South Luangwa safari in Zambia
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
In a challenging location we have tried to design with environmental issues in mind. The lodge is self-sustainable with a plentiful water borehole and means to properly dispose of rubbish and wastewater. As we are new, we have been able to incorporate the latest eco water saving taps and showerheads that reduce the water flow and usage in our chalets. Towel and linen washing is done on site and only when required. We have secure waste facilities to keep wild animals (especially baboons) out and to make sure our impact of the surrounding environment is minimal.
The lodge is owned and run by like minded individuals who are committed to the protection of the wildlife and habitat of the Luangwa Valley and also believe in employing and assisting the local communities: The Lodge team include:
Zambia went through a very bad patch of poaching with hundreds of elephants being killed for their ivory in the 80’s and 90’s. With the tourism trade booming, the local communities can see the benefit of keeping these animals alive. South Luangwa National Park is one of the finest in Africa and all entrants to the park are paying significant fees but this goes towards the upkeep of the park and management and protection of its wildlife.
We have a very strong environmental policy and an appreciation that wildlife and its habitats are fragile. Even a well-meaning safari can cause negative effects and when on safari it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that the wildlife is respected for the benefit of their continual survival. To help make the safari a responsible one, we have created guidelines for our guests to follow and minimise any impact on the environment. By visiting South Luangwa our guests are directly supporting the ongoing protection of the park and keeping wildlife in the wild.
Community
The lodge was completed in 2009. From the beginning of the project we wanted to involve the local community to develop a lodge that limited its impact on the environment and supported the communities living near to the National park.
In the construction of the lodge we only employed staff from the local communities; almost a year’s work for a variety of skills, from builders to plumbers and carpenters. The furniture including beds, tables and chairs was not bought from Lusaka but locally made by carpenters. Our lodge is truly Zambian made and while not ‘5 star’ it has charm and a feeling of simplicity that is in touch with the natural surroundings.
As part of this safari you will be able to support the community directly through our Kawaza Village tour where a $20 fee is paid directly to the community. Kawaza Village is home to villagers of the Kunda tribe. Kawaza offers travellers the opportunity to visit a genuine Zambian rural village and to get involved with local people and village life. Kawaza is a unique experience for travellers to Zambia. As such it is the winner of the prestigious Silver Otter Award, given to the Best Overseas Tourism Project by the British Guild of Travel Writers. Village
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