ACTIVITIES
As the first fully fenced private reserve in Zambia, Lolelunga offers outstanding Big 5 game viewing opportunities following the successful reintroduction of indigenous wildlife. Game drives, walking safaris, catch-and-release fishing, canoeing, pond fishing and sunset safaris on the river enable guests to connect with the heartbeat of Zambia. As an intimate lodge offering exclusive use, guests can tailor activities to suit the rhythm of their day
Game drives
Witnessing the first light in the stillness of an early morning in the Zambian wilderness forges a soul connection with this exceptional landscape. The professional guides will take you on an unforgettable adventure as they use their tracking skills and local knowledge to share the wonders of elephants standing on their back legs to reach the juicy leaves at the top of a tree, a journey of giraffe moving across the plains or a pride of lion feeding on a recent kill. Marvel at the size of the black rhino and learn to identify the variety of graceful antelope that includes red lechwe, eland, sitatunga, kudu, and impala. Night drives reveal the nocturnal animals, including aardvark and pangolins.
A highlight of a game drive at Lolelunga is spotting a cheetah. These big cats were historically recorded throughout Zambia, but their numbers dropped to under 100 individuals in recent years. In partnership with the Cheetah Meta Population, Lolelunga is proud of the successful reintroduction of two females and three young male cheetahs to the reserve, providing a breeding ground that will help to repopulate the whole of Zambia.
Walking Safaris
A new natural world is revealed with the slower pace of a walking safari which offers an intense, deep connection to nature. Usually conducted in the cooler early morning or late afternoon, an armed guide leads you through fascinating swamps, bewitching forests and vast plains. Meet the industrious dung beetles, see giant termite mounds, learn the complex secrets of trees and view the larger wildlife at eye level.
Water Activities
The Lunga River is home to various marine mammals and animals, including the Cape clawless and spotted neck river otters, hippos, monitors and crocodiles. Add to this the chance of getting close to elephant, buffalo, antelope and even the big cats that come to the river to drink, wash or play. Discover the mysteries of the river on a canoe or enjoy a dramatic African sunset from the river where the lights and colours reflect and dance on the water, putting on a memorable show.
Birding Safaris
Lolelunga boasts over 340 bird species, including Zambia’s national bird, the Fish Eagle, whose haunting call is one of the most iconic sounds of the African bush. The birdlife along the river is prolific and includes crested eagles, the Pel’s fishing owl and many species of kingfishers. Birders can also expect to see Ross’s & Schalow’s Turaco, orange-breasted bushshrike, African darters, reed cormorants, and migratory birds like the spur-winged goose and saddle-billed stork. The bar-winged weaver, narina trogon, and various birds of prey add to the diversity and thrill of bird watching at Lolelunga.
Re-wilding & Conservation
The Lolelunga Private Reserve stands as a powerful testament to the success of ambitious re-wilding efforts in northern Zambia. Through intensive conservation and rehabilitation, this 30,000 hectare sanctuary has been transformed from an area decimated by poaching into a thriving ecosystem supporting over 4,000 animals.
At the heart of this success is the pioneering cheetah reintroduction project, a landmark conservation achievement that saw cheetahs return to this part of Zambia for the first time in decades. The reserve’s rich biodiversity now supports a remarkable variety of plains game, including rare and beautiful antelope species such as the majestic sable, the striking roan, the semi-aquatic red lechwe and puku, and the elusive swamp-dwelling sitatunga. This flourishing population of both predator and prey highlights Lolelunga’s critical role in restoring Zambia’s natural heritage.
