Puku Ridge Camp is a brand new camp situated in Zambia’s remote, wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park and overlooks stunning vistas of the Kakumbi floodplain and the game that frequents it. It was completely rebuilt in 2019, inspired from safari tents of old and local villages with modern twist. The camp blends in perfectly with the environment and the team reused as much of the materials from the old Puku Ridge as possible and replaced with lighter footprint design. Power comes from 220V mains – supplied from Zambia’s hydro-powered grid, with back up generator. It makes use of eco-friendly waste water septic system, zero polluting effluents.
There are 8 tented rooms on timber (bamboo composite) decks under fibrethatch roofs. There is over-bed airconditioning as well as two over-head fans. The bathroom has his & hers washbasins, indoor & outdoor shower and bath. There is wifi. Each tented suite has a beautiful curved veranda with plunge pool, table and chairs, built in couch and pergola.
The main ariea comprises a stunning reception area that steps down to an indoor and outdoor main area or sitenje with indoor and outdoor lounge seating, dining and pergola for shade. There is a large firecircle and expansive viewing decks. There’s a viewing hide at the waterhole and an astronomy telescope and wildlife spotting scope.
Owned by Chichele Safaris, the safari side of the business is overseen by Chiawa Safaris with brand new vehicles abd the same excellent experienced guid team. They support local conservation projects such as Conservation South Luangwa, Zambia Carnivore Project, BioCarbon Partners (by 2020 Puku Ridge will be certified Carbon Neutral), and Chipembele Environmental Education Center through payments of Puku Ridge guests.
Puku Ridge is best known for its walking safaris (accompanied by armed scouts) and night game drives. As well as 60 mammal species, the area is a top birding destination featuring over 400 bird species. Lion and leopard are often spotted nearby, as are buffalo and elephant. Guests are able to get very close to big game like this in customized 4×4 vehicles, and night drives are particularly rewarding: guests are always amazed how much can be seen when they go down to the river for sundowner cocktails before a leisurely drive back to camp. Hyena and leopard are often sighted in the early evenings, and on the open plains below the camp there are always grazing herds of antelope that in turn attract the predators that everyone wants to see. Succumb to the magic of Africa and the allure of its animals at the luxurious Puku Ridge Camp, where guests are assured of an intimate, personalized safari experience of a lifetime.