SOUTH LUANGWA | ZAMBIA
Nestled in the heart of Zambia’s renowned South Luangwa National Park, Chikunto Safaris offers front-row access to one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations. Known as the birthplace of the walking safari, South Luangwa boasts an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, from majestic lions and large herds of elephants to endemic species like Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest.
However, what truly sets South Luangwa apart is its reputation as one of the best places in Africa to see leopards. With a high density of these elusive big cats, the park provides exceptional opportunities for sightings, particularly during night drives—an activity uniquely permitted here. The combination of rich woodlands, riverine forests, and open plains creates the perfect habitat for leopards to thrive, offering guests rare chances to observe them hunting, resting in trees, or silently patrolling their territories.
The park’s diverse ecosystems, teeming with wildlife and over 400 bird species, make every safari a thrilling adventure. Game drives, walking safaris, and exclusive night safaris reveal the raw beauty of this untamed wilderness. With its prime location along the Luangwa River, Chikunto Safaris serves as the perfect base for exploring this wildlife-rich paradise, where unforgettable encounters with Africa’s most elusive predator are almost guaranteed.
Chikunto Safaris’ location is uniquely positioned along the banks of the Luangwa River for exceptional wildlife sightings within the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.
Chikunto’s boutique, eco-friendly safari camp offers just five luxury Tented Suites, blending intimacy with space and a deep connection to the surrounding African bush.
The central thatched area features a spacious yet discreetly luxurious lounge—perfect for unwinding, discussing the day’s sightings, or enjoying uninterrupted views of the Chikunto waterhole and Luangwa River. A circular open-air deck with a large fire-pit invites guests to gather for pre-dinner drinks or warm up with coffee before an early-morning game drive.
Each suite, accessed via wooden walkways, is elevated on a private deck overlooking the river, designed to balance privacy, comfort, and an authentic safari experience.
7 Nights / 8 Days Option
Day 1
- International flight arrival at Lusaka International Airport
- 16:35 Flight from Lusaka International Airport to Mfuwe Airport | Proflight P00808 (recommended flight to book)
- 17:45 Arrival at Mfuwe Airport
- Trip starts with CNP Safaris
- Road transfer to Chikunto Safaris | approx. 01h30min transfer
- The transfer to Chikunto is a game drive to the lodge
- Arrival and check-in at Chikunto Safaris
- Dinner
Day 2
- Breakfast
- Morning game viewing/photography activities
- Lunch
- Daily guidance from CNP Photo Host
- Afternoon game drives/photography activities go into the night.
- Dinner
Day 3
- Breakfast
- Morning game viewing/photography activities
- Lunch
- Daily guidance from CNP Photo Host
- Afternoon game drives/photography activities go into the night.
- Dinner
Day 4
- Breakfast
- Morning game viewing/photography activities
- Lunch
- Daily guidance from CNP Photo Host
- Afternoon game drives/photography activities go into the night.
- Dinner
Day 5
- Breakfast
- Morning game viewing/photography activities
- Lunch
- Daily guidance from CNP Photo Host
- Afternoon game drives/photography activities go into the night.
- Dinner
Day 6
- Breakfast
- Morning game viewing/photography activities
- Lunch
- Daily guidance from CNP Photo Host
- Afternoon game drives/photography activities go into the night.
- Dinner
Day 7
- Breakfast
- Morning game viewing/photography activities
- Lunch
- Daily guidance from CNP Photo Host
- Afternoon game drives/photography activities go into the night.
- Dinner
Day 8
- Morning game viewing/photography activity.
- Breakfast
- Check-out
- Transfer to Mfuwe Airport | approx. 01h30min transfer
- Trip ends with CNP Safaris
- 18:20 Flight from Mfuwe Airport to Lusaka International Airport (recommended flight to book)
- 19:30 Arrival at Lusaka International Airport
- International flight
6 Nights / 7 Days Option
Day 1
- International flight arrival at Lusaka International Airport
- 16:35 Flight from Lusaka International Airport to Mfuwe Airport | Proflight P00808 (recommended flight to book)
- 17:45 Arrival at Mfuwe Airport
- Trip starts with CNP Safaris
- Road transfer to Chikunto Safaris | approx. 01h30min transfer
- The transfer to Chikunto is a game drive to the lodge
- Arrival and check-in at Chikunto Safaris
- Dinner
Day 2
- Breakfast
- Morning game viewing/photography activities
- Lunch
- Daily guidance from CNP Photo Host
- Afternoon game drives/photography activities go into the night.
- Dinner
Day 3
- Breakfast
- Morning game viewing/photography activities
- Lunch
- Daily guidance from CNP Photo Host
- Afternoon game drives/photography activities go into the night.
- Dinner
Day 4
- Breakfast
- Morning game viewing/photography activities
- Lunch
- Daily guidance from CNP Photo Host
- Afternoon game drives/photography activities go into the night.
- Dinner
Day 5
- Breakfast
- Morning game viewing/photography activities
- Lunch
- Daily guidance from CNP Photo Host
- Afternoon game drives/photography activities go into the night.
- Dinner
Day 6
- Breakfast
- Morning game viewing/photography activities
- Lunch
- Daily guidance from CNP Photo Host
- Afternoon game drives/photography activities go into the night.
- Dinner
Day 7
- Morning game viewing/photography activity.
- Breakfast
- Check-out
- Transfer to Mfuwe Airport | approx. 01h30min transfer
- Trip ends with CNP Safaris
- 18:20 Flight from Mfuwe Airport to Lusaka International Airport (recommended flight to book)
- 19:30 Arrival at Lusaka International Airport
- International flight
- South Luangwa National Park: Known as one of Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuaries, the park boasts an incredible concentration of game, especially around the Luangwa River, which serves as a lifeline for the animals.
- Luangwa River Proximity: Chikunto Safaris is situated along the Luangwa River, a critical water source that attracts a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. This makes it a prime location for game viewing, especially during the dry season.
- High Predator Density: The park is famous for its high density of predators, including lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Chikunto’s location offers excellent opportunities to see these predators in action, particularly during game drives.
- Unique Species: South Luangwa is home to species not commonly found in other parks, such as Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest, and Crawshay’s zebra, providing unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Night Drives: Chikunto Safaris offers night game drives, a distinctive feature of South Luangwa, allowing guests to spot nocturnal animals like civets, genets, and the elusive leopard.
- Seasonal Floodplains: The area features diverse habitats, including seasonal floodplains, mopane forests, and open savannahs. These support a wide variety of wildlife and bird species, making it a rich and dynamic ecosystem for wildlife sightings.
- Walking Safaris: South Luangwa is the birthplace of walking safaris. Chikunto Safaris offers guided walking experiences, providing an intimate and immersive way to explore the wilderness and observe wildlife behaviour.
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Includes:
- Return transfers between Mfuwe Airport and Chikunto Safaris.
- Luxury accommodation at Ckikunto Safaris.
- All meals and snacks (breakfast, lunch, afternoon cake, 3-course dinner).
- Tea, coffee & biscuits
- Two game viewing/photography activities per day.
- Private vehicle.
- Pre-booked walking safaris.
- Wifi at Lodge.
- Laundry Services.
- DNPW National Park Fees, Bed and Tourism Levy.
- Daily guidance from CNP Photo Host.
Excludes:
- All flights to Mfuwe | starting point of the tour.
- Drinks at Chikunto Safaris.
- Expenses of a personal nature.
- Staff gratuities.
- Medical and Travel Insurance.
Images supplied by Chikunto Safaris and guests.
