Highlights
- Spectacular wildlife
- Varied accommodation options
- Superb value for money
- Owner-run camp
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireFlatdogs is a friendly and informal camp situated on the banks of the Luangwa River, just five minutes from the Mfuwe entrance to the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia’s Eastern Province. Once a backpacker’s hostel, Flatdog’s facilities have been upgraded over time with a range of basic to luxurious accommodation types now on offer. Although the owners provide a very warm welcome and the safari guiding is excellent, any hosting within the camp itself is low-level. Guests are expected to be independent during their stay, meaning the camp can continue to offer superb value for money in a wildlife rich area. The permanent river attracts dense animal concentrations, including lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, hyena, a variety of antelope, and a huge diversity of birdlife. A good range of vehicle and walking safaris are offered, along with cultural visits to local villages and educational centres. In short, Flatdogs will suit independent travellers seeking comfort, flexibility, and expert guiding at really competitive prices.
The main areas are simple and clean, with neutral tones and stone floors. The bar and restaurant are open to both the public and guests, creating a relaxed, sociable feel which evokes the camp’s bygone days as a backpacker’s stopover. Meals can be enjoyed whenever and wherever: under thatch, in the courtyard cafe, or in the garden overlooking the river. WiFi is available in the courtyard area at additional cost. There is a large pool, though be sure to check before swimming, as the camp is often visited by wildlife!
Flatdogs offers a superb variety of accommodation, ranging from fairly basic safari tents to exclusive tree-house hideaways. Three ‘standard tents’ are situated amidst the trees, while seven more spacious and comfortable ‘luxury tents’ sit beneath thatch along the riverbank, complete with open-air bathrooms. There are six stone and thatch ‘chalets’, each housing both double and twin/triple rooms with ensuite facilities, offering greater privacy. The chalets work either as separate dwellings, or they combine well for groups or families. The most recent addition is the delightful Jackalberry Tree House. Set apart from the rest of camp, and with an exclusive feel, it sits eight feet high amongst the ebony trees and sleeps four (or five on request) in two en-suite bedrooms. There’s a lounge and dining area overlooking a lagoon often frequented by giraffe and elephant, and radio communication can be used to order meals delivered to the door. Finally, ‘Crocs Nest’ is a tented house containing two en-suite bedrooms, as well as a living and dining area which opens out onto a large deck with sofas and a lovely private pool.
Activities include morning and evening game drives, but the real highlights are the walking safaris and night game drives which the National Park permits. Cultural activities include visits to the park's anti-poaching unit, a local school, and the wildlife education centre. A trip to the local village of Kawaza also gives guests a chance to experience village life for a day-trip or an overnight stay.
The camp welcomes children of all ages. There’s one family tent containing one double and two single beds, plus a designated ‘family chalet’, with ensuite twin and double rooms, and a twin loft. Although there are no activities tailored specifically to children, younger family members are welcome to join the cultural and safari activities, and there’s always the pool to keep them entertained. Parents should note that wild animals do venture into camp and while it’s unlikely that wildlife will approach tents or humans, children must remain under close supervision at all times.
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024
Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”
Lars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024