Sungani Lodge

Overview

Family owned and operated; Sungani Lodge is set in the natural beauty of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park situated on the edge of an enormous lagoon.

Sheltered by magnificent indigenous trees, the lodge blends seamlessly into the landscape. Carefully curated interiors showcase a love of raw materials, classic lines and longevity. The entire lodge is built on elevated decking. The relaxed ambiance is complimented by al fresco dining, cosy bar area and lounging areas that melt into the incredible view. Limited to seven luxury custom designed airconditioned guest tents set atop polished concrete floors offering approximately 1150 square feet indoors with an adjoining deck and private plunge pool.

A passion for Africa and each family member’s unique set of skills have wrought Sungani Lodge and Kulandila Camp. It is a joy to tell you that the majority of what you will find at both properties has been created and hand built by the family and local people, transforming this remote area of the South Luangwa National Park from a state of neglect into something quite extraordinary. The inclusive transfer to the properties is a short 20-minute flight from Mfuwe in the Sungani aircraft.

Sustainable tourism must be the goal to ensure that the wherewithal needed to conserve and protect is available to continue to improve the lives of all. The aim is to give guests new knowledge through experiences and in turn allow a deeper appreciation of what their contribution makes possible. Sungani aim to bring an experience that is unhurried, authentic and deeply emotive.

Suites & Rates

Suites and villas

Directors Tent

The custom designed tents are set atop polished concrete floors to create a cool environment and offer approximately 1150 square feet indoors to relax in. The design is simple and understated, furnished with elegance...

From Rates on request

View room

Family Tent

The custom designed tents are set atop polished concrete floors to create a cool environment and offer approximately 1150 square feet indoors to relax in. The design is simple and understated, furnished with elegance...

From Rates on request

View room

Guest Tent King or Twin

The custom designed tents are set atop polished concrete floors to create a cool environment and offer approximately 1150 square feet indoors to relax in. The design is simple and understated, furnished with elegance...

Languages spoken

English

Ideal for

Adventure, Birding, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife

Property facilities

Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Pool

Accommodation & amenities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Fan, Fridge, Internet Access (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Wheelchair Friendly

Services

Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)

On-site activities

Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic, High Tea, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)

Location

Coordinates 13.4651° S · 31.3872° E

AddressChilongozi, Zambia

DestinationSouth Luangwa National Park

CountryZambia

Video

Lodge videos

BRAND STORY

Activities

Bush Meal

Dine along the banks of the Luangwa river, taking it all in as our Sungani chefs prepare a meal to remember. Things just taste better in the bush!At Sungani our picnics or brunches are reminiscent of family adventures and time spent around the table.

Day Trip

On request your guide can arrange an all-day game-drive. What better way to be totally immersed than to see a day through its full turn? With cooler chests packed full of the chef’s treats and pit stops whenever the mood dictates, this is a way to spend quality time exploring an area that is now truly beginning to witness a rebirth.By the time you arrive back in camp your senses should be totally sated in every way and we would prescribe a long lazy soak in your private tub overlooking the beautiful Sungani lagoon.

Game Drive

A game drive is a wonderful way to explore the area allowing you to get close to sightings while maintaining a minimal presence. At Sungani we value the quality of the area above all else. Each time you board one of Sungani’s custom built safari vehicles the anticipation is high. Our vehicles have modified suspension, individual luxury seats, comfortable footrests and nifty spaces and holders for an array of equipment. Each vehicle is equipped with Manfrotto camera rests, and the roof canopy is designed to be easily removed upon request.Set off from camp in the cool of the early morning to enhance your chances of seeing animals as daylight illuminates the wilderness once again. Our guides will befriend you in a short time as they generously share the skill and passion they have for their craft. Allow yourself to be infected by the anticipation and begin to appreciate and engage in the pace of the African wilderness.We promise that a cup of local freshly brewed coffee will take on a new meaning as you stop in the shade for a mid-morning break. Your senses are now on high alert for the unexpected sighting or magical moment to take place. Breathe in the sights and sounds and really tune out the rest of the world for a while. Look through the bush and notice shapes and obvious different colours as you begin to really see.Later in the afternoon set off once again and this time experience the magic of an African sunset with an icy cold drink of choice in hand, surrounded by the fading light. As darkness begins to creep in you will begin to hear an array of new noises and notice your sense of smell sharpen. Adrenaline and anticipation kick in as the spotlight illuminates the night in search of big cats, elusive mongoose, or the charismatic scrub hare.

Hideout

Capture that once in a lifetime memory in our photographic hides adjacent to a watering hole or up close and personal with the carmine bee-eaters. Sit atop the viewing platform on the lagoon and wait to catch a glimpse of the elusive Roan antelope, watch the hippos frolic, or witness a crocodile capture his next meal.At Sungani we are constantly adapting and improving our photographic experience to cater for all. Our head guide is a keen photographer himself, and always excited to assist, whether you are a beginner, or just need some help in capturing the perfect shot. Whether you’re after a specific species or are hoping to see it all, we aim to get you close with as little impact to the animals as possible. After all, we are privileged to share this wonderful space with them!

Photographic Experience

Sungani Lodge and Kulandila Camp have been designed to be accessible to any level of photographer. Michael Davy, our talented resident photographer and head safari guide, has developed a hide network which showcases a variety of levels and landscapes. Imagine getting eye to eye with hippo or looking up into the mouth of an elephant! You can also experience being elevated on the riverbank and photographing the bright bursts of colour when the Carmine Bee Eaters come to nest.Our vehicles have modified suspension, individual luxury seats, comfortable footrests and nifty spaces and holders for an array of equipment. Each vehicle is equipped with Manfrotto camera rests and the roof canopy is designed to be easily removed upon request.You can elevate your safari by making use of our top end camera equipment.We are proud to feature a full line of the latest Canon RF mirrorless camera bodies and lenses. We have everything from a close up 100m macro shot to a 1200mm bird in flight covered.If you would like to opt for private guiding, this is something we can assist with (subject to availability). Private guided safaris allow you focus on the technical and creative aspects without interruptions. Your guide has the knowledge to get the vehicle into the right position and will be willing to work with you to get the photo whilst ensuring your safety.Sungani Lodge features a photographic studio which is a dedicated space equipped with desks and acasual seating area for guests to edit and process their images. We feature a 27” Apple studio desktopwhich is loaded with the latest Adobe softwareHire of photographic equipment is available to both Sungani Lodge and Kulandila Camp guests, while the studio is available to Sungani Lodge guests exclusively.

Walking Safari

This is the home of the walking safari and we are excited to share it with you. Explore the banks of the meandering Luangwa river and the historical floodplains. There is no better way to be totally immersed in mother nature than to see her on foot. Your guide is silently in tune with every sign and sound walking you through a sensation filled safari. Experience being up close with wildlife as your senses come alive and you will begin to feel part of the ebb and flow of mother nature.Our expert guiding team will take you on a journey through their eyes. As skilled naturalists they will translate the spoor, the signs and the vegetation giving an insight into the workings of this complex and dynamic ecosystem. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa. The South Luangwa is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and remains evocative of safaris of old.