Come August 2025, Zambia’s safari map will gain a brilliant new star. Nestled just 30 kilometres north of the famed Kafue National Park, the Lolelunga Private Reserve promises an exclusive wilderness experience unlike any other in the region. With its luxurious accommodations, private wilderness access, and rich range of activities, Lolelunga is poised to not only elevate Zambia’s safari offerings but also enhance the country’s growing reputation as a premier destination for discerning nature lovers.
A Private Haven in the Heart of Kaonde
Covering 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) of pristine wilderness along the Lunga River, Lolelunga offers a new dimension of privacy and personalisation in Zambia’s safari experience. For travellers who seek intimacy, exclusivity, and a deep connection with nature, the reserve’s small capacity — just 14 guests across five king rooms and two junior suites — is a game-changer. Spacious and elegant, the accommodations blend modern luxury with the wild beauty outside, offering riverfront views and thoughtful touches like indoor bathtubs, air-conditioning, and private sleepout decks for romantic nights under the stars.
Families will also find Lolelunga inviting, with two standard rooms that can connect to create a larger family unit — an increasingly rare offering in high-end safari lodges.
Luxury Meets Adventure
Lolelunga is not just about relaxing in luxury — it’s about immersive experiences that honor Zambia’s wild spirit. Guests will have access to a wide range of activities, including classic game drives with professional guides, serene canoeing excursions, pond fishing, seasonal catch-and-release fishing, and archery. Walking safaris, available for guests over 12 years old, will allow visitors to explore up to six kilometres of the bush on foot — perfect for those wanting a deeper, more tactile engagement with nature.
Adding to the wellness experience, the lodge will feature a spa with an outdoor shower, a swimming pool, solar-powered energy solutions, and a gym equipped for a variety of workouts. A spacious river-view deck doubles as a yoga and meditation space, allowing guests to stretch and breathe in the peaceful rhythms of the bush.
Accessibility and Exclusivity
One of Lolelunga’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. With its own private airstrip capable of handling a Grand Caravan aircraft (14 passengers), getting to the reserve is quick and comfortable — just 45 minutes from Lusaka, 90 minutes from Livingstone, 70 minutes from the Lower Zambezi, and 120 minutes from Mfuwe in South Luangwa. For multi-destination travellers, this offers an effortless way to weave Lolelunga into a broader Zambian adventure.
The fenced lodge ensures safety, making it a suitable choice for first-timers or families, while the availability of private game vehicles (by prior arrangement) offers added privacy for couples or photographers seeking custom safari experiences.
Elevating Zambia’s Safari Landscape
While Zambia is renowned for its wild, off-the-beaten-track charm, the addition of Lolelunga brings a polished, ultra-luxurious option that competes with the best private reserves in Africa — while still staying true to Zambia’s reputation for authenticity and rich biodiversity.
Kafue National Park, often overshadowed by South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, is an emerging star on the continent’s safari circuit. Lolelunga’s presence nearby will draw more attention to Kafue’s immense wildlife diversity, including lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and over 500 bird species, enhancing conservation efforts and local community development in the Kaonde area.
By combining world-class luxury with an authentic wilderness ethos, Lolelunga is not just a new lodge — it’s a bold statement about the future of Zambian safaris. It signals to the world that Zambia can offer intimate, unforgettable wildlife encounters while delivering five-star comfort and service.
As Lolelunga prepares to welcome its first guests in August 2025, it offers an exciting new reason for safari lovers, luxury seekers, and adventurers to place Zambia at the top of their travel lists.
