Chikunto River Lodge
A luxury, eco-friendly safari lodge with raised river-view tented suites and exceptional wildlife experiences deep inside South Luangwa National Park.
Zambia
Chikunto River Lodge is an intimate boutique safari camp set deep inside South Luangwa National Park, perched along a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River with panoramic views over the wilderness. The lodge blends luxury with an authentic bush experience, featuring raised tented suites that maximise privacy and connection with the surrounding savannah, riverine forest, and abundant wildlife that roam freely around the property. Its prime location means guests can often begin wildlife viewing right from the lodge deck, with elephants, lions, leopards, and a diverse array of birdlife on regular display.
The welcoming thatch-roofed main area includes a dining space, bar, and raised deck where guests gather to share sightings, enjoy sundowners around the fire pit, or relax by the unique salt-water counter-current pool. Chikunto places strong emphasis on sustainability and guest comfort, combining solar power, filtered drinking water, and thoughtful design to create a secluded yet refined safari experience. Activities range from classic game drives to walking safaris and, in the Emerald Season, boat safaris on the Luangwa River, offering a multifaceted way to explore this world-renowned wildlife sanctuary.
🛏️ Room Type
- Luxury Double or Twin Tented Suites – Spacious raised tents with veranda and bush views.
- Luxury Family Tented Suite – Larger tented suite ideal for families.
- Deluxe Combination Suite – Includes private elevated sleep-out/stargazing platform.
- In-room Amenities: King/twin beds, private deck, en-suite bathroom, cooling fans, mosquito nets, filtered water, solar-powered lighting.
🍽️ Dining Facilities
- Main Dining Area: Elegant meals with panoramic views of the bush and river.
- Bar & Lounge: Sundowners and relaxed drinks around the fire pit.
- Bush Dining: Optional private meals or sleep-out dining experiences on the stargazing platform.
🐘 Activities
- Morning & Afternoon Game Drives into South Luangwa National Park.
- Night Safaris: Search for nocturnal wildlife with expert guides.
- Walking Safaris (Dry Season): Guided bush walks for close-up nature experiences.
- Boat Safaris (Emerald Season): Seasonal river explorations.
- Stargazing & Sleep-Out Experiences: Unique elevated viewpoints.
🏕️ Lodge Facilities
- Salt-water counter-current swimming pool with river views.
- Raised central lodge with bar, dining area, and lounge.
- Raised viewing decks and fire-pit area.
- Wi-Fi in main areas.
- Filtered drinking water, sustainable solar power.
- Laundry service (typically included in safari packages).
Included in Room Rate
- Accommodation in tented suite.
- All meals and snacks.
- Selected soft drinks, wine, beer (often included depending on package).
- Two safari activities per day (game drives, boat or walking safaris per itinerary).
- Transfers to/from Mfuwe Airport.
- Laundry service in safari packages.
Excluded from Room Rate
- National Park entrance fees & conservation levies (unless included in a package).
- Gratuities.
- Travel insurance and visas.
- Optional experiences beyond standard inclusions (private meals, special sleep-outs).
- Premium brand drinks (if not included).
Chikunto River Lodge does not offer MICE.