Chikunto Safari Lodge is a new lodge to South Luangwa, opened in April 2018. It is one to visit before the crowds come. In a prime location between the north and middle sections of the park, you can cover a lot of ground in a day which is prime for sightings not that you need to go far, it seems the animals are also fond of this new lodge and you can have some incredible sightings from home!
The lodge has some incredible features, which sets it apart from others. Including, the new activity of boating safaris during the green season, during which you can experience a unique and gentle way of viewing the animals from the water. With huge luxury tents, a pool, a masseuse who kneads away any stresses from the comfort of your room and some of the best food we’ve had on safari, it’s one for those looking for, a bit of, luxury in the wild.
Chikunto in the perfect location in the valley-away from the crowds surrounded by wildlife! With some of the best food we have had on safari, incredibly friendly staff and one of the valleys oldest top guides, it is becoming the place to visit in the valley and should definitely be on your list to visit!
– Last visited by Chloe McCormack, marketing & sales – October 2019
Chikunto is the epitome of bush elegance, the sleek and modern safari tents ooze African chic. Kitted out with top European fittings, super comfortable beds and views to die for, they’re siesta-perfect! The main lodge is gorgeous, with some stunning wildlife photographs that you could stare at for hours and a sparkling pool overlooking the river and wilderness beyond. Now, I’m saving the best for last – the FOOD! Such creative and carefully prepared meals with quality ingredients and full of flavor, they’ll keep you salivating (and full) all day long…
– Gabi Costantini, marketing & sales
A lot of thought and effort has gone into making Chikunto feel like a welcoming home, and you surely appreciate this during your stay. There is everything you could ever want from a lodge spaciously placed over the vast dark wood decking. Outstanding attention to detail has been afforded to everything from the décor to the sumptuous food inside the lodge. Nature starts at the edge of the decking, so let one of the best guides in the valley escort you around his home turf. Boutique safari at its best.
– Toby Webber, director
South Luangwa National Park
5 Rooms (including a family room)
Honeymoons/small groups
Yes. Ages 8+ (discount available)
March – November
5 nights
Yes overhead
Yes in the main area
Chikunto is set on a magical area of South Luangwa between the Nsefu and Mfuwe sectors. The Mfuwe sector can be busy because it is a hot spot for sightings (perhaps so easily found by the well-trained spotters). The Nsefu sector is a quieter area, further north, but also a game rich area.
So, if you don’t find something in the morning drive you can head in a different direction and be sure to see it in the afternoon. One of our own saw an Aardvark here on an evening game drive after seeing little in the morning. Talk about luck!
Chikunto Safari Lodge surprised us all with the quality of their food. Usually when lodges are brand new it takes a little training for the chefs etc. but not here! This was by far, amongst, the best food we have eaten on safari full stop. We admire the creativity of the chefs from a full spread at lunch with exciting salads, meat and vegetarian options on the table and refreshing soups (including cold ones in warmer months) to gourmet 3 course dinners.
Taking things away from the usual beef fillet and potatoes we had a bean mash, garlicky greens and interesting spices and exotic themes to the meals. Looking forward to going back to try the rest of the menu! Not to mention Chikunto are one of the few lodges to play some music at dinner. Contrary to expectations this didn’t seem to scare off the animals but rather attracted the Puku!
Almost entirely unique to the valley (if you exclude a few short river crossings), Chikunto will be offering boat safaris during the wet season. Take a gentle ride down the Luangwa River, famous for its 40 thousand+ hippos, huge crocodiles, abundant birds and of course the elephants who cross every day, in and out of the park, to cheekily grab something from the villages at night.
A very gentle and relaxed way to enjoy a safari and get up close and personal to the wildlife from a completely different perspective. Imagine sipping a gin and tonic as you gently drift next to a pod of hippos? We think it’s a must!
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