Whether you’re already an avid expert behind the lens or keen to pick up a new skill, dabbling in the art of photography is more than encouraged in this southernmost hideaway of South Luangwa National Park. Set on stilts beside a shaded lagoon, neighbours meandering by to bathe or drink regularly include hippos and elephants lingering long enough to pose for the camera.
To capture in detail those creatures that are more inclined to be camera shy, a network of hides lay camouflaged across diverse terrain. Their placement, developed by head safari guide and resident photographer Michael Davy, results in a compilation of close-up candid and landscape shots ready to be developed at the in-house studio. Add a few photos from game drives, river and walking safaris, and you’ll have your own curated collection; a souvenir album to share for years to come.
Children's room in the family tent
Living space
Tent living space
Tent exterior
Twin tent
Bathroom
Chess table
Tent living space
Main pool
Envisioned by the Davy family as a home to melt easily into its surroundings, this would-be family project has become so much more. Assimilated so well that a path for the affectionately named ‘walkway breaker’ elephant has been specially crafted so he can say hello, every aspect of the lodge is a product of the communities it’s a part of.
Authenticity can’t be faked, but when a place is built by local craftsmen, run by the knowledge of those who’ve lived close by all their lives, and fuelled by flavourful traditional cuisine, it doesn’t need to be.
If the aim is to be undisturbed, this is exactly the place. Aside from sister camp Kulandila nearby, just seven spacious tents stand amid a vast, untouched wilderness. Beautifully remote with a classic style of laidback luxury, while you take the day at your own pace – perhaps moving from the quiet thrill of a morning game drive to a relaxing dip in your private pool – everything has already been more than taken care of.
It’s no surprise that the location here lends itself easily to the quietest of game viewing; crowds simply don’t accumulate when exploring so remote a setting. Roaming beyond the riparian thicket that surrounds the camp into open woodland, you’ll not cross paths with other groups, instead enjoying uninterrupted encounters when you happen upon the likes of wild dogs and big cats sauntering through the Valley of the Leopards. When the new year rolls around, the green season briefly brings boat safaris on the Luangwa to the activities list, alongside the more traditional game drives and walking safaris.
Privacy and exclusivity are the theme of a stay at Sungani, because getting away from it all is all the more idyllic when experiences are tailored to simply be yours. From dawn to dusk, quality time takes on multiple guises; embracing the wild with breakfast in the bush for two, fine dining in a relaxed manner on your private tent deck, or even a private sundowner experience for a romantic end to the day. Often as a surprise yet available on request, it’s these shared moments that make for the best memories.
Perched on a hilltop with the wilderness of South Luangwa unfolding as far as the eye can see, ten vista suites reinvigorate this private retreat first built for Zambia’s inaugural president.
Sprawling along a private stretch of the Zambezi Riverbank, with just six luxury tented suites, this wild and wonderful den is as exclusive as could be.
Just six luxury tents sit sequestered on this stretch of the Luangwa riverfront; perfectly placed to watch wildlife wander while lounging peacefully on a private deck, taking a dip in the pool, or even soaking in a lavish bathtub.
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