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 a star bed, as well as boating safaris during the green season, during which you can experience a unique perspective of 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 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
“Chikunto is set in an incredible location, just far enough from the busier Mfuwe sector, but close enough to enjoy the fantastic wildlife in this part of the park. This prime location allows fantastic game drives to the Northern, game rich, remote part of the park.
On my last stay at Chikunto, we had leopard in camp and a bunch of other great sightings. In addition to the great location Chikunto has fantastic, comfortable and well-maintained vehicles, amazing food, luxurious safari tents and a fantastic infinity pool with a view!”
–Last visited by Mike, April 2021
Location and game
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. If you’re visiting during the wet season, why not head out on a boat safari? 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. 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!
Food and ambience
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!
Star bed
Sleep under the stars in the wilderness on Chikunto’s fabulous star bed! Hear the sounds of the noturnal wildlife around you as you enjoy the gleam of the moon and the starry night’s sky. This is truly an exciting and memorable experience. This deck is raised up high and offers spectacular views of the wild landscape while you sip your G&T and watch the sun go down, ready for your adventurous night. If you’re worried about safety, don’t fret, there will be an armed park ranger camped out nearby to patrol and ensure your safety, and you will have a safety horn and walkie talkies on hand if you have any requests or issues.
The price categories give you an idea of the nightly cost per person for this accommodation.
Natural Authenticity
Chikunto is not a Safari Lodge, it is so much more! One could describe it, as a true reflection of understated luxury. It has all the modern touches with German precision, yet executed in the most authentic earthy way. The lodge showcases the real heart of Africa; being tented, open, carefully crafted and created of natural finishings – yet allowing one to experience this uniqueness in five star comfort and style. What brought the added extra for me, which one can not put a price to; is the story behind the lodge, the story of the building of the lodge and the story of the people and incredible community that own, work at and run the lodge. This is no ordinary story and makes the whole Chikunto experience, just that much more special.
Jay7902
WOW!
What a nice stay! This has been so far our very best lifetime experience! We spent 3 nights in the brand new lodge and everything was just perfect! We were picked up from the airport and on our way to the lodge we received already the first safari:) We saw several Elephants, Giraffes and a lot of other animal (see my pictures). When we arrived we were greeted by friendly staff and they showed us around. The lodge is just brand new and owned by a German (you can see and feel it when you`re there, everything is very well organized and thought through). Our tent had everything we needed and was very big with a great veranda to just relax or remind your day.
Child policy:8+ Years for game drives, younger in a private vehicle
Swimming poolYes (Salt-water counter current swimming pool)
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