Jan
ClosedClosed during the rainy season.
Chikunto Safari Lodge
South Luangwa, Zambia · National park
Lodge
Photo: Chikunto Safaris · Source ↗
All inclusive (AI)
Accommodation, All meals and snacks and 5 more
6 rooms
Luxury Tented Double or Twin Suite, Luxury Family Tented Suite, Deluxe Combination Suite with private elevated Sleep Out & Stargazing Platform and 1 more
All ages welcome
Family rooms available
Getting there
about 25 km from Mfuwe airport (MFU)
Wi-Fi in public areas
From about A$320
per person / night, sharing
Overview
About Chikunto Safari Lodge
Chikunto Safari Lodge sits on the Big Bend of the Luangwa River inside South Luangwa National Park. Five tented suites stand on raised decks with private verandas, while Nthawi House adds a two-bedroom villa with its own pool. The shared lounge, bar and saltwater swimming pool overlook the river and waterhole. Days centre on game drives and pre-booked walking safaris, with meals, local drinks, airport transfers and laundry included. Couples can choose the deluxe suite with its private sleep-out platform; the two-bedroom family suite gives travelling families more space.
“We love the choice between a tented suite beside the Luangwa and a private villa with its own pool. The deluxe sleep-out platform makes this a particularly appealing stay for couples celebrating a special occasion.”
Best for
HoneymoonersLuxury seekersFamilies
Known for
What you can expect to see
A riverside setting at the Big Bend, with a waterhole beside the shared deck and a private sleep-out platform in the deluxe suite.
Your stay
What's included
Board: All inclusive (AI)
Special offer: The 2026 safari package offers five nights for the price of four, from USD 3,800 per person. Park fees apply to every night.
Included
- Accommodation
- All meals and snacks
- Local beverages
- Two game-viewing activities daily
- Pre-booked walking safaris
- Mfuwe Airport transfers
- Laundry
- Walking safaris
- Game drives
Not included
- Park fees
National park fees, bed levy and tourism levy are charged separately.
Optional extras (at a cost)
Premium drinks and private vehicles cost extra. Gratuities are discretionary.
Facilities
Comforts and facilities
At the property
- Swimming pool
- Bar
- Viewing deck
- Wi-Fi in public areas
In your room
- En-suite bathroom
Rooms
Where you sleep
- Luxury Tented Double or Twin Suite3 at the property · sleeps 3 adults · Raised deck, King or twin beds, Private veranda, En-suite bathroom
- Luxury Family Tented Suite1 at the property · sleeps 5 adults · Two bedrooms, Shared bathroom, Internal lounge, External veranda
- Deluxe Combination Suite with private elevated Sleep Out & Stargazing Platform1 at the property · sleeps 3 adults · Private walkway, Elevated sleep-out platform, Private shower, Private bathroom
- Chikunto Nthawi House - The House of Time1 at the property · sleeps 6 adults · Two bedrooms, Private bathrooms, Private lounges, Shared dining area, Private pool, Deck, Coffee-making facilities
Activities
Things to do
Included in your stay
Getting there
How you'll arrive
- How you arrive
- about 25 km from Mfuwe airport (MFU)
Good to know
Before you book
- Check-in
- From 14:00
- Check-out
- By 10:00
- Children
- All ages welcome. Family rooms available
- Malaria
- Seasonal malaria risk. Ask your doctor about prevention.
When to go
Best time to visit
- January: Closed
- February: Green season
- March: Green season
- April: Closed
- May: Green season
- June: Dry season, best game viewing
- July: Dry season, best game viewing
- August: Dry season, best game viewing
- September: Dry season, best game viewing
- October: Good
- November: Good
- December: Closed
- Dry season, best game viewing
- Good
- Green season
- Closed
Month-by-month notes
Feb
Green seasonWildlife: Emerald-season birding; land and water safaris depend on river levels.
Opens from mid-February on request. Emerald-season safaris combine land and water activities when river levels allow.
Mar
Green seasonWildlife: Emerald-season birding with land and water safaris.
Open on request for emerald-season safaris, with birding and boat trips when river levels allow.
Apr
ClosedClosed for April, reopening on 1 May.
May
Green seasonWildlife: Emerald-season light and birding; water activities depend on river levels.
Reopens on 1 May. Emerald-season light and birding continue, with water activities dependent on river levels.
Jun
Dry season, best game viewingWildlife: Cool, dry conditions during the peak safari season.
The cool, dry period coincides with the start of peak safari season.
Jul
Dry season, best game viewingWildlife: Cool, dry conditions during the peak safari season.
Cool, dry conditions continue through late July.
Aug
Dry season, best game viewingWildlife: Hot, dry conditions; wildlife concentrates near shrinking water sources.
The hot, dry season begins, with animals gathering near shrinking water sources.
Sep
Dry season, best game viewingWildlife: Hot, dry conditions; wildlife concentrates near shrinking water sources.
Hot, dry conditions concentrate wildlife around remaining water.
Oct
GoodWildlife: Hot, dry conditions continue as wildlife gathers around remaining water.
Hot, dry conditions continue as the river recedes.
Nov
GoodWildlife: Early rains begin; the lodge closes in the middle of the month.
The lodge closes in mid-November as the rainy season begins.
Dec
ClosedClosed during the rainy season.
How we judge each month
- Dry season, best game viewingAmong this property's strongest months for conditions, access and key experiences.
- GoodVery favourable conditions for this property and its key experiences.A generally good time to stay, with some normal seasonal compromises.
- Green seasonWorkable for specific priorities, with notable seasonal compromises.The property operates, but seasonal conditions bring substantial trade-offs.
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Plan around this stay
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Details checked October 2026. Rates and availability are confirmed when you enquire.