6 of the Best Eco-Friendly Lodges in Zambia

Located in the heart of Southern Africa, Zambia is a vast country with widely diverse ecosystems and wildlife, making it an unparalleled destination for eco-friendly safaris. Renowned for its commitment to sustainable tourism, the country offers awe-inspiring encounters with a wealth of wildlife.

These include the Big Five (though black rhinos aren’t plentiful), wildcat, sable and roan antelope, pangolin, lechwe, grysbok, tsessebe and the beautiful marsh-dwelling sitatunga. 

And, of course, Zambia is home to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s best known and iconic waterfalls. Zambia’s array of national parks, such as South Luangwa, Kafue and Lower Zambezi, house unique flora and fauna. Sustainability initiatives throughout Zambia ensure the protection of the country’s rich biodiversity and promote responsible travel. 

Here are just a few of Zambia’s superb eco-lodges that demonstrate that luxury accommodation can go hand-in-hand with eco-friendly and sustainable tourism:

Chamilandu Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Open from June to November, this small, solar-powered and isolated 5-Star seasonal camp accommodates only six guests. Its spectacular location on the Luangwa River offers unbeatable views of the bountiful wildlife the seven lagoons and river attract. 

Guests stay in three luxury elevated ensuite chalets, each with its own raised veranda to fully appreciate the tranquil setting. Communal areas include a restaurant, thatched bar and delightful dining area.

Scrumptious high teas, a game viewing hide and a complimentary laundry service are on offer. Activities include expertly guided walking safaris, day and night game drives, and splendid bird watching.

Shawa Luangwa Camp, Musamba, Zambia

This exclusive, eco-friendly and intimate 5-Star camp overlooks the Luangwa River in one of the park’s most pristine areas. The camp’s design gives a truly immersed-in-nature, treehouse ambience to the camp.  

Luxurious accommodation is provided in either a couples tent or two-bedroomed family tent. Both are ensuite with sunken baths, on-deck ‘power showers’, and are indulgently comfortable and wheel-chair friendly. An impressive Natal mahogany tree shades the delightful al-fresco dining area and spacious river-front decks. 

There’s a pool and activities include guided day and night game drives, walking, boating safaris and birding. The camp and its magically silent electric game-drive Land Cruisers are all solar-powered.

Old Mondoro Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Old Mondoro Old Mondoro camp dreams in a grove of massive acacia trees on the banks of the Zambezi. Its remote and exquisite site overlooks islands and channels teeming with hippos and wildlife. Accommodation is offered in: 

• Old Mondoro Camp Chalets, five screened-in reed chalets with private decks
• Old Mondoro Family Suite with two bedrooms 
• Four Bush Chalets 
• A two-bedroom ‘Family Chalet’ that is actually the owner’s house and is perfect for families

The structures have canvas roofs, canvas and reed walls and concrete floors. The outdoor solar-heated plunge baths are a great hit with guests and the resident elephants who have been known to drink from them!

Activities include high tea, game drives, walking safaris, birding, catch-and-release fishing, fly fishing, canoeing, and boat excursions. The camp also has a deck and restaurant, and offers fine bush dining in wonderful wild locations. 

4 DAYS

Livingstone Discovery

Zambia Livingstone Victoria Falls

From $ 1570 /USD

per person per tour

VIEW SAFARI

5 DAYS

Short Victoria Falls and Chobe Experience

Zambia Livingstone Victoria Falls Botswana Chobe

From $ 2600 /USD

per person per tour

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6 DAYS

Kafue National Park Safari

Southern Africa Zambia Kafue

From $ 3750 /USD

per person per tour

VIEW SAFARI

Sindabezi Island Lodge, Sindabezi Island, Livingstone and Victoria Falls, Zambia

5-Star Sindabezi has been rated amongst Fodor’s top ten eco-lodges in Africa. It’s a unique, magical camp tucked away on a secluded private island in the Zambezi River. Accommodation is provided in five luxurious ensuite open-sided thatched cottages with stunning views. 

Plentiful hot water and lighting is provided by solar heating. The camp is also lit by hurricane lamps and candles for a real touch of romance. The camp has a bar, restaurant, plunge pool, convivial communal dining, and deluxe spa. There is a complimentary laundry service, and babysitting can be arranged. Activities abound:

• Game drives 
• Guided walks 
• Gourmet island picnics 
• Boating 
• Canoeing
• Cycling 
• Sampan dining 
• Sunrise and sunset cruises 
• Birdwatching
• Cultural tours
• Fishing
• Many adrenaline-fuelled activities

Visits to Victoria Falls, and local villages and markets are also on offer, as are excursions to Mosi oa Tunya National Park and Livingstone Museum.

Chisa Busanga Camp, Kafue National Park, Mumbwa, Zambia

The design of 5-Star Chisa Busanga Camp’s rooms charmingly mimics the weaver bird nests that festoon the trees around it and reflects its strong conservation ethic. Each of the four luxurious and elevated en-suite ‘nests’ sleeps two people in great comfort and style. One of the rooms has an elevator for disabled guests. 

The camp lies on a small tree-lined island, and uses only solar power. Its game drive Landrovers, boats and bicycles are also electrical. The camp has a bar, restaurant, pool, communal dining area, and free wi-fi and laundry service.

Activities include e-biking, walking, day and night game drives and birding safaris. Hot air ballooning is available off-site.

Anabezi Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

The luxury retreat of Anabezi is located on the banks of the Zambezi River in a winterthorn forest in a remote wilderness with breathtaking landscapes.

It combines luxury with rustic authenticity in each of the twelve ensuite tents on offer. One of the tents is a family tent with an interleading children’s tent. Each tent has its own plunge pool and private deck. 

The camp also has two roomy decks just inviting relaxation. Activities on offer comprise day and night game drives, canoeing, boat cruises, guided walking safaris, catch-and-release fishing and birding. Gourmet picnics, high tea and massages are all on offer for that added touch. 

If you can’t wait to visit Zambia and see its wonders for yourself, we won’t blame you at all! As African safari experts, at Discover Africa we know that Zambia is a fantastic safari destination. Why not let us plan your dream, never-to-be-forgotten Zambia getaway together?