Step into another world

The hillside that is home to the remote, semi-tented camp at Puku Ridge provides astounding panoramic views of the Kakumbi Dambo floodplain, located in a private area of the South Luangwa National Park. Named for the Puku antelope, this camp’s stunning vistas and long range views are available from the comfort of your tent’s chaise lounge as well as from the shared space in the camp’s communal areas. No matter where you find a spot to settle in, you won’t be disappointed by the sights. This game-rich area offers wildlife of all kinds: from predators like lion and leopard, to herds of elephant, giraffe and zebra, and of course be on the lookout for those Puku antelope. Because this charming camp was designed to blend into the local surroundings, you’re sure to see an abundance of animal life meandering nearby.

Puku Ridge Camp is small and intimate, offering eight luxury, oversized semi-tents with wrap-around views of the area through beautiful picture windows. Sip your morning coffee from the cushioned seat on your private decked balcony (with private plunge pool) as you watch the activity in the floodplain below. Spacious tents are comfortably furnished with natural materials and lovely textiles, and boast en-suite facilities including a soothing bathtub for those post-safari soaks, indoor shower, and even an outdoor shower (conveniently shaded by trees for your privacy). Enjoy the environmentally friendly bathroom products, and you don’t even need to pack a hairdryer, since one is provided for you! Sleep peacefully in their cozy double beds, carefully draped with mosquito nets, and on the warmer evenings you can flip on the ceiling fans or air conditioning for your added comfort.

The panoramic views are astounding from the stylish and comfortable communal spaces where you can relax in-between activities in the large living area or on the deck. This is also where you will gather to enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. Puku Ridge prides itself on catering to your culinary requests, and their delicious meals will leave you satisfied and ready for the day’s excursions. The evening meals are paired with carefully selected wines to enhance your dining experience. Romantic private dinners on your deck can also be arranged on request, so celebrate your relationship with style...and candles! The staff at Puku Ridge is devoted to your satisfaction, and will go above and beyond to make sure your safari experience is everything you want and more.

Activities at Puku Ridge Camp

It’s dawn. The morning’s fresh coffee has been delivered to your tent, and the sounds of the plains animals rustling and calling to each other is like a majestic natural alarm clock. It’s time to decide: will you choose a game drive or a walking safari today? Walking is an excellent way to see the bush around Puku Ridge; stretch your legs, warm your muscles, and let the experienced guides show you details about the land and animals that you won’t notice from a vehicle. And with mid-walk snacks, you’ll be replenished and ready for the adventure. If you’re interested in a game drive in one of the signature covered 4 x 4 vehicles, then you’re in for a treat. You’ll get up close and personal with some big game, and you’re likely to spot quite a few of the 60 mammals and 400 bird species that make this area their home. Bush babies, hyena, puku, buffalo, elephant, and impala are especially prevalent here. And on the evening drives (complete with sundowners for your refreshment) you’ll be amazed at how many animals you come across, peering through the darkness of this amazing, untamed wilderness.

Tripadvisor comments Puku Ridge Camp

My three days at Puku Ridge were one of the best experiences of my life. Set deep inside the South Luangwa National Park, Puku Ridge (like all Sanctuary Retreats lodges) provides exemplary luxury and service in an absolutely beautiful location. Puku Ridge is beautifully designed with delicious food and gorgeous tented rooms but what makes this lodge so special are the spectacular views across a floodplain teeming with wildlife day and night. There are hundreds of impala, kudu, hippos, zebra, Vervet monkeys and baboons and birds. We saw leopards several times – one lounged in a tree while a pack of wild dogs bayed and barked at the base in a fruitless bid to attack it.

Mad H from Spain

One of my favorites camp in the Luangwa and I have had the privilege of staying at the camp 3 or 4 times. It is an absolutely beautiful camp overlooking the Kakumbi Floodplain which are never stop of bush entertainment (TV). The setting is beautiful and provides a great opportunity to see animals especially if you don’t feel like going out on game drive. Plenty of Puku’s, Elephants, Zebra, if you are lucky, hyenas, Leopards and Lions as well. The baboons are ever plenty and playful. I love sleeping to the sound of the bush and waking up to the fresh [smell] of what might have passed through the camp in the night.

Mags29Lusaka_Zambia from Lusaka, Zambia