South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Designed by Neil Rocher this impressive private house sits gracefully on the edge of a lagoon system frequented by large herds of elephants, impalas, giraffes and countless other species which use the lagoon as a source of water and food throughout the year.
Luangwa House has been designed to assault the senses from the minute you arrive, a strong castle like structure looms up in front of you, then and as you enter through the enormous pivoting door, light and grace as the entire front of the house is open to wilderness. This magnificent private house is the ultimate in luxury and the perfect getaway for families (children over seven) or groups of friends seeking an indulgent and private break.
Download Fact SheetEach of the four spacious bedrooms are individual in style and have their own en-suite bathroom and private verandah area for you to enjoy the tranquility of Zambia. During your stay with us at Luangwa House you will be looked after by our team dedicated solely to you. Your private guide who will tailor each and every activity around your personal preferences and requirements, whilst the chef and house manager will ensure that everything is as you want it for when you are back in the house.
The space and privacy of the house is unrivalled and provides an understated luxury combined with a very welcome and friendly feel. Upon entering through the huge pivoting door you are welcomed by a large airy main area, the front of which is completely open affording incredible views of the landscape and countless animals as they stroll past the house. This room, the ceiling of which reaches up to twelve meters in height, is dominated by enticing sofas, two floating staircases on either side leading to the upstairs bedrooms and a large wrought iron and marble dining table. The open front of the main area leads on to a tiled terrace with a refreshing plunge pool on one side and a decked walkway through the ebony trees on the other.
The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoiled wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. The highly experienced and passionate guiding team cannot fail to guarantee you an excellent safari experience and even when not out on an activity the wildlife that comes to the lagoon in front of the house is exceptional. Private activities include day and night game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, walking safaris led by our knowledgeable guides and escorted by an armed National Park scout. Meanwhile, for a cultural experience, a visit to the Kawaza Village is not to be missed.
Responsible Tourism
Operating lodges and camps in protected ecosystems in Africa alongside local indigenous communities and wildlife comes with a great deal of responsibility.
Robin Pope Safaris is committed to responsible tourism. We conduct our business in a manner that benefits the environment and wildlife conservation, the people who work for us, and our neighboring communities. In this way our tourism operations, and the presence of our guests, has the capacity to protect natural wildlife areas, alleviate poverty through good employment practices and contribute positively to the local community. We work together with community development, wildlife conservation and responsible tourism specialists to ensure that we operate in accordance with these principles.
Caring for the environment
Robin Pope Safaris takes pro-active steps to ensure that we run in an environmentally responsible manner. This is important in protecting the fragile ecosystems upon which the wildlife and local people rely upon for their survival and in which we operate.
Steps we take:
Wildlife Conservation
Robin Pope Safaris undertakes many activities, and supports a diversity of projects that contribute to the conservation and protection of wildlife. We also ensure that wildlife and their habitats are not disturbed by our operations.
Activities we undertake:
Professionally Trained & Highly Qualified Safari Guides
Our guides are trained to the highest possible standards and all have professional safari guiding qualifications.
Anti-Poaching
In Zambia we financially support the vital anti-poaching activities of Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) in order to keep South Luangwa’s wildlife safe from poachers.
We also support both financially and practically our local Kakumbi Community Resource Board.
In Zimbabwe we support the Zambezi Elephant Fund. This fund works with local authorities, as well as a collaborative group of alliance partners to maintain a strong anti-poaching presence.
Carnivore Research The Luangwa Valley is home to Zambia’s second largest wild dog population, its largest lion population and one of its largest leopard populations.
Conservation Education
Changing ‘hearts and minds’ of community members living alongside wildlife to understand the importance and value of wildlife are crucial in its conservation.
Support of Government Wildlife Bodies
Robin Pope Safaris supports the conservation efforts of the Zambian, Malawian and Zimbabwean governments through the payment of tourism levies and fees, by reporting snared animals to the wildlife authorities, promoting the protection of fish species along Lake Malawi National Park and by assisting their operations with vehicles and resources when needed.
Community benefit
For over 30 years, we have been committed to ensuring that our local communities benefit from our presence through employment. We understand the interdependence between local communities and the wildlife and natural resources that tourism depends upon. As we operate in rural areas that lack other development opportunities, we are in a great position to impact positively on local people’s lives.
Healthcare
Robin Pope Safaris founded the Luangwa Safari Association Medical Fund, which contributes to the upkeep of the government’s rural Kakumbi Health Centre; which provides healthcare for more than 20 000 residents.
Education
Robin Pope Safaris believes that investing in education provision in the local community is one of the best contributions we can make to our neighbours. Education is key to ending the cycle of poverty in rural African communities.
Trade Not Aid
We purchase as many locally available supplies as possible to stimulate local trade. We also contract local craftsmen for new buildings and in the refurbishment of our existing properties and support local artisans by selling their wares in our gift shops.
With our active support, community members from Kawaza Village set up and manage the first authentic cultural village tourism enterprise in Zambia. We encourage trade with Kawaza Village and are their main supplier of guests, marketing them internationally through our website and our tour operator partners and acting as their Booking Agent.
Caring for our staff
To care for our staff, we ensure high standard treatment, fair wages, and good working conditions as well as access to education and training. We employ solely on the basis of merit and employ local staff in all areas of our operations.
Training & Promotion
We have a number of training mechanisms in place for our staff and have a policy of in-house development and promotion from bottom to top.
We always reward good work and encourage our staff to further their education – both through our in-house training courses and externally. We sponsor employees that show high commitment and potential to develop themselves to senior management level.
The following camps compliment Luangwa Safari House well, and should be considered when extending an itinerary.
305 Booty Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Tel: (757) 428 1166 / Fax: (757) 428 0554 / Toll Free: 1 800 322 3867