Overview
Luxury Luangwa in untouched wilderness
Located within the South Luangwa National Park, set along the iconic Luangwa River, experience untouched wilderness and prolific wildlife at Chikunto Safari Lodge.
Chikunto is a traditional yet stylish property with quick and easy access to the wildlife-rich and remote northern section of the park. This exclusive lodge offers four luxury tents and one family tent built on raised decking with sweeping views of the river, accommodating a maximum of 12 people. Each safari tent is well-appointed with king or twin beds, mosquito net, seating area and ensuite bathroom. Spend mornings or afternoons relaxing on your private outdoor seating area, enjoying a refreshment while keeping a lookout for wandering wildlife. Chikunto Safari Lodge is ideal for couples looking for a private, romantic retreat, or for large groups of family and friends as an exclusive-use bush retreat.
The main lodge area is under thatch housing a cosy bar and dining area. The saltwater swimming pool offers a cool respite from the heat of a safari drive, with a perfect vantage to take in the beautiful setting. Gather in the evenings around the fire pit, sharing stories with others of the day's adventure.
Facts
At a glance
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Five rooms
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Fire pit
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Swimming pool
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Spa
Experiences
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![Chikunto Safari Lodge South Luangwa game drives]()
Game drives
Head out on a day or night game drive in the South Luangwa, dubbed as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. See what you can spot during the day and gain a rare insight into the unique behaviours of the resident nocturnal species.
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![Chikunto Safari Lodge South Luangwa walking safari]()
Walking safaris
Go out trekking in the birthplace of the walking safari, engage your senses as you take in the sights, sounds and smells of the wild bush around you.
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![Chikunto Safari Lodge South Luangwa river safari]()
River safari
Explore the Luangwa River by boat, taking in the lush green landscape and amazing bird life which flock to the Luangwa Valley. This activity is depending on the season, and more likely to be available January to April.
Community & Culture
Chikunto Safari Lodge has been closely entwined with the local Zambian community from the very start. One of founding Directors, Josephat Musoni, came from the local town of Mfuwe and rather than the norm of importing a crew from South Africa, Chikunto was built by a committed team of local Zambians, using locally sourced materials wherever possible, with many of the staff that were involved in the original construction project becoming part of the lodge's permanent staff, a team that are 100% Zambian.
A pure safari experience remains the default, but the opportunities are there for guests to increase their understanding of the local community and culture.
Conservation
Working to mitigate the impact of human-wildlife conflict is a key priority, with the education and the protection of the local people and their livelihoods likely having one of the most impacts on the local animal population. Chikunto works closely with Conservation South Luangwa who have been doing an amazing job in the area over many years.
Footprint
Chikunto is committed to minimising its impact on the environment and is 100% powered by solar power, with all the water coming from a private borehole. Where possible, all food and supplies are sourced locally in Mfuwe.
To minimise the use of chlorine, the swimming pool at Chikunto (with its unique counter-current pump) is salt water. There is an ongoing policy to eradicate the use of single-use plastic.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
