Mfuwe Lodge is, perhaps, one of the best-known lodges in the Luangwa valley, thanks to the elephants that annually walk through reception hoping to steal the mangoes at the back of the dining area. This incredible event occurs from late October through early December.
The lodge is situated very close to the main gates and has incredible views over a permanent lagoon of the river, which you can see from your bar stool or in the pool, or over a waterhole which is always full of hippos. It is elegant, luxurious and in a great location. The Mfuwe area is fantastic for game and you will often see lion, leopard and elephant around the lodge itself. November is a fantastic time to see elephants around the lodge and this is when they tend to, famously, walk through the lobby.
“I loved the warm welcome into the grand entrance of the lodge, where the Elephant roam through as they please – it is their home after all. The location is spectacular, and the rooms sit right on the edge of the lagoon, I loved sitting in the swing chair on the balcony as I arrived and watched a small family of ellie’s wonder past, enjoying an afternoon playtime in the mud. I loved the relaxed feel throughout the Lodge, the food was wonderful, the staff friendly, our guide Manda was incredible; full of knowledge and such a passion for the bush and he knew all the great spots to go for that all important and brilliant game viewing.”
Last visited by Jen Hagger – Sales & Marketing – January 2019
Exceptional member of staff: Manda, Guide: My guide here at Mfuwe, Manda, was extremely passionate about the bush and his job, it was such a joy to be guided by him. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and attentive.
Mfuwe Lodge is arguably most famous for its elephant guests. During mango season, they often walk into the lodge through reception, past the tourists and help themselves to the mango fruit out back. The babies often nap on the lawn whilst the adults gorge themselves on their favourite fruit! It is an event not to be missed! Unique just to this lodge it is one way to get up close to the elephants as you have your lunch!
One of the best features of the lodge is the pool! Between activities, during the heat of the day, there is nothing better than a cool pool to take a dip in… Unless that pool has seats in it, overlooking a permanent lagoon of the river. Here, you can sip gin and tonics as you watch elephants bathing, antelopes drinking and hippos wallowing! This is the ultimate way to spend your time between drives, not only for the wildlife viewing but for a unique way to stay cool and to relax.
Mfuwe Lodge is based just inside the ‘gates’ of the park, so it is the perfect place to base yourself for a couple of nights at the start of your trip. Especially if you are arriving late in the afternoon and are therefore not having to travel far.Here you can experience some incredible sightings in the game-rich Mfuwe sector. After, you can head into the park to stay at some of the accompanying bush camps, where you have a greater experience of the valley and visit quieter areas of the park.
LOW Season: 1 – 31 May & 1 Nov – 31 Dec
MID Season: 1 – 30 Jun & 1 – 31 Oct
HIGH Season: 1 Jul – 30 Sep
CLOSED: 1 Jan – 30 Apr
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