7 Day Safari Exploring South Luangwa and Victoria Falls, Zambia

Mfuwe Lodge (3 nights)

Occupying a lovely spot overlooking Mfuwe Lagoon - a huge oxbow lake, Mfuwe Lodge is the flagship safari property of the Bush Camp Company. It is one of the largest properties in the South Luangwa National Park, and after extensive refurbishment in 2010, it 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 in, 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, as well as a Jacuzzi area, overlook a particularly pretty part of the lagoon and its resident population of hippos.

There is also a small shop that 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 there to pick up curios and souvenirs such as wooden carvings, hand-painted tablecloths, T-shirts, and jewelry.

The 18 chalets at Mfuwe Lodge come in two different styles, but all are kitted out with modern furniture standing on polished stone floors. In each chalet, three double doors open onto a veranda where sun loungers offer views of the lagoon and game viewing from the privacy of your room.

The chalets are equipped with tea and coffee stations, hairdryers and standing fans, while the beds, enveloped by walk-in mosquito nets, are cooled by an additional fan. Each bathroom is largely tiled and includes twin basins and a walk-in rain shower with a view.

Activities from Mfuwe Lodge include day and night drives in Land Rovers with canopied roofs, walking safaris led by professional safari guides, and visits to a local school or village. If you'll be visiting the lodge around October or November, you may find that you don't have to go far for game viewing, though; a family of elephants regularly wanders straight through reception, lured by the fruit of a wild mango tree within the grounds.

AVANI Victoria Falls Resort (3 nights)

A five-minute walk from “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (the Smoke that Thunders - Victoria Falls), the AVANI Victoria Falls Resort provides guests with affordable luxury, family-oriented accommodation. This three-star hotel is vibrant and colorful, which is reflective of the Zambian people themselves.

Whether you are looking for a family holiday destination or world-class conference facilities, the AVANI Victoria Falls Resort will accommodate your needs. They are positioned close to the action, with a number of adrenaline-pumping activities right on your doorstep!

As a guest of the AVANI Victoria Falls Resort, you will enjoy the privilege of complementary access to Victoria Falls via a private entrance. There is also Wi-Fi access in all of the rooms. A traditional marimba band performs during lunch at the poolside, and a resident band performs at the poolside every evening. Stunning wildlife around the resort includes zebras, giraffes, impalas, and monkeys.

Minor Hotel Group (MHG), a hotel owner, operator, and investor, currently with a portfolio of 155 hotels and resorts in 25 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa, and the Indian Ocean, has rebranded five hotels in southern Africa to its upscale AVANI brand since last year.

AVANI Hotels and Resorts is the vibrant upscale brand that MHG launched in 2011. Offering relaxed comfort and contemporary style in city and resort destinations to guests who value the details that matter, AVANI was launched in response to an increasingly influential group of discerning travelers who appreciate good design and excellent service, but also demand great value.

AVANI Victoria Falls Resort offers guests everything that they have come to expect from this successful leisure brand. With a choice of 212 ensuite rooms, ranging from twin to family, the AVANI Victoria Falls Resort will provide you with the perfect place to relax and unwind while enjoying everything that the Victoria Falls has to offer, including complementary 250-megabyte Wi-Fi daily.

Amenities and facilities:

• Room service
• Laundry
• Conference premises
• Swimming pool
• Restaurants and bars
• Kid’s club
• Zuba’s adventure camp
• Internet
• Satellite TV
• Unlimited access to the Victoria Falls