On the banks of an oxbow lagoon
A stylish lodge hidden in a remote part of South Luangwa National Park with abundant uncongested game viewing
Location
If you’re looking for a truly wild safari adventure where it feels like you’re the only people around for miles, then Lion Camp is the perfect place. Set in the remote northern reaches of South Luangwa National Park, the camp is perfectly placed for watching wildlife drift past from the comfort of your deck.
Rooms
There are just ten suites here, raised on wooden stilts and connected by an airy canvas walkway. Each one opens out onto uninterrupted views of the floodplain, where elephant and antelope often graze. Inside, expect a fresh, natural palette and thoughtful comforts like fans, gauze windows and proper beds draped in mosquito netting. The two deluxe suites are a real treat, with deep soaking baths, outdoor showers, and rooftop sleepouts under the stars.
Amenities
The main area strikes a lovely balance, polished yet informal, with a spacious lounge, bar, and a pool that looks out across the plains. Guests love the snooker table and tucked-away library, but it’s the open-air firepit and the ever-changing wildlife view that tend to steal the show.
Activities
You’ll explore this incredible region on expertly guided game drives and walking safaris, with sightings of lion, leopard and wild dog often a highlight. Game drives are taken in open Land Rovers, not only during the day but also at night when the little-seen nocturnal creatures come out to play and hunt. For those keen on photography, the lodge’s resident wildlife filmmaker can offer tailored advice and camera support.
Sustainability
Lion Camp is a member of the Luangwa Conservation & Community Fund, which raises more than USD 170,000 annually to support anti-poaching patrols, wildlife research, and community projects across South Luangwa. They also support the Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust, which brings conservation education into local schools, helping children understand and value the wildlife that shares their land.
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South Luangwa Trip Inspiration
When to go to Zambia
Find out the best time to visit Zambia with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a good time to visit Victoria Falls, but the rest of the country is very humid and wet leading to many camps shutting during January.
February
February remains wet, so its a good month to visit the thundering Victoria Falls, however only a few camps stay open for boating and walking. The rains have created lush vegetation, during this time of year it is alive with the sound of migratory birds in their breeding plumage, an excellent time for birders to visit Zambia.
March
If you want to witness Vic Falls at its fullest, March is the month to visit, with huge volumes of spray often obscuring the view. The birding is still magnificent in March, and camps offer fantastic value for money as there are no crowds.
April
In April the weather starts to dry, however rain remains a prominent feature of April. In the Lower Zambezi National Park, lush vegetation is at its thickest making animals more difficult to spot. April is seen to be the best time of year to witness the rarely seen Wild Dog in South Luangwa National Park.
May
May is a mixed month, the onset of the dry season means rains are unlikely, however access to certain camps is tricky due to sodden grounds. Game viewing in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi begin to improve as the vegetation things and waterholes begin to dry up, forcing wildlife together.
June
June is a great time to visit Zambia, the ground starts to dry out and camps are offering excellent deals and there are few visitors to share safari vehicles so you may have some areas to yourself.
July
July is high season, temperatures rise and all the camps are officially open. If you want to see game then South Luangwa is the best option, whereas the Lower Zambezi is perfect for river cruises and fishing.
Victoria falls is at its best, without being overly wet and clouded with spray.
August
August's hot and dry weather kicks off what Zambia is famous for, walking safaris. It is the prime time to combine game viewing with Victoria Falls.
September
Temperatures sore in September reaching high 20's making the long days particularly pleasant. This month sees Carmine Bee Eaters arrive, flocks of hundreds nest in river banks providing a thrilling spectacle of colour and sound.
October
October sees temperatures sore again, game viewing is best done in the early mornings to avoid the hot midday sun.
November
November brings the start of the rainy season, but the good news is the sporadic showers are not too disruptive and visitors get to see dramatic skies and stormy skies brewing. Temperatures are high and it can be humid, but the mixed weather brings great value stays. Plus many young animals are being born, making it a fantastic time to see the parks come to life.
December
The rainy season is in full force in December, grasslands begin to lengthen, foliage thickens and game viewing becomes a little trickier. The rivers rise and dependant on water levels travellers can visit 'devils pool' at Vic Falls, providing high excitement and a head for heights needed if you want to get close to the drop off.
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