Mfuwe Lodge is situated in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park, sheltered beneath ancient ebony trees on the banks of the Luangwa River, where it overlooks a huge ox-bow lagoon that attracts a rich variety of game during the dry season.
18-roomed Mfuwe Lodge is among the largest and most luxurious lodges in the South Luangwa Valley, where small bush camps are the norm. It is one of several camps in the park run by the Bushcamp Company, but it differs from the others in that it is much more of a lodge, larger in scope and less rustic than its sister camps in the remote south of the park (Mfuwe is located in the busier central section). It therefore lacks something of their intimacy and remoteness, but it makes up for this by offering just about every comfort you could expect from a safari lodge.
At the centre of Mfuwe is an open-air building made of thatch and palm poles, which functions as an open-plan lounge, dining room and bar. It opens onto a wide wooden deck with infinity pool, raised just above the lagoon so as to make the most of the wonderful views. There's also a cool library and, totally separate to the main lodge buildings, a spa with jacuzzi (newly added to the lodge in 2010).
The guiding and game-viewing at Mfuwe Lodge is great, in keeping with other camps in the Bushcamp Company range, though do keep in mind that this area of the park tends to be a bit busier than other areas so you're likely to encounter other visitors during game activities. There's also an emphasis on game drives at Mfuwe, rather than walking safaris, which are better suited to the remoter regions of the Luangwa.
Accommodation
18 thatched chalets, built on raised platforms and positioned so as to allow for views of the lagoon from private sundecks. Five of the rooms – three family units and two honeymoon suites – are built on two levels, with downstairs lounge/children's bedroom and upstairs master bedroom. The standard rooms are smaller, but still offer plenty of space.
Inside, the rooms are equipped with hotel-room amenities ranging from mini-fridges to tea/coffee facilities. The bathrooms are tiled and feature walk-in showers and double basins.
Dining
A light continental breakfast is served each morning, followed by a buffet brunch on return from the morning game activities. Dinner is a fixed menu typically served by candlelight on the pool deck overlooking the river. Freshly cooked pizza is offered most nights, prepared in the lodge's pizza oven! Barbecues served in the boma are another highlight.
In keeping with the hotel-like layout of Mfuwe, meals are served at individual tables rather than around a communal dining table, as is the bushcamp norm.
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Dining area & bar
- Lounge
- Library
- Boma
Activities
- Day and night game drives
- Walking safaris
Child Policy
Mfuwe Lodge accommodates children of all ages and is a great choice of camp for families. There are three family rooms. Do note, however, that children under the age of twelve cannot participate in walking activities.
