Mutinondo Wilderness: Our full report
Reached by a short flight from the Luangwa, Mutinondo Wilderness is a private 100km2 reserve that we're delighted ...
... to feature here. Near the edge of the Luangwa escarpment, this pristine area protects verdant woodlands and wetland areas sprinkled with granite whalebacks (large smooth hills), crystal-clear rivers and stunning waterfalls.Mutinondo's flora is stunning, including many orchids, natural cycads and, during the emerald season, some of the world's largest mushrooms (85cm diameter is the record here so far). The wildlife here is good too, with a good variety of antelope, and recently lion and leopard have also been sighted. You can explore with a guide on foot, horseback and even by canoe.
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. 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.
Mutinondo Wilderness is probably best visited in combination with the lodges in Kasanka National Park, Wasa Lodge and Luwombwa Lodge, with Shoebill Island Camp in the Bangweulu Wetlands, and with Shiwa Ng'andu. It's also possible a flying side-trip of a few days from any of the camps or lodges in the Luangwa Valley.
<< Click on the menu (above left) for more about Wasa , Luwombwa , Shoebill Island or Shiwa Ng'andu.
Geographics
- Location
- Northern Zambia, Zambia
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- Great spot for gentle birdwatching in Zambia; like Shiwa it attracts species which are absent from lower-lying areas of Zambia.
- See ideas for Birdwatching
- Riding holidays
- Mutinondo Wilderness offers horseback riding in the morning or the afternoon within its own private reserve. Riding along glades, around the hills and through the Miombo woodland is available for both experienced riders and beginners.
- See ideas for Riding holidays
- Walking
- Mutinondo Wilderness Lodge has stunning flora and walking trails which lead through verdant woodlands, across clear rivers and past thundering waterfalls. It’s set in a scenic private reserve, ideal for walking in Zambia. The lodge is accessed by private charter plane.
- See ideas for Walking
Children
- Attitude towards children
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Fire safety
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
Other lodges in Northern Zambia
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
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.
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.
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.
Impandala House
Situated in the grounds of the historic Shiwa Ng'andu manor house, Impandala House works well as a base for families or small groups to explore northern Zambia.
