Puku Ridge Camp
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Vibe
Perched on an elevated ridge, the camp gazes across the floodplain, where wildlife gathers at the waterhole right below.
“Elevated floodplain lair”
Canvas suites on elevated timber decks feature recycled fiber-thatched roofs and custom interiors by Luxury Frontiers.
Climate-controlled bed canopies, rooftop starbeds, deep soaking tubs, and private plunge pools overlooking the Kakumbi Dambo.
Suites showcase handcrafted Mfuwe tribal textiles, paired with bush walks led by expert Zambian safari guides.
On an elevated ridge overlooking the Kakumbi Dambo floodplain inside South Luangwa National Park.
Rooms
Elevated canvas suites feature deep soaking tubs, private plunge pools, and upper-tower starbeds for sleeping beneath the open night sky.
Wellness
In-room bodywork treatments can be arranged on request, while private veranda plunge pools offer cool afternoon soaks above the plains.
Backstory
A total rebuild replaced thousands of tons of concrete with lightweight bamboo composite decks, minimising the camp's environmental footprint on the ridge.
Eat & drink
Dining takes place under ancient tamarind trees and around the evening campfire boma, accompanied by drinks from the open-plan central bar.
The neighborhood
Set deep in South Luangwa National Park, the surrounding floodplain attracts roaming leopards, elephants, and herds of grazing puku antelopes.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.