I was met at the airport and taken to the Mfuwe lodge and was pleasantly surprised how beautiful it was.The lodges location is near the park entrance which is the perfect to start for my journey.
About The Bush-Spa
The award winning owner run Bush-Spa in South Luangwa National Park overlooks a lagoon that attracts abundant wildlife and the view is quite breathtaking! The safari guest is offered a range of well-being packages, offering the discerning visitor an exclusive opportunity to experience a spa in the Zambian bush. The settings are hard to beat and the treatments are adapted to suit the surroundings and are not only terrific value for money, but really do leave you feeling revitalized.
In celebration of the African culture, the Bush-Spa creates very unique signature treatments using indigenous plant ingredients. Professional Massage techniques, Facials and Body works from all over the world are combined with ancient African holistic practices to create a truly unique African experience to the highest standards.
Taking indigenous remedies to the extreme and making use of the healing essence, the in-house trained, Zambian therapists follow African traditions without losing their quality and highly professional touch.
From quick safari facials using cucumber and seasonal baobab, to full body, professional (therapeutic) massages incorporating herbal oils, body glows and wraps with Kigelia (Sausage tree) to warming aqua sessions, just about every need is covered.
Your game viewing can even continue whilst enjoying a Zambian Foot Reflexology!
We pride ourselves on the attentive qualified Zambian therapists who are on hand to provide you with a wide variety of massages and a host of other therapeutic and beauty skin care treatments. Many of these use local indigenous ingredients from the African bush further emphasizing its beauty and enchantment.
The Bush-Spa received the “Certificate of Excellence” from TripAdvisor years in a row and guests’ comments can be reviewed under Things to Do in South Luangwa.
The Bush-Spa is also the proud winner of two (!) World Luxury Spa Awards! In recognition of our Spa’s outstanding achievement in service delivery over the past years (voted for by our guests and industry consultants), we are the proud winner of the Best Safari Spa in Zambia and Best Spa Manager for Zambia!
A quick glance at the Bush-Spa
- The Bush-Spa has individual and couples’ treatment rooms, and an open air wet deck featuring a “lagoon tub” for heavenly aqua treatments.
- All rooms are open-sided compartments that allow you to enjoy the living soundtrack and feel the natural breeze in your hair.
- The treatment menu includes all the classic spa staples with a local twist, utilising indigenous African oils and local techniques to offer intriguing options such as an African Goddess Anti-Ageing Facial, a Luangwa Valley Mud Wrap and the varied Big Five Pampering Aqua Packages.
- The Bush-Spa is open daily during daylight hours.
Being located on an open deck overlooking the lagoons, calls for stunning views, but also has a negative side. As soon as the sun sets, the mosquitoes become very active, making treatments in the evening hours very uncomfortable and therefore mostly not done.
After a relaxing massage I went on a game drive where I saw a lion who just killed a buffalo (sadly), hippos, crocodiles, elephants, a leopard, hyenas, giraffes a variety of birds, just breathtaking.
After the gamedrive it’s back to the lodge were I enjoyed a buffet style barbecue dinner, which was delicious.
The service and food was excellent with all the staff being very friendly. After a long first day I looked forward getting a good night sleep. My room was very comfortable with a great view of the lagoon and hippos launching in it.
I very much enjoyed my first night at the Lodge after a long journey, and only can recommend Mfuwe Lodge and definitely would stay there again.
About the Mfuwe Lodge:
The Mfuwe Lodge, is located within the park. The award-winning Mfuwe Lodge, is built under thatch and supported by palm tree poles, is situated in Zambia’s game-rich Luangwa Valley in the South Luangwa National Park, a conservation area famous for its concentrations of hippo, buffalo and elephant as well as being home to all the major predators.
Cool off in the lodge’s swimming pool while watching African wildlife graze or drink at the lagoon below you or head off on an exciting morning, afternoon or night game drive or even a guided walking safari. And after all the excitement, spend some quiet time rejuvenating at the bush spa while drinking in the beautiful views of the river.
Highlight include:
- Set over a lagoon in a game-rich valley
- Viewing decks & pool overlook the river
- Thrilling safaris either by foot or with a game-drive vehicle
- Bush spa with private views over the river
- Perfect honeymoon bush camp
Hippos wallow in the pool by the spa and in front of the chalets.
About the Chalets:
Scattered along the banks of the lagoon are Mfuwe’s 18 private chalets. Each Standard Chalet offers open-plan living, an en suite bathroom, mini bar and private game-viewing deck overlooking the lagoon. The bathing corner, which opens up to give guests an open-air bathing experience, is a special feature of each chalet.
Other room types:
Five of the suites at Mfuwe have an elevated sleeping area, double beds, a private bar and increased lounge space in additional to the features that are standard to all chalets.
Facilities:
The enchanting thatch-and-timber Mfuwe Lodge offers a cool, airy and comfortable stay on the banks of a lagoon that teems with wildlife. The central open-plan lodge provides plenty of comfortable spaces in which to relax, lounge, dine or enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar.
The generous wooden deck and swimming pool overlook the lagoon and you will have the unforgettable experience of watching hippos while you take a cooling dip in the swimming pool or enjoy a sundowner drink.
The nature conservation library has its own deck shaded by giant ebony trees while the private Bush Spa offers contemporary treatments and massages for your body and beautiful views of the river for your soul.
Dining:
Enjoy freshly-made breakfasts, buffet lunches and gourmet dinners under African skies in the reed-enclosed boma which includes a bar and lounge for your comfort.A full English breakfast is prepared on a wood and charcoal grill in a nearby shady grove once a week.
Other Lodges owned by the Bushcamp Company include:
Kuyenda
With its cluster of traditional thatched grass huts and back-to-nature feel, this charming and rustic camp offers a true taste of the African bush with one of the Luangwa’s premier guides at its helm. Camp can accommodate up to eight guests in four rustic thatched rondavels and offers guided walking safaris, plus day and night game drives (open from June to November).
Chamilandu
A breathtaking camp on one of the South Luangwa’s prime river locations, perfect for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife that the river and its lagoons attract – there’s nothing quite like waking up at Chamilandu! Camp can accommodate up to six guests in three raised tree-houses and offers guided walking safaris, plus day and night game drives (open from June to November).
An inside look into the beautiful Chamilandu Chalet.
Chindeni
A sublime camp on the edge of a permanent lagoon with the Chindeni Hills providing a truly breathtaking backdrop – undoubtedly one of the most beautiful tented camps in the South Luangwa. Camp can accommodate up to eight guests in four luxurious tents and offers guided walking safaris, plus day and night game drives (open from May to December).
Bilimungwe
Here, the traditions of the African bushcamp meet elegance and style to create a beautiful camp that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. This picturesque and intimate camp offers an authentic safari experience in the knowledgeable hands of an award-winning guide. Camp can accommodate up to eight guests in four extremely spacious thatched chalets on raised decks and offers guided walking safaris, plus day and night game drives (open from May to December).
An inside and surrounding look at the beautiful Bilimungwe Chalet.
Kapamba
A remote and romantic bushcamp situated in a prime location on the Kapamba River, this stylish camp combines the isolation and superb game-viewing opportunities of a true bushcamp with a touch of luxury. Camp can accommodate up to eight guests in four spacious thatched chalets and offers guided walking safaris, plus day and night game drives (open from April to January).
Zungulila
A quiet retreat where the spirit of old colonial Africa lives on in one of the remotest corners of the South Luangwa. Zungulila looks out over the sparkling Kapamba River and an expansive plain where natural springs attract huge herds of game. Camp can accommodate up to eight guests in four Meru-style thatched tents and offers guided walking safaris, plus day and night game drives (open from April to January).
Each of the six bushcamps is set in glorious surroundings and can accommodate a maximum of just eight guests, ensuring that your stay is a peaceful one and tailored to your personal needs. Together with the warmest of hospitality, sumptuous meals and first-class guides, the bushcamps are the perfect gateway for individuals and small groups wishing to explore the spectacular wildlife of the South Luangwa.
In the South Luangwa, the walking safari is king. This is what theyare famous for, so it is only fitting that most of your outings will be on foot with the very finest guides. Game drives are also on offer, particularly at night when a whole new cast of characters fills the landscape.
The bushcamps promise:
- An intimate and exclusive atmosphere, with no more than 8 guests
- Expert, professional safari guides
- Stylish, beautifully-appointed chalets
- Exceptional hospitality
- Remote settings, free from other vehicles
- Access to one of the top walking areas in Africa
- Abundant game
I stayed 2 out of six and must say it exceeded my expectation, just beautifully-appointed chalets very well designed and the locations are superb. The staff is friendly at each location and the service is right on point. Only can recommend this company since each experience was just breathtaking and unforgettable. Especially some of the surprises like a reception on the Luangwa River or the personal Pizza making experience in the bush, that was very special and a lot of fun.
Project Luangwa
Project Luangwa is a charitable organisation formed by the Safari Operators of South Luangwa as a part of their commitment to responsible tourism.
Their aim is to create an effective, coordinated approach to helping local communities improve their long term economic prospects whilst avoiding a negative impact on the environment and wildlife.
“We believe as a charity operating in Zambia that by developing and improving education in schools and creating training opportunities we can help families have the chance of a lasting and sustainable income.”
Project Luangwa has grown from an idea by Jo Pope and is managed at grass roots level by Karen Beattie and Dave Hopson, a married couple who live and work in the Mfuwe, South Luangwa.
Project Luangwa is registered with the UK Charities Commission, Reg. № 1119335, and as a Charitable Trust in Zambia, Reg. № CI 1027. It is also registered in the USA as a non-profit charity № 501(C)3 trading under the name of Kawaza School Fund.
One of many projects: Borehole Water Pump
Water is life. No one can survive without it and having access to clean, safe drinking water is vital. Especially for children. There are 68,862 people living in the Mambwe distric of Zambia, but less than 60% have access to clean drinking water from a bore hole or protected well.
It costs just $7000 to drill and install a bore hole at a school. The water not only helps the school children and teachers but can provide for up to 50 local households.
