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Flatdogs Camp

Flatdogs Camp

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Flatdogs Camp is something of a Luangwa institution. Once a camp known for its overland trucks, backpackers and lively bar, it has now changed direction slightly, offering accommodation for those looking for a more comfortable stay in the valley. The camp prides itself on offering this at a fraction of the price of the more upmarket lodges.

It has a good-sized pool, plenty of space to relax under a tree with a book and guests can enjoy birdwatching between game drives. Walking and driving safaris with passionate guides explore the Mfuwe area of the South Luangwa National Park.

OUR OPINION:

A stay at Flatdogs is a great introduction to the South Luangwa, with the river setting immersing you straight into bush life. Owned and run by Jess and Ade, you will immediately be made to feel right at home and welcomed like old friends.

OUR RATING: Medium

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Rooms

Accommodation consists of four two-bedroom chalets, 12 en suite tents and one tree house, the Jackalberry Tree House. The chalets are built over two floors, with a choice of a downstairs double room surrounded by a cool veranda, and an upstairs twin room with a high thatched roof and views of the river. Both share a kitchen which is separated by interconnecting doors, allowing your privacy. There are fans, mosquito nets and simple bathroom facilities. The luxury en suite tents are situated on the banks of the Luangwa and are simple but have wonderful views, whilst the standard tents are dotted around the bush. Bathrooms are open air and have hot showers, flush toilets and sinks. Finally, the Jackalberry Tree House is built around ebony trees and quite popular with visiting elephant and giraffe.

Location

Flatdogs Camp is located in the Game Management Area near to the entrance of the South Luangwa National Park, close to the small village of Mfuwe. Built on the banks of the Luangwa it boasts views of the river, dambos and lagoons. There are hippo and birds to see, while plenty of other wildlife passes through camp.

Food and drink

The Dog and Gat Bar and Restaurant is known throughout the valley and is lively in the evenings. It offers an à la carte restaurant, pub, wireless internet café and a gift shop. Unlike other safari lodges, there are no set menus or mealtimes, and guests are free to come and go as they please. There is a varied menu of international cuisine, cooked with local, fresh ingredients.

Facilities and activities

Daily game drives and walking safaris allow guests to explore the adjacent South Luangwa National Park with ease, though lots of animals and birds can be spotted around the camp. Also in camp, guests can relax around the pool, and arrange visits to the local villages, to see the conservation and community projects Flatdogs are involved in. 

Environmental and social responsibility

With a stay at Flatdogs, guests are giving back to local community, where Flatdogs is heavily involved in projects to improve and maintain the well-being of the nearby Mfuwe village and the surrounding area. Along with other local lodges, Flatdogs are a key support of Conservation South Luangwa, protecting the national park.

Tour ideas in South Luangwa National Park

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Flatdogs Camp as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

    South Luangwa National Park and nearby places