Mfuwe Lodge is no ordinary hotel. In fact, it’s a VERY SPECIAL facility inside Zambia’s world-famous South Luangwa National Park. Having had the chance to stay at this unique luxury accommodation in the past, I know how exquisite it is. Each chalet has its own en-suite bathroom, and a splendid deck overlooking the lagoon.
The lodge also has an open boma for special dinner nights, and a campfire area for chilly evening chats under the starlit African sky.
Sounds like a lot of fun, right? But wait, there’s more…
Checking-In, Says the Elephant
You heard me right: real elephants checking-in! And NO, the photos aren’t “photoshopped” at all! 😉
Welcome to Mfuwe Lodge.
Single or Double?
Looks like we’ve got the whole lodge to ourselves.
The Story Behind This Unusual Parade
So what is it about the lodge the elephants fancy?
The breathtaking view of the river?
Maybe.
The chef’s divine meals? They surely are sublime, but not even close.
Perhaps it’s the cozy bedrooms then, ideal for afternoon naps? Nope, close but no cigar. 🙂
Are you giving up?
Believe it or not, the answer’s mangoes! You’re right, it did in fact have to do with food (though the chef is not concerned).
When people originally built the lodge, little did they know that the area was an ancient trail elephants use annually to feed on juicy mangoes.
Today, Wonky Tusk (the matriarch) comes back every year with her herd, even if she has to go through the lobby. 🙂
What’s even more exciting is that she recently gave birth to a little baby, so you can be sure that her descendants will maintain the tradition.
Elephants have excellent memory, and are extremely greedy. You bet they won’t forget those mangoes any time soon! 😉
That’s great news for enthusiastic tourists, and amazing free publicity for the lodge.
Best Time to See Mfuwe Lodge’s Friendly Elephants?
Although the herd doesn’t “check-in” on specific dates, you are more than likely to see them when the mango trees become ripe (in November). Occasionally however, Wonky Tusk will pay a visit to the lodge earlier (in September-October), to check on the condition of the fruit.
If you’d really like to experience this incredible close encounter, check out the Mfuwe Lodge website. Their friendly staff will be delighted to answer all your burning questions.
Some great footage! Love how the Elephants just waltz into the lodge! It seems the South Luangwa National Park is a hot spot for getting up close and personal with the animals in the area. Came across a similar experience in another camp close by called Kaingo (http://www.kaingo.com/how-do-you-like-your-tea/). What an amazing area! I must visit soon!
Great blog
Jacob
Hi Jacob,
Thanks for the kind comment. Had a look at your “tea” article. Must be such a thrill to be able to experience such close elephant encounters almost on a daily basis! 🙂
Keep well,
Michael
Hello Michael:
What an incredible experience that would be. It would be amazing but yet at the same time I might be a little bit scared 😉 Nice posting!!
The only reason I'd be scared is if I was one of those juicy mangoes! 🙂 😉
Check out photo 4, I'm sure all the tourists on the day were going bezerk! I'd be going wild if I were them…must've been so much fun! 🙂
Thanks for your comment Cheryl!
Mike