4WD game drives – and the walks start with a short boat trip across the river to the park in the earlier part of the season or, in the later and dryer part of the season, the vehicle can be driven straight across the river into the park.
Central facilities: The main area of the lodge is an impressive “U” shape, with a dark wooden bar and seating areas at one end, and the dining area at the other end.
In the middle is the swimming pool, complete with decorative swing behind which are the water features in the lodge, with steps in between up to the main areas.
The dining area is to the far end of the main lodge and meals can be taken under cover in the open-sided restaurant, or depending on the weather, outside in the open under the stars.
The bar is thoughtfully constructed from local materials and has a comfortable seating area on each side with squishy sofas. There are many individual features which combine to make the whole area relaxing and tranquil – for example the light walls which cast a soft light over one of the seating areas. The wooden floors are dark and highly polished and the roof is thatched and very high which lets the light in during the day. The whole lodge feels quietly stylish.
Directions: The lodge is reached through the park – it's a 90-minute slow, meandering drive to the crossing point (the Luangwa Wafwa lagoon), and then a quick boat or vehicle trip across the river depending on the water levels.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Sean, Barry and Tara van der Maas, Ian McGrory
Staff: Lodge Manager: Sean van der Maas
Guides: Victor and James
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: The food here is of a very high standard – although on our last visit we only had time to stay for sundowners! Given the quality of the snacks we were offered with our drinks, we can well believe this!
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Yes except premium brands which may need to be requested beforehand
Special interests
Honeymoons: Luangwa River Lodge is a wonderful romantic spot to be pampered – the secluded chalets have a soft, romantic feel with beautiful lighting and luxurious bathrooms, and the team here are good at making people feel special. Treats such as special private honeymoon suppers can be arranged.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Honeymoons
Birdwatching: Luangwa River Lodge stands on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, and near several large lagoons – so has varied environments within easy reach. The birding here is good; with water-birds and many other species including raptors, bee-eaters and rollers.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Birdwatching
Walking: South Luangwa is probably Africa's best park for big game walking safaris. Luangwa River Lodge offers walking safaris as an optional activity – both in the park and in the game management areas. The lodge is particularly easy to combine into a camp-to-camp walking trip with camps in the park.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Walking
Wildlife: South Luangwa is one of Africa's top big game destinations, with high densities of wildlife; night drives make sightings of lion and leopard particularly common. During our sundowners at Luangwa River Lodge, we spotted hippo, crocodile, antelope coming to drink and a large herd of elephants crossing the river.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Wildlife
Children
Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome by prior arrangement.
Age restrictions: The age restriction is usually 10 years
Activities: None
Equipment: None
Generally recommended for children: Yes, over the age of 10 years.
Notes: Children will need a private vehicle so they don't disturb other guests.
Central communications
Communications: Telephone, e mail and internet are available for guests to use. The lodge also has mobile reception (not necessarily a good thing!). Guests are requested to set their mobile phones to silent when in communal areas and phones must be switched off during all game drives and walks.
TV & radio: None
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: Nearest doctor is at the local clinic, approximately 45 minutes drive away. He/she is on call 24 hours a day for clients. For more serious cases you would be airlifted to Lusaka or Jo'burg.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: There are unarmed night watchmen at night to escort you to and from your room.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in the rooms and in the bar, kitchen and workshop.
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Included – this is a speedy service – clothes are collected during the morning activity and returned during the afternoon activity.
Money: There is a central safe in the office which is bolted to the floor and guests are welcome to leave valuables/documents here.
Accepted payment: Visa credit cards only (6% commission), US dollars, UK sterling, euros, SA rands.
Excellent safari at Luangwa River Lodge
In summary, the service, guiding, room and food at Luangwa River Lodge were all excellent.
Although outside the park, the lodge is just across the river (you drive or boat across) and we were usual...
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