Sungani Lodge

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Overview

Situated among nearly 70,000 acres of wilderness, Sungani Lodge is an idyllic safari retreat set in South Luangwa National Park, one of Zambia’s best wildlife viewing areas.

Key Features

  • Sungani Lodge features just seven beautifully designed tented suites, each with a private plunge pool, indoor–outdoor bathroom and elevated views across the lagoon below.
  • Set within South Luangwa National Park, the lodge is an intimate, family-run retreat positioned on raised decking that blends seamlessly into the surrounding bush.
  • Enjoy exceptional safari experiences through expertly guided game drives, walking safaris and boat excursions in one of Zambia’s most wildlife-rich regions; Sungani is the southern-most camp in the park, meaning safari days are beautifully uncrowded.
  • Just upstream, you’ll find the smaller and more traditional sister lodge of Sungani, Kulandila Camp, which offers four elevated safari tents on the banks of the Luangwa River, providing a relaxed, close-to-nature bush camp experience that pairs naturally with a stay at Sungani.

Location

Set within the far south-western reaches of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, Sungani occupies a once-untouched corner of one of Africa’s most game-rich wilderness areas. Prior to 2022, this remote region saw very few visitors; today, Sungani is a thoughtful and low-impact addition, designed to mirror the natural tones, textures and rhythms of the surrounding bush. The lodge enjoys access to a vast tract of protected wilderness spanning close to 70,000 acres, shared only with its sister property, Kulandila Camp, ensuring an exceptional sense of space, privacy and exclusivity. Elevated above a permanent lagoon, the location delivers outstanding wildlife encounters, with animals frequently moving through camp and along the nearby Luangwa River.

Activities

Activities at Sungani are shaped by South Luangwa’s reputation as one of Africa’s most rewarding game-viewing destinations, where rich wildlife meets striking scenery. Guided walking safaris along the riverfront offer a slower, more immersive way to explore the landscape, led by expert guides who bring the ecosystem to life, while game drives reveal vast herds of elephant, buffalo, hippo and zebra alongside regular sightings of lion and leopard. Those combining Sungani with its sister property, Kulandila Camp, can expect to experience the same wildlife-rich area from two contrasting safari styles. Between activities, time is intentionally unstructured, with dining forming a natural part of the day, from relaxed breakfasts and generous afternoon teas to atmospheric evening meals enjoyed with wildlife moving through the lagoon below or beneath the open African sky.

 

Design

Sungani’s design is understated, elegant and deeply connected to its surroundings, with the main lodge thoughtfully built around existing indigenous trees to preserve the natural landscape. Inside, the space feels like a welcoming family bush home, blending relaxed comfort with refined detailing, natural textures and a sense of quiet sophistication. The open-sided layout creates a seamless flow between indoors and out, uninterrupted views over the water and surrounding bush, with wildlife often visible from the lodge itself. Built to emulate the natural tones and materials of the bush, the lodge sits lightly within its environment, offering a calm, immersive atmosphere that encourages guests to slow down, observe and feel part of this remote corner of South Luangwa National Park.

Sustainability

Sustainability at Sungani is built into both its design and day-to-day operations, with a clear focus on low-impact tourism in a sensitive and previously untouched area of South Luangwa. The lodge has been carefully constructed around existing trees, using natural materials and an open design to reduce its footprint and reliance on artificial cooling. Power is largely solar, waste is managed responsibly, and water usage is closely monitored. Sungani also places strong emphasis on supporting the local community through employment, training and sourcing where possible. By limiting guest numbers and sharing its concession exclusively with Kulandila Camp, the lodge helps protect the surrounding ecosystem while ensuring the long-term preservation of this remote wilderness area.

Why we love it

We love Sungani for its sense of space and seclusion. Access to an extensive private wilderness shared only with Kulandila Camp, creates a rare feeling of privacy in South Luangwa, allowing wildlife and landscape to take centre stage. It’s a place where days unfold at an unhurried pace, except for when the excitement of wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities take centre stage.

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