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Mutinondo Wilderness
Mutinondo Wilderness
Mutinondo Wilderness
Mutinondo Wilderness

Mutinondo Wilderness


12°27’16.0"S 31°17’29.8"E

About Mutinondo Wilderness

Near the edge of the Luangwa escarpment, Mutinondo Wilderness is a private, owner-run reserve covering some 100km².

This pristine area protects verdant woodlands and wetland areas sprinkled with large, smooth, granite whalebacks or hills, crystal-clear rivers and stunning waterfalls.

The freedom to explore at Mutinondo offers a real sense of wilderness and relaxation for confident travellers, without the need for guides or timetables. It’s an uncomplicated lodge, simple in layout and approach, and one that appeals mostly to seasoned safari-goers who are out to discover this corner of Zambia for themselves.

Our view

The freedom to explore at Mutinondo offers a real sense of wilderness and relaxation for confident travellers, without the need for guides or timetables. It’s an uncomplicated lodge, simple in layout and approach, and one that appeals mostly to seasoned safari-goers who are out to discover this corner of Zambia for themselves.

Claire Scott

Claire Scott

Zambia expert

Accommodation

4 chalets

Children

Best for aged 5+

Open

All year

Traveller reviews of Mutinondo Wilderness

2 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
2 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
2
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr Y & Dr CfromEssex

Arrived 1 May 2009, 4 nights

"Mutinondo Wilderness review"

"Beautiful location, very comfortable rooms, good food and extremely friendly …" Read Mr Y & Dr C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

The BushbucksfromOxon

Arrived 24 Jul 2008, 5 nights

"Unmissable Mutinondo marvels"

"This is a really wonderful place. It is extraordinarily beautiful country and …" Read The Bushbucks’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Mutinondo Wilderness reviews

Mutinondo Wilderness: Our full report

Near the edge of the Luangwa escarpment, Mutinondo Wilderness is a private, owner-run reserve covering some 100km².

This pristine area protects verdant woodlands and wetland areas sprinkled with large, smooth, granite whalebacks or hills, crystal-clear rivers and stunning waterfalls.

Mutinondo Wilderness Lodge stands on a stunning hill. Its four rustic chalets were a labour of love, built almost entirely from local materials by local craftsmen and furnished in similar style. They're large and have private showers and toilets, but are not highly polished. Expect rough-hewn stone in this wild and lovely patch of Africa.

The main area is comfortable and unpretentious, with a great outlook over the reserve and a self-service bar that adds to the sense of homeliness. Meals are served either on a deck-with-a-view or in a cosy dining area.

Mutinondo's flora is exceptional. Its 1,634 named species include 112 orchids, and during the emerald season, some of the world's largest mushrooms have been recorded here (85cm diameter so far). Butterflies abound, and birdlife, too, is excellent, with a diverse habitat and several birding “specials”. Conversely wildlife, albeit present, is largely hidden in the miombo woodland, a perfect setting for many species of antelope.

One of the joys of Mutinondo is the freedom to explore without a guide. With more than 100km of signed tracks, there’s plenty of choice – whether you’re walking, running or even cycling. (Dedicated runners may also be interested in the annual 26km Muchinga Challenge held in the autumn.) For those who prefer to get their feet wet, there are paddleboards as well as a canoe and a kayak, suitable to discover the beauty of the croc-free river – or simply bathe in one of the natural pools as the water cascades around you.

Longer, five-day hikes across the escarpment are also possible, guided by ex-local hunters, camping by streams and bathing in the rivers. You’ll need all your own camping kit and food, with porters available on request.

Mutinondo Wilderness is probably best visited in combination with the lodges in Kasanka National Park: Wasa Lodge and Luwombwa Lodge, along with Shoebill Island Camp in the Bangweulu Wetlands, and the amazing manor house at Shiwa Ng'andu. It's also possible as a fly-in side-trip from any of the camps or lodges in the Luangwa Valley.

Geographics

Location
Northern Zambia, Zambia
Directions
The nearest airstrip is at Mpika, a drive of about 1½ hours.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board
Food quality
Meals at Mutinondo focus on local produce, with wholesome home-style cooking and guest preference/allergies taken into consideration. Mealtimes are very flexible.

After morning tea or coffee, brought to your chalet, a full cooked breakfast is served at a pre-agreed time.

Lunch is normally available any time between 1.00pm and 4.00pm, but if you plan to be out for the day, you can order a packed lunch at breakfast.

Dinner is a set three-course menu. Their chilli sherry is a must with soup!
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Special interests

Birdwatching
Mutinondo is a great spot for birdwatching in Zambia, home to 362 species including many that are absent from lower-lying areas. The reserve is designated an Important Birding Area, and attracts rarities such as the chestnut-headed flufftail.
See ideas for Birdwatching in Zambia
Walking
Mutinondo Wilderness has miles of stunning walking trails which lead through verdant woodlands, across clear rivers and past secluded waterfalls. It’s set in a scenic private reserve, ideal for walking in Zambia and with no need for a guide.
See ideas for Walking in Zambia

Children

Attitude towards children
Children of all ages are welcome at Mutinondo.
Property’s age restrictions
None
Special activities & services
Early meals can be provided on request. Families can toast marshmallows over an open fire.
Equipment
One of the chalets includes bunk beds, so would suit a small family.
Generally recommended for children
Freedom to explore is at the heart of Mutinondo, and we would recommend it for relatively intrepid and curious families who like to be out and about and have had prior experience of travelling in Africa.
Notes
Rivers and waterfalls dot the reserve, making it important that all children – and especially non-swimmers – are properly supervised by a parent or guardian.

Communications

Power supply notes
Batteries can be charged in the office but not in the chalets.
Communications
Very limited WiFi is available in the main area. Do not expect cellphone coverage!
TV & radio
None.
Water supply
Borehole

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Fire safety

Activities

    Extras

    Disabled access
    Not Possible

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    Mutinondo Wilderness's location

    Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mutinondo Wilderness.


    Other lodges in Northern Zambia

    Alternative places to stay in this same area.


    Shiwa Ng'andu

    Shiwa Ng'andu

    The Old Manor House at Shiwa Ng’andu is a fascinating cultural and historic stopover, either before, after or during a safari.


    98% (26 reviews)
    Wasa Lodge

    Wasa Lodge

    Wasa Lodge offers easy access to Kasanka National Park, best visited in November and December to see the millions of fruit bats that arrive in the area.


    89% (11 reviews)
    Shoebill Island Camp

    Shoebill Island Camp

    Shoebill Island Camp stands on the southern edge of the Bangweulu Wetlands. It's a remote spot, and a very simple camp - but if you want to see Shoebills then it is one of the best places in Africa.


    90% (10 reviews)
    Luwombwa Lodge

    Luwombwa Lodge

    Luwombwa Lodge in Kasanka National Park, northern Zambia


    90% (2 reviews)

    When to go to Northern Zambia

    Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mutinondo Wilderness in Northern Zambia


    Jan

    Feb

    Mar

    Apr

    May

    Jun

    Jul

    Aug

    Sep

    Oct

    Nov

    Dec

    Zambia in January

    At the peak of Zambia’s rainy season, you can expect heavy rainfall for a few hours most days, with sunny spells in between. Temperatures remain high, reaching over 30ºC, with high humidity. The rainfall is yet to make a significant difference to the Victoria Falls, and the flow of water here remains low. The landscapes are green and lush and the air crystal clear, but with the abundance of water the wildlife disperses, and the thick bush can restrict sightings. It severely limits walking safaris too. Migrant birds boost the species count at this time.

    With seasonal rivers in flood and dirt roads and airstrips unusable, many camps in Zambia become inaccessible, and close. Only a few lodges in the central Kafue and the South Luangwa remain open. Few people visit in January, so the parks are incredibly quiet and the camps charge their lowest rates.

    • Peak of rainy season: hot & humid, with rain for a few hours most days
    • Majority of camps closed throughout the month
    • Bush incredibly green & lush, with clear air – great for photography
    • Big game dispersed & thick bush makes sightings difficult
    • Very few visitors: the cheapest time to visit

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in January

    Zambia in February

    February remains in the heart of the rainy season, with dramatic thunderstorms delivering a few hours of rain most days, interspersed with clear sunny skies. There is still an abundance of water in the environment, dispersing game and closing camps. With the thick bush, game viewing is limited and walking safaris restricted, but the swollen rivers allow some activities that would be unavailable in the dry season, such as boat trips on the Luangwa River.

    After a couple of months of rain, water will once more be making its way to the Zambezi River, and the flow of water over the Victoria Falls will start to pick up.
    Visitor numbers and costs at the few open camps remain low.

    • Peak of rainy season: hot & humid with rain for a few hours most days
    • Most camps closed throughout the month
    • Bush lush & green: good for photography but poor for game viewing
    • Very few visitors, & the cheapest time to visit
    • Water levels at Victoria Falls still low, but starting to pick up

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in February

    Zambia in March

    March is the last month of the rainy season in Zambia, and there are still heavy downpours most days. Water levels are at their highest making it difficult to get around the country. Temperatures still reach over 30ºC most days, too, with the rain causing high levels of humidity.

    Many camps remain closed, and the thick bush limits game viewing and walking safaris. However, many animals are raising young at this time of year, with predators taking advantage of the easy prey, so sightings can be incredible, if sporadic. Wild dogs in the South Luangwa are particularly active at this time of year. With clear air and increasingly frequent blue skies as a backdrop, photography can be spectacular. The birding remains excellent as thousands of birds prepare for their winter migration.

    • Peak of rainy season, hot & humid, with rain for a few hours most days
    • Majority of camps closed throughout the month
    • Bush remains green & lush: good for photography but poor game viewing
    • High abundance of animals with young
    • Very few visitors, & the cheapest time to visit

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in March

    Zambia in April

    As the rains change from intense downpours to lighter and sporadic showers, April is very much a transitionary period in Zambia. The landscape remains exceptionally green and lush, with sparse viewing of larger wildlife.

    Although camps start to reopen in April, most remain closed, and others that were open at the start of the year may shut to prepare for the coming dry season. This is the first month of the year when it’s possible to visit the Lower Zambezi.

    The Zambezi River will be at its highest level with the Victoria Falls in full flow, but with huge amounts of spray kicked up views of the waterfall are often obscured.

    • Tail end of the rainy season; hot & humid with light rain most days
    • Some camps reopen; possible to visit the Lower Zambezi
    • Bush still green & lush: good for photography; poor for game viewing
    • Victoria Falls in full flow but with poor views
    • Very few visitors, & the cheapest time to visit

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in April

    Zambia in May

    May is typically the first month of the dry season. While there is the chance of an odd shower, the majority of days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, temperatures start to drop, with most days reaching highs of around 26ºC.

    As the landscape dries out, access to the parks improves, and all but the most remote bushcamps reopen. After five months of rain there is still a lot of standing water, but despite the thick bush May marks a distinct improvement in game viewing, and clear air is a continuing bonus for photographers.

    The end of the month can be a popular time for visitors, taking advantage of typically good weather, improved game viewing, and the last of the low-season rates offered by the camps.

    • Start of the dry season in a typical year, with mostly clear & sunny
    • Majority of camps open
    • Bush still green & lush, with clear air for photographers
    • Game viewing starts to improve
    • Last month of low rates at the camps

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in May

    Zambia in June

    Zambia sees virtually no rainfall in June, with a strong chance of sunny days throughout. The humidity drops dramatically and, as winter approaches, temperatures reduce, falling to around 10ºC at night but still warming to 25ºC during the day.

    The landscape remains lush but the bush starts to die back significantly, improving visibility for game viewing and walking safaris. All the camps in the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi are open by the start of June. While some have a ‘shoulder season’, others start charging their highest rates.

    The water coming over the Victoria Falls starts to recede, reducing the mist and spray kicked up, providing better views of the waterfall itself.

    • Reliably sunny days, but dropping temperatures, especially at night.
    • All camps in the South Luangwa, southern Kafue & Lower Zambezi open
    • Wildlife viewing continuing to improve
    • Increased visibility & cool weather perfect for walking safaris.
    • Viewing of the Victoria Falls at its best

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in June

    Zambia in July

    As the dry season continues, vegetation and long grasses have mostly died back and water starts to become scarce. Wildlife starts to cluster around the major sources of water and the game viewing approaches its best.

    July is the first month of winter, and while daytime temperatures are in the 20s Celsius, temperatures at night can drop to single digits. Early morning and late evening drives in open vehicles are particularly cold, and blankets and hot water bottles are often provided.

    Visitor numbers increase significantly and space at popular/small camps can get tight. Nearly all properties are now charging their highest rates. Even floodwaters on northern Kafue’s Busanga Plains have now receded, and all camps in Zambia are open.

    • Warm, dry days; cold, crisp nights
    • Significantly improved game viewing
    • Walking safaris are unrestricted by vegetation, with good temperatures
    • Approaching peak season, so significant increase in costs
    • Northern Kafue now accessible

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in July

    Zambia in August

    By August, the vegetation has died back and wildlife is now congregating around the remaining water sources, providing excellent game viewing. With virtually no chance of rain you are almost guaranteed sunny days, although dust and smoke in the air means a visible haze starts to appear on the horizon.

    Temperatures can drop below 5ºC at night but climb to the 20s Celsius during the day. Jackets and gloves are recommended for morning and evening drives. This is one of the most popular – and most expensive – months to travel. European school holidays have little impact on travel within Zambia, but they do increase international flight costs, and all camps are charging their highest rates.

    • Very dry with warm days but cold nights
    • Excellent wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water holes.
    • Haze developing on the horizon, potentially affecting photographs
    • Cool temperatures & clear sightlines: ideal for walking safaris
    • Peak season: camps & flights at their most expensive

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in August

    Zambia in September

    September is the most popular, and arguably the best, time of year to travel. Rain is almost unheard of so humidity is low, and temperatures are starting to climb. Morning drives are more comfortable, with daytime temperatures normally in the low 30s Celsius.

    Water is scarce, so wildlife clusters around the few remaining sources. Game viewing is very nearly at its best, with a good chance of seeing interactions between species. Camps are charging their highest rates and are at their busiest, with popular camps often fully booked more than a year in advance.

    A significant haze sometimes appears on the horizon, impacting on landscape views and affecting photography. Depending on the rainfall in the wet season, the Victoria Falls can start looking dry, with more cliff face than waterfall on show.

    • Dry hot days with clear skies, & warm nights
    • One of the best months for wildlife viewing
    • Dust & smoke creates a haze over the landscape
    • Peak season: camps are expensive & often full
    • Victoria Falls starting to look dry

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in September

    Zambia in October

    As the dry season peaks, the landscape in October is brown and barren, with little ground-level vegetation, though the promise of rain may bring the occasional shower. Temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, reaching over 40ºC in the daytime and rarely dropping below 20ºC at night. This is particularly challenging on walking safaris and in camps without air conditioning.

    A thick haze on the horizon sometimes turns photographic backgrounds grey-brown rather than sky-blue. The lack of water sees hippos and crocodiles cram themselves into the few remaining shallow rivers, with other wildlife carefully skirting around them in order to drink. Game viewing is at its absolute best, and you’re most likely to see hunts in October.

    On the Zambian side, stretches of the Victoria Falls become a dry cliff face.

    • The best month for wildlife viewing
    • Very hot both night & day, with little chance of rain
    • Air can be very hazy with dust & smoke, so not great for photography
    • Victoria Falls largely dry on Zambian side
    • Camps less busy & some start to drop their rates

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in October

    Zambia in November

    November typically marks the end of the dry season. Although the timing of the rains is always uncertain, temperatures remain reliably high and the humidity builds as the rains approach.

    While you may avoid the rains in the first week of November, it’s not unusual to see some spectacularly heavy thunderstorms, followed by an explosion of green growth. Wildlife disperses rapidly after the rains, no longer restricted to limited waterholes closely monitored by predators. However, Kasanka’s bat migration is at its peak, and wildebeest gather on Liuwa Plains.

    Many remote camps close, and those that remain open significantly drop their rates. The initial rains have little impact on the Victoria Falls, but do significantly reduce the atmospheric haze.

    • Typically the start of the wet season; very hot and humid
    • Increased chance of heavy rain as the month progresses
    • Greatly diminished game viewing once the rains arrive
    • Bat migration in Kasanka, and wildebeest migration in Liuwa
    • Camp rates lower, & visitor numbers reduced

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in November

    Zambia in December

    December is typically the first month in Zambia’s rainy season, with heavy thunderstorms most days interspersed by sunny spells. Temperatures start to fall, but still reach over 30ºC in the daytime, with high levels of humidity.

    As the rainfall increases it brings plentiful water into the landscape, encouraging the growth of thick green vegetation. Wildlife remains in the national parks and sightings are possible, but overall game viewing is poor. Access to the parks becomes problematic and all but a handful of camps around the entrance to the South Luangwa and the centre of Kafue national parks close. Those that do remain open charge their lowest rates and are very quiet.

    The rain removes any smoke and dust from the air, returning the sky to a dazzling blue that is great for photographers.

    • Start of rainy season, with hot, humid & wet days
    • Poor game viewing as wildlife disperses & bush thickens
    • Majority of camps close; others charge their lowest rates
    • Landscape green with blue skies; photographic opportunities improve
    • Victoria Falls still dry

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in December

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