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Then we felt the magic. From extraordinary wildlife encounters to vast untouched tracts of wilderness, we offer you the ability to disconnect in order to reconnect with yourself and with nature. To get to know the wonderful, warm Zambian people: their heritage and culture. The build started in early 2019 with a clea mission to preserve the area. To create a home that worked within nature, a space for the family to unite their collective love for the bush and share it with others.

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The Luangwa valley can be found at the end of Africa’s Great rift valley in North Eastern Zambia. Zambia itself remains one of Africa’s hidden gems, a true wilderness where nature is queen. Real Africa.

The Luangwa River begins its 770km life in Lilonda and the Mafinga hills, North East Zambia forming one of the major tributaries of the mighty Zambezi river. Its elevation decreases and therefore it becomes a meandering ever changing river, with an expanse of oxbow lakes (known as Luangwa Wafwa’s) and many historical flood plains. This in turn creates a stunning array of different habitats owing to the valley’s dense wildlife populations. The valley floor itself covers an impressive 52,000 square kilometres or 20,000 square miles, of which the South Luangwa National Park covers a vast expanse of this area 9,050 square kilometres of exquisite, wild, and untouched wilderness. The history of the park dates back as far as 1904 when it was known as Luangwa Game Park and 1972 game reserves were transitioned into National Parks.

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As the Luangwa flows further south through the National Park past Mfuwe and down to the southern reaches of the park you will find the Lusangazi sector. Here you will find yourself in the remote and exclusive paradise that is Sungani Lodge and Kulanidla Camp.

Commitment to Wildlife

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The initial and implicit impact of the properties revolves around the fact there is now a presence in an area that had for many years been inaccessible. To assist with anti-poaching efforts is top of the priority list.

Just over three years in, the reduced incidence of poaching due to improved accessibility and being able to assist anti-poaching partners with deployment and support is the most profound and measurable impact. When we first arrived here even the impala scattered ... they now graze peacefully all around. The wildlife and habitat they live in will always be the priority. This area is surrounded by life and the animals have come back knowing they are safe.

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The commitment is all-encompassing and never-ending, playing our small part in ensuring we are all the beneficiaries of a better world. Along with our partners in conservation, namely Conservation South Luangwa, Zambian Carnivore Programme and Department of National Parks and Wildlife, we are responsible for projects that will make a tangible difference for generations to come. Demonstrating through our actions that if we touch the earth gently and with respect, we will all pass on a better future for the people, flora and fauna of one of the few remaining places of natural wonder.

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A careful form of anthropomorphism is alive and well. As the time passes this allows us to monitor many aspects of the animals that are now returning to the area. We have a distinct safari etiquette that our safari guides adhere to, culminating in animal encounters which are completely relaxed, and guests are treated to incredible moments watching the animals move about in an entirely natural behaviour.

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Commitment to the Local Community

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We arrived at the sites with old ruins and reused what we could and safely recycled what we could not. Most of what you see has been completely built from scratch and custom-designed by us as a family.

Employing people from the local community was an integral part of our project. We didn’t outsource the building to an external company, we wanted to use local people... Zambian people. Sungani Lodge and Kulandila Camp were built by local building contractors, plumbers, carpenters, and electricians alongside a group of enthusiastic young men from our local communities. Many had limited experience and for some, it was their very first job. 85% of our workforce have been with us since the beginning and now form a core part of our front/back of house teams.

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The focus at both properties is understated gentle luxury. We really wanted to create a space that is in keeping with our surroundings but feels considered, romantic and real Africa. A space where slow safari becomes a real thing. At Sungani and Kulandila we encourage guests to ‘safari’ at their own pace.

“When you choose to stay with us, it is less about excess and more about old fashioned personal service combined with amazing experiences while being utterly comfortable.” Jordan Davy, Marketing Manager, Daughter and Sister.

The properties are run on solar power with a back-up generator if required. Both properties have a filtration plant to clean the borehole water which is then further treated through reverse osmosis making it safe (and delicious) to drink.

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Commitment to the Local Community

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We arrived at the sites with old ruins and reused what we could and safely recycled what we could not. Most of what you see has been completely built from scratch and custom-designed by us as a family.

Employing people from the local community was an integral part of our project. We didn’t outsource the building to an external company, we wanted to use local people... Zambian people. Sungani Lodge and Kulandila Camp were built by local building contractors, plumbers, carpenters, and electricians alongside a group of enthusiastic young men from our local communities. Many had limited experience and for some, it was their very first job. 85% of our workforce have been with us since the beginning and now form a core part of our front/back of house teams.

‍

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The focus at both properties is understated gentle luxury. We really wanted to create a space that is in keeping with our surroundings but feels considered, romantic and real Africa. A space where slow safari becomes a real thing. At Sungani and Kulandila we encourage guests to ‘safari’ at their own pace.

“When you choose to stay with us, it is less about excess and more about old fashioned personal service combined with amazing experiences while being utterly comfortable.” Jordan Davy, Marketing Manager, Daughter and Sister.

The properties are run on solar power with a back-up generator if required. Both properties have a filtration plant to clean the borehole water which is then further treated through reverse osmosis making it safe (and delicious) to drink.

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Commitment to the Local Community

‍

We arrived at the sites with old ruins and reused what we could and safely recycled what we could not. Most of what you see has been completely built from scratch and custom-designed by us as a family.

Employing people from the local community was an integral part of our project. We didn’t outsource the building to an external company, we wanted to use local people... Zambian people. Sungani Lodge and Kulandila Camp were built by local building contractors, plumbers, carpenters, and electricians alongside a group of enthusiastic young men from our local communities. Many had limited experience and for some, it was their very first job. 85% of our workforce have been with us since the beginning and now form a core part of our front/back of house teams.

‍

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The focus at both properties is understated gentle luxury. We really wanted to create a space that is in keeping with our surroundings but feels considered, romantic and real Africa. A space where slow safari becomes a real thing. At Sungani and Kulandila we encourage guests to ‘safari’ at their own pace.

“When you choose to stay with us, it is less about excess and more about old fashioned personal service combined with amazing experiences while being utterly comfortable.” Jordan Davy, Marketing Manager, Daughter and Sister.

The properties are run on solar power with a back-up generator if required. Both properties have a filtration plant to clean the borehole water which is then further treated through reverse osmosis making it safe (and delicious) to drink.

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