South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Renovated
2020
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
The brand
Zambia Luxury Lodge CollectionElevated floodplain lair
Perched on an elevated ridge, the camp gazes across the floodplain, where wildlife gathers at the waterhole right below.
Where it shines
Notable
Canvas suites on elevated timber decks feature recycled fiber-thatched roofs and custom interiors by Luxury Frontiers.
Notable
Climate-controlled bed canopies, rooftop starbeds, deep soaking tubs, and private plunge pools overlooking the Kakumbi Dambo.
Notable
Suites showcase handcrafted Mfuwe tribal textiles, paired with bush walks led by expert Zambian safari guides.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set deep in South Luangwa National Park, the surrounding floodplain attracts roaming leopards, elephants, and herds of grazing puku antelopes.
The rooms
Elevated canvas suites feature deep soaking tubs, private plunge pools, and upper-tower starbeds for sleeping beneath the open night sky.
The plunge pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Circular plunge pools sit on private timber decks, looking out across the Kakumbi Dambo floodplain toward the waterhole.
At the table
Meals are served on open-air timber decks shaded by mature tamarind trees, beside a sunken campfire boma at dusk.
How it began
A total rebuild replaced thousands of tons of concrete with lightweight bamboo composite decks, minimising the camp's environmental footprint on the ridge.
Stay here
Puku Ridge Camp
See rooms and prices on the hotel's own website.
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South Luangwa National Park
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.