Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bush-Spa
Offline map
( 0216-246123;
www.bush-spa.com
; 1hr massage ZMW380; 8am-4.30pm daily)
All
those bumpy hours in 4WDs can wear the body down. For an absolutely decadent experi-
ence of relief, head to this beautifully designed Balinese-style spa built over a hippo pond.
The owner Nathalie Zanoli, originally from the Netherlands, not only has trained her staff
to give massages of the absolutely highest quality but has consciously set out to employ
local Zambian women, who are usually excluded from livelihoods in the tourism industry.
The extensive menu of services include a variety of treatment techniques, facials and body
wraps. 'House calls' to area lodges can also be arranged.
MASSAGE
Sleeping & Eating
Most lodges/camps in South Luangwa are along the banks of the river or at an oxbow la-
goon. All of the lodges/camps deep in the park are all-inclusive and at the very top end in
terms of price (park fees for these camps, ZMW309 per person per night, are also in-
cluded). Some companies offer walking safaris for a few days from one bush camp to the
next (
Click here
)
as well as what's often referred to as 'fly camping': nights are spent
camping out under the stars with nothing more than a mosquito net separating you from
the sights, sounds and smells of the bush, and which is usually the highlight of any trip.
Most travellers will end up choosing from the places just outside the park boundary.
These range from budget camping to top-end lodges; however, you don't pay admission
fees until you actually enter the park. Note that some lodges/camps open only in the high
season (April to November), but those in and around Mfuwe are open all year. Places that
open in the low (or 'green' or 'emerald') season offer substantial discounts - often up to
40%. Keep the following in mind: on the plus side there are few visitors, newly born an-
imals, stunning colors and the possibility to see the Luangwa River by boat, however the
grass is high, walking safaris are for the most part unavailable, many tracks are impass-
able and you might not see that much wildlife.
Any rates listed here are per person during the high season; single supplements usually
cost 30% more. All-inclusive rates include accommodation, meals, snacks, laundry, activ-
ities such as wildlife drives, and park fees. Transfers from Mfuwe airport, local alcohol
and house wine are also usually included, but double-check when booking - you might be
surprised by how quickly all those gin and tonics add up. None of the lodges or camps de-
scribed here are fenced which means loud grunting hippos and their like might disturb
your sleep and mean you'll need an escort at night.
