Lolelunga Private Reserve Redefines Luxury Safari in Zambia’s Untamed Northwest
A new chapter in Zambian eco-tourism begins with the official launch of Lolelunga Private Reserve, a 30,000-hectare Big Five sanctuary bordering the northern edge of Kafue National Park. Marking a decade-long conservation success story, this pioneering reserve welcomed its first guests in August 2025, offering an unrivalled blend of ethical luxury, environmental stewardship, and community impact.
Strategically nestled along the pristine Lunga River, Lolelunga is the first fully fenced private game reserve in Zambia, promising a rare Big Five photographic safari experience featuring lion, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, and, soon, black rhino.
What was once barren land plagued by logging and poaching has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to a unique partnership with the local Kaonde tribe. Many of the reserve’s current wildlife rangers were once poachers, now reformed guardians of biodiversity. This transformation highlights Lolelunga’s commitment not only to wildlife protection but also to meaningful community engagement.
The reserve’s namesake reflects its heart and heritage: “Lole” — the owner’s last-born child — and “Lunga” — the vital river that flows from the Congo, shaping the northern boundary of the land.
Following the successful reintroduction of five cheetahs in 2024, plans are underway to reintroduce black rhinos, reinforcing Lolelunga’s role as a beacon of ecological restoration.
Designed by South Africa’s FYGG Studios, the lodge emphasizes unassuming luxury and sustainable elegance. Accommodating just 14 guests, the lodge features:
- Three standard king rooms
- Two junior suites
- One family suite (convertible into two standard kings)
On-site amenities include a swimming pool, a gym, a wellness spa, and diverse indoor and outdoor dining areas. For a more romantic escape, guests can reserve the Ngoma Deck for private dinners or starlit sleepouts.
Each suite offers breathtaking views of the Lunga River, with interiors that reflect the natural textures of Zambia’s wild landscape through wood, stone, and woven materials.
Lolelunga’s fully inclusive safari experience features twice-daily game drives, walking safaris, catch-and-release fishing, guided canoeing, birdwatching, and archery. Children are not left behind with the Lolelunga Nature Navigators Club, designed for immersive learning and fun.
The reserve’s conservation model extends into impactful local development:
- Over 50 boreholes drilled to provide clean water
- Two secondary schools built
- Agricultural support extended to 500 families
- A private airstrip constructed to ensure medical deliveries to six local clinics
This is not just a holiday—it’s a direct investment in people and the planet.
Getting There:
Guests can fly from Lusaka, Livingstone, Mfuwe, or Lower Zambezi via private charter. Lolelunga’s own 1.1km gravel runway accommodates aircraft up to Grand Caravan size.
Travel Times:
- Lusaka: 45 minutes
- Livingstone: 1h30
- Lower Zambezi: 1h10
- Mfuwe: 2h00
From the airstrip, a 5-minute open-vehicle drive brings guests to the main lodge.
Best Time to Visit:
May to November offers the ideal dry season for game viewing and outdoor activities.
Reservations:
Bookings can be made through dosm@zambialuxurylodges.com.
Lolelunga joins the prestigious Zambia Luxury Lodge Collection (ZLLC), launched in 2024. Other high-end properties in the portfolio include:
- Chichele Presidential Lodge, South Luangwa (Reopening 2025)
- Lolebezi Safari Lodge, Lower Zambezi (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Puku Ridge, South Luangwa
Each property showcases Zambia’s rich biodiversity and world-class hospitality, appealing to adventurers, conservationists, and luxury seekers alike.
Website: www.zambialuxurylodges.com
Design Studio: www.fyggstudio.co
Lolelunga Private Reserve is more than a safari destination—it’s a movement rooted in conservation, cultural respect, and conscious luxury. Come witness the rebirth of a wilderness.
