Napo Wildlife Center

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. 

Guest Tent

(7 ROOMS)

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 and natural textures. The interior focuses on comfort and warm colours, with a collection of unique pieces and details. The bathroom has a gorgeous slipper bath, fluffy towels, fresh soaps and salts.

The lodge is limited to seven luxury guest tents comprised of 4 King rooms and 3 Doubles (Queen beds).

Family unit - One double is configured to accommodate 2 adults and 2 children.

Complete with:
• Indoor and outdoor seating and lounging
• Private deck and plunge pool
• Indoor bathroom - slipper bath, shower, toilet, and basins
• Outdoor shower and toilet
• Mosquito nets
• Large closet with plenty of hanging and storage
• Tea/coffee making facilities and minibar
• Aircon and ceiling fan
• 24-hour power (power outlets are 220V)
• Complimentary daily laundry service
• Luxury linens
• Amenities - bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, bath foam/salts, shower gel, magnifying mirror and hairdryer

Directors Tent

(1 ROOM)

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 and natural textures. The interior focuses on comfort and warm colours, with a collection of unique pieces and details. The bathroom has a gorgeous slipper bath, fluffy towels, fresh soaps and salts.

The Directors’ Tent is complete with WiFi, DSTV, Nespresso machine, outdoor sleeping and more.

Complete with:
• Indoor and outdoor seating and lounging
• Private deck and plunge pool
• Indoor bathroom - slipper bath, shower, toilet, and basins
• Outdoor shower and toilet
• Mosquito nets
• Large closet with plenty of hanging and storage
• Tea/coffee making facilities and minibar
• Aircon and ceiling fan
• 24-hour power (power outlets are 220V)
• Complimentary daily laundry service
• Luxury linens
• Amenities - bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, bath foam/salts, shower gel, magnifying mirror and hairdryer

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.

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.

On the Water

As the first raindrops fall on the dry Luangwa valley the smell of petrichor assails the senses. The sense of anticipation is elevated, and the animal behaviour tells a story of its own. The only thing we are sure of is that the mighty free flowing Luangwa river will flood, and the landscape will be changed once more.

Green takes over and we are finally able to launch the boats, pack the equipment and set off to drift down the Luangwa river, explore tributaries and enjoy the wildlife from a new perspective. This is an exciting time for birders as migrants fly in for a visit. Mercurial skies, meandering currents, and boundless color …. emerald season truly is a magical time to visit.

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!

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.

For more information on Sungani, click HERE

To see a video on Singani Lodge click HERE