Flatdogs or private camp (Kaingo) in S. Luangwa

Great post dillabilla. Welcome to Thorn tree!

I only experienced South Luangwa from Flatdogs, but really enjoyed it. We saw plenty of wildlife and had a great night drive as well. I frequently recommend South Luangwa based on this trip.

I cannot say whether Kaingo is worth the extra cost. What I can say is that there are other parks where the added expense is really worth it--i.e. splurge to be in the right part of the Serengeti at the right time. Not sure of your entire itinerary OP, but my point is that there may be other places where the extra expense goes further.

Peace,

BB

Like BigBri, I have only been to South Luangwa while staying at Flatdogs and am about to go back for the third time. The wildlife viewing has always been fantastic while staying there (often without even leaving camp!) I have never considered staying anywhere else because, for me, Flatdogs has it all.

Nice to see you on the Thorn Tree dillabilla, can't wait to see you all in a few weeks!

hi greg78
i was in kaingo in september this year and its a wonderful place to go.
you dont say how much time you have in zambia / south luangwa. assuming that you have a least 4 nights, i would suggest two nights at flatdogs first and then two night at either kaingo or mwamba (thats the other camp that jules and derek shenton run). kaingo is more "solid" and a little bit more "luxurious" and right on the luangwa river. mwamba is wilder and only there during the dry season.

Hi,

I stayed at another place v. close/similar to Flatdogs two weeks ago. From and inside the Camp (i.e. outside the Park) we saw hippos, lions, elephants, giraffes and banded mongoose.
The game 'drives' inside the Park were stunning and despite being close to the entrance, the experience felt pretty wild and not overcrowded. I did one morning drive, two morning walking safaris and two night drives in the same areas that Flatdogs will go to and in addition to all the low-key (but still amazing) game we saw two lots of lions, two leopards (one in the day but that's very unusual) a civet, honey badgers, a gennet, Lilian's Lovebirds twice, and a spotted hyena in semi-daylight. Photos at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=205638&id=716783638&l=b7e7df123b . Loved it!!

thanks for all of the info concerning Flatdogs, it sounds amazing!

we are going to be in Zambia in early to mid March, will it still be possible to see animals even if it is the "wet" season?

We loved Flatdogs so much we stayed for over a month in 2009, plan to do the same next year. The people who work there are quite friendly and helpful, and the camp is situated in wildlife management area on the river bank opposite the national park. We saw hippos and elephants and much more from the camp. The game drives are excellent, the food in the restaurant is excellent, the bar is a great meeting place, and many folks find themselves continuing to spend time beside the beautiful swimming pool area. We cannot wait to return to Flatdogs!

One fellow Flatdogs fan we met during our previous trip, Mike Waterland (formerly with Born Free Foundation,) is now part owner in his own camp in the same area: [www.thornicroft-lodge.com]

RE: Wet season..... We met a couple who had been returning to Flatdogs twice a year. They come in the wet season because they love seeing all the water in the Park.

Trip report : [http://malonetravels2.blogspot.com/2009/05/elephants-ivory-tusks-and-tent-camping.html]