Location

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

This secluded safari camp rests on a raised bank above the Kapamba River in the remote southern reaches of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. This quiet corner of the park, rich with wildlife and sparsely visited, offers unfiltered access to natural springs, grazing plains and the meandering river below.

The camp’s shared lounge and dining area are housed under a peaked thatch roof, with polished stone floors and open sides. Reed mats, low-slung wooden furniture and handwoven baskets from local artisans give the space a grounded, organic feel. Hurricane lamps cast soft light, and earth-toned fabrics and dark carved woods create a calm ambience. Outside, canvas loungers circle a fire pit overlooking a well-used elephant trail below.

Each canvas-walled guest suite opens fully to the bush, with no barrier between the bed and the view. Interiors are spare but textured—muted linen bedding, leather trunks, rough-hewn bedside tables and cotton drapes tied back with sisal rope. Outdoor stone showers have bamboo enclosures, while freestanding clawfoot bathtubs sit on shaded decks. Private plunge pools, fed by filtered river water, offer cool relief.

Meals are regionally inspired: millet flatbreads with tomato chutney, grilled tilapia with lemon and garden greens, slow-braised goat stew and caramelized banana with spiced honey for dessert. Dishes are served family-style on low wooden tables, either in the dining area or under the stars.

Zungulila runs entirely on solar energy, with no generators on-site. The camp filters and reuses water, avoids single-use plastics and sources produce and materials from nearby villages.