Safari Houses of Zambia
Zambia does not generally aim to provide the out-and-out luxury accommodation that can be found in other sub-Saharan destinations, such as South Africa. However a number of destinations in Zambia have independently developed their own special design, often characterised by the provision of private accommodation within a single unit for groups of 4 to 8 guests, who can enjoy their own private staff, chef, guide, transport and so on, whilst still enjoying the game viewing, walking boating and so on, that form the core safari experience. Although these destinations are definitely top-end, their prices need not be, if occupied to their full capacity by a single group.
Details
AfricaAway has put together a selection of the best of these quite unique
destinations, which combine to provide the very best of what Zambia has to
offer the discerning and demanding traveller. They are listed under the areas
in which they are to be found, enabling the intending traveller to consult
the various modules listed under our Create
Your Own Safari section, and then
to see how some or all of the conventional camps and lodges considered here
could be replaced by the locations listed below.
Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Although not strictly a ‘safari house’ as such, The Royal Livingstone Hotel meets our criteria of top level accommodation providing individual attention and superb cuisine, and, being situated a few minutes’ stroll away from the Zambezi Sun Hotel, it provides immediate access to the area around Victoria Falls, together with its own landing stage from which to enjoy morning or evening cruises. Cost £470 per person per night (high season).
Chuma House is an exclusive self contained villa located downstream from Sussi Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi, 9km upstream of the Victoria Falls (Sussi and Chuma were named after David Livingstone’s two faithful companions who were present with him until his death). Chuma offers 2 bedrooms en suite, comprising one double room with a bath and outdoor shower and one twin room with a bath and in-door shower, a spacious lounge and dining room area, kitchenette, outdoor veranda, barbeque area and private swimming pool. Additional facilities include Satellite TV and a fully stocked bar. Guests will have their own private chef to cook all meals and a private guide, vehicle and boat for all activities. Cost £250 per person per night (high season, assuming 4 people sharing). Additional guests can be accommodated at Sussi.
Lower Zambezi National Park
Chongwe River House
Architect designed, this stunning private house is situated approximately 1 km from Chongwe River Camp itself. It is located at the end of a massive winterthorn Grove, on the banks of the peaceful Chongwe River, a tributary of the Zambezi. Indeed all the furniture in the sitting room has been carved from a single huge fallen winterthorn tree, as if it has fallen across the room. The House comprises four large ensuite bedrooms, a massive dining/sitting area and a swimming pool and platform.
The ground floor bedrooms are each entered through a tunnel which gives the feeling of walking through a cave, the curved entrance giving privacy without the need for doors. The downstairs bathrooms have water pouring out of the stone ceiling instead of the normal shower rose, whilst the upstairs showers are waterfalls. “Taps” are made from bone and wood and the exquisitely carved basins have been carved out of wood and white marble. The upstairs bedrooms have unusual baths, from which you have a view across the bush.
All the usual activities that can be taken from Chongwe River Camp can be taken from here, but with private vehicles guides etc, exclusive to guests. Cost £470 per person per night (high season). Chongwe River House is open from April through to November.
South Luangwa National Park
Luangwa Safari House
Built on the edge of a seasonal lagoon and with a backdrop of the Chindeni Hills, this stunning private house is situated on Robin Pope’s Nkwali land, approximately 1 km from camp. The superstructure of the house is twenty five ancient and weathered leadwood trees – powerful and natural. The entrance side of the house is grand, castlesque and is exquisitely faced with stones from the hills. The massive door opens into the huge main room and instantly you see incredible views through the front of the house – which is completely open.
The House comprises four large ensuite bedrooms, a massive dining/sitting area and a swimming pool and platform. In the interior, each room has its own individual style and appeal, drawing on a variety of native and imported furnishings, to provide an atmosphere of unabashed luxury – right in the middle of the bush. The sizeable living room is dominated by large comfy sofas and a huge marble dining table. The room stretches up two storeys, some twelve meters, to the thatched roof with wooden staircases rising out of the floor to take you to the upstairs bedrooms.
Extra large beds, both king size or twin fit into each room under one mosquito net. There is a wooden ceiling fan inside each net. The beds have all been designed differently, from two poster beds to beds suspended by chains from the roof. The upstairs rooms have a suspended wooden balcony, where you can sit out at night with a moonlit view over the bush to the distant hills. The downstairs bedrooms each have a private tiled verandah with large Morris chairs for quiet moments.
Luangwa Safari House is open all year round and hosts the entire range of activities for which Nkwali Camp itself is so justly noted. Cost £390 per person per night (high season).
Robin (Pope’s) House
Robin's House lies on the edge of Nkwali Camp, and until recently was where Robin & Jo Pope lived themselves. Recently renovated, this private house is ideal for families, honeymooners and guests looking for a little privacy. Set apart from the camp, on the banks of the Luangwa River Robin's House has an amazing view of the river and the animals that come down to drink.
It is under a grove of large trees and is well shaded. The large windows allow light to flood in. There are two luxury bedrooms (a double and a triple), each with its own bathroom, and a central sitting room and dining room. All the rooms have wonderful views. There is a private kitchen and chef, along with a valet, so meals can be served where and when you like. This is particularly important for families with children. There is also a private guide and safari vehicle for the game viewing activities.
Robin’s House is open all year around, and costs £335 per person per night in high season. Additional guests may stay at Nkwali itself.
- Price Includes
- All Accommodation
- Activities at the Camps and Lodges
- Meals and Non Imported Drinks
- Price Excludes
- Gratuities at the Camps and Lodges
- Accommodation and Location
