Flatdogs Camp

South Luangwa National Park
Birding Daydrive Nightdrive Walk Swimming

Star Rating
Game Viewing
Price Guide $$$

Flatdogs Camp: Our View

Flatdogs camp is one of our firm favourites near South Luangwa National Park. Considering the fact that this is one of the more reasonably priced options in the area, the high quality of the service, food, guiding and accommodation here is very impressive. And you have access to some fantastic game viewing from here into South Luangwa National Park.

Flatdogs camp is located just outside the park in a gorgeous location overlooking the main Luangwa river.  It is very close to the main Mfuwe Bridge entrance to South Luangwa National Park. This makes it very quick and convenient to get into the park for game drives. It is also only a 35 minute drive from Mfuwe airport making it very accessible for late arrivals or early departures. We love the fact that the native bush has been allowed to grow so this provides a very natural setting for all the rooms. And there are no fences – the only thing that separates you from the park is the Luangwa River. Animals frequently cross and this means abundant wildlife roaming through the camp. On our last visit we were woken by a herd of elephants crossing the river early in the morning. Flatdogs Camp really does offer an all day safari experience!

The main camp has 17 rooms which are a mixture of tented rooms and stone chalets and include 2 family rooms. In addition there are the truly unique Jackalberry Tree house and Crocodiles Nest which offers upmarket accommodation to the rival the luxury lodges in the South Luangwa at a fraction of the cost.

Flatdogs Camp offers exceptional value for money close to one of the best game viewing areas in the park and is a great choice for clients looking for a high quality safari experience at an affordable price.

Flatdogs Camp: Quick Facts

  • 17 tented rooms and stone chalets including 2 family rooms with en-suite bathrooms plus the Crocodiles Nest and Jackalberry Tree House
  • Gorgeous location surrounded by native bush just outside the park overlooking the Luangwa river and the national park
  • Quick and easy access to South Luangwa Park and Mfuwe Airport
  • Game drives are the main activity offered but walking can also be done on request. Various cultural activities also offered

Flatdogs Camps: The Details

Flatdogs Camp has one of the most varied choices of rooms of all camps in the South Luangwa area and there is sure to be something for everyone here! The 7 en-suite luxury tents offer a true bush safari experience. 6 of them have a fantastic location right by the main Luangwa River, looking across into the national park and the abundant wildlife that crosses the river. The other luxury tent is their ‘honeymoon’ tent and this is located in a secluded location away by itself and overlooks its own waterhole which attracts a lot of wildlife rather than the river and also has a bath under the stars. There are also 3 standard tents which are similar to the luxury tents but more simply furnished. Two of these are by the river and then one overlooks a waterhole.

For clients looking for slightly less rustic accommodation, the 7 stone chalets are a great option and offer high levels of comfort considering the reasonable price. One of the chalets is a family chalet and very suitable for families with younger children. They are situated on the other side of the camp to the tents and are located by the river. And finally there is the unique Jackelberry Treehouse and Crocodiles Nest! The Crocodiles Nest is a stylish semi tented villa with 2 en-suite bedrooms, a lounge area and its own private pool. It is located well away from the main camp so giving total privacy and has a gorgeous location right by the river. It is probably one of the most luxurious accommodation options in the South Luangwa area and much cheaper than many of the other more ‘upmarket’ camps. It is perfect for families as it can sleep up to 6 people, 2 couples travelling together or even one couple who want to indulge! The Jackalberry Treehouse is very different but no less unique. Again it is totally secluded right out in the bush with views over the floodplains and plentiful wildlife parading right in front of you. It does not get much closer to nature or more open air than this! A large open air deck area has 2 en-suite bedrooms at either end. These are fully open at the front with just a reed roof over the beds. Due to its open design it is only available during the dry season from April – November. Guests staying here are supplied with a radio- it is so out in the bush that guests need to be driven to and from the main lounge area for meals!

Completing the facilities at Flatdogs are a lovely lounge, restaurant and bar area and swimming pool overlooking the river. The menu here is varied and a la carte offering clients plenty of choice and we found the food to be very good.

Of course though, it is the game viewing that really attracts people to South Luangwa and in this respect Flatdogs does not disappoint either. It is the closest camp to the main Mfuwe bridge entrance to the park giving quick access to one of the best game viewing areas in the park. This area does get busier than the more remote sections in the park. But it must be remembered that South Luangwa surprisingly attracts much fewer visitors than other premier safari parks. So, even this area does not feel crowded compared to other top parks like Chobe, Serengeti, Masai Mara or Kruger National Park. Activities focus mainly on game drives – both day and night drives. South Luangwa  Park is one of the few national parks that allows game drives after sunset and we found the night drives here to be very productive with superb leopard and lion sightings. Walking safaris can also be done on request and various cultural activities are offered as well. Overall we found the level of guiding to be excellent at Flatdogs.