It Occupies a lovely spot overlooking Mfuwe Lagoon – a huge oxbow lake – Mfuwe Lodge is the flagship safari property of the Bushcamp Company. It is one of the larger properties in the South Luangwa National Park, and after extensive refurbishment in 2010 is now one of the smartest and most modern. It lies quite close to the park’s main gate in an area that is very rich in wildlife concentrations.
Much of the furniture and fittings at Mfuwe Lodge come from South Africa and they lend a funky and contemporary edge. The main areas, including the large bar and dining area under thatch are adorned with artistic woven lampshades, brightly colored cushions and classy black-and-white photographs. An extended deck has several low sofas that look out over Mfuwe Lagoon, alongside a simple but large rectangular infinity pool. The pool is a popular spot to relax, with plenty of sun loungers shaded by cream umbrellas.
Indoors, an impressive library offers a cooler and quieter place to chill out. This isn't a huge room, but with a beautiful leather sofa, modern campaign furniture and some interesting coffee-table books, it's both comfortable and restful.
Entirely separate is Mfuwe Lodge's spa, offering a range of options from manicures and massages, to hot-stone treatments and facials – all using Africology products. Both the double and single treatment rooms, and a Jacuzzi area, overlook a particularly pretty part of the lagoon and its resident population of hippos.
There is also a small shop which is stocked and run by Tribal Textiles, a local craft company based in Mfuwe with its roots very much in rural development and philanthropy. Stop here to pick up curios and souvenirs such as wooden carvings, hand-painted tablecloths, T-shirts and jewelry.
