Puku Ridge Wins Big, Cements Zambia’s Safari Crown
Puku Ridge Safari Lodge has once again captured global attention, clinching two prestigious awards that reaffirm its place as Zambia’s premier safari experience. The lodge was named Zambia’s Leading Safari Lodge for the third consecutive year at the World Travel Awards™, and also received its second straight title as Best Luxury Wilderness Lodge in Zambia 2025 from the Luxury Lifestyle Awards.
These accolades cement Puku Ridge’s position as a trailblazer in Zambia’s luxury tourism sector. “These distinguished accolades serve as a profound inspiration, propelling the lodge to continuously refine its offerings,” said Michel Bouic, General Manager of Puku Ridge Safari Lodge. “We remain committed to sharing the wonders of Zambia with our guests, seamlessly blending luxury, comfort, and conservation.”
Nestled in the heart of South Luangwa National Park, Puku Ridge offers an unmatched wilderness escape. The lodge features eight elegantly designed tented suites overlooking the Kakumbi Plains, complete with private plunge pools, star bed towers, indoor and outdoor showers, and in-room massage services—all combining to deliver a world-class safari experience in one of Africa’s most pristine ecosystems.
Guests enjoy close encounters with wildlife, including in the famed Valley of the Leopards, and access to a unique eye-level photographic hide, ideal for capturing rare moments in the wild. The park is also home to over 378 bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
Accessible via Lusaka and Mfuwe Airport, the lodge operates seasonally from March to January, closing briefly during peak rains. The final approach to the lodge includes a scenic 90-minute drive through villages and bushland—often dotted with early wildlife sightings.
Puku Ridge is part of Chiawa Safaris, led by conservation pioneers Grant and Lynsey Cumings, who have more than four decades of ecotourism experience. Their collaboration with another Zambian family underscores a shared commitment to conservation and community empowerment, reflected in the lodge’s ethos of sustainable luxury.
Spanning over 9,000 km², South Luangwa is considered one of Africa’s last true wildernesses. Known for its rich biodiversity and dense wildlife populations, the park is a magnet for eco-travelers seeking authentic safari experiences.
With continued international recognition, Puku Ridge stands as a shining example of how Zambia is redefining luxury travel through conservation, innovation, and cultural pride.
