Flatdogs Camp

For Safari newbies or veterans Flatdogs Camp is a perfect destination to enjoy the natural wonders of the South Luangwa national Park. Owners Jess and Adrian have created a relaxed, friendly yet comfortable base to see the wildlife of this extraordinary area. The camp has a clear ethos of doing things right and with a smile and sets out to ensure guests get the very best out of their visit to South Luangwa National Park. There is also a strong ethical dimension to Flatdogs which does a huge amount to support the local community and the National Park. Every member of staff from the night watchmen who escort you to your tent or chalet (to ensure your safety from the wildlife that wanders freely through the camp - we have seen Elephant, Hippo and monkeys are regular visitors), to the safari guides who take you into the park, do so in an engaging and welcoming way. We have now used Flatdogs as a base for exploring the National Park six times and every time has felt like we are going home to family. The facilities are of a high standard - it's what we might refer to in the UK as "Glamping", so don't be fooled by the word "tent" - these are huge safari tents under thatched rooves with permanent bathrooms attached some offering views over the Luangwa River with its resident Hippo, Elephant crossings and bird life. The restaurant is at the heart of the camp and serves dishes from around the world. The owners are real foodies and this is reflected not only in the variety of food available but the quality too. A special final word about the guides employed to take you into the National Park (main gate a five minute drive in their bespoke Toyota Landcruisers). These are some of the best we have encountered in 30 years of safari holidays. They are highly qualified (e.g. capable of leading walking safaris) yet approach the task of sharing their immense knowledge with humour and insight, matching their delivery to the level of knowledge of the guests. If you are new to safari, they will happily explain the basics of a Lion Pride, if you are a seasoned safari fan they are more than capable of talking about the intricacies of the ecosystem of South Luangwa , complete with Latin taxonomy.

Great location on the river, animals all around, lovely tents of highest quality and a small porch to sit and watch and relax. Everyone is super helpful, both staff and owners. Guides and trackers do their utmost to make your safari a success. Will come back.

We stayed for 6 nights in mid November 2024. We sampled most of the rooms! 2 nights in a luxury safari tent, 2 nights in Crocs Nest and 2 nights in a chalet. All were great. Crocs Nest was amazing with our own private pool and meals delivered to us. The pool in the main camp is also lovely to cool off in on the hot November days. We were lucky that we had basically no rain. The food was fab; lots of choice and great that you can eat when you want rather than there being set meal times. Our guide Chris and spotter Smart were both fantastic and we are saying that having been on many safaris across Southern and Eastern Africa. All the staff are lovely and friendly. Thanks to Jess, Ade and all the team. We hope to return.

I loved my stay here. The safari tents were very comfortable with a host of wildlife on your doorstep. The morning safaris and night drives were wonderful. I was lucky to have Malama as a guide and Smart as a spotter. They were so knowledgeable about the wildlife and we saw so much. I was amazed at how unafraid the wildlife were of the vehicle. We got some really close up sightings and were able to watch the animals “being themselves” at no time did they seem stressed thanks to Malama’s professionalism. I particularly liked the way that breakfast and afternoon tea were taken at a table with your guide and the rest of the group in your jeep . It meant that you got to know each other a bit. The food was amazing and the whole staff team were so friendly ( always remembering your name) and professional. I was sad to leave and hope that I will be back one day.

Flatdogs Camp in South Luangwa is unarguably the best safari trip experience we have ever had ( and we have done Masai Mara, Tsavo, Ol Pejeta, Serengeti and more in the best of camps and lodges). What sets it apart, among many things, is the phenomenal care the team takes in ensuring you are comfortable. I mean right from reservations to pick up from the airport to being received at the camp to the meals to the game drives to the poolside siesta to the final goodbyes - no other place has made us feel as much at home and cared for. From Jess and Adrian's super warm hosting to Anna and Dave's care throughout, from Bwalya's game drives and guiding expertise to Carol's handling of our meals, from Lydia's reception to Israel's being on call for any query, from Shamilimo's fabulous dishes to Nicholas' protective vigilance - and the efforts of everyone else on board - it is an establishment with a lot of heart, and the expertise to go with it. Now for the experience beyond the heavenly campsite. More than 45 lions sighted in 4 days. Leopard cubs, leopard mamma atop a tree, down on the ground, a male leopard walking ahead of us caught in the headlights of our safari vehicle at night, lions devouring a buffalo as a herd of elephants watch on, 20 elephants crossing the river amidst an african sunset while we sip our sundowners, Elephants practicing fights, and a hundred other joys! Bottom line - we have never been so lucky. Morning sunrise drive with a coffee and cookies break in between. Afternoon sunset drives with sundowners amidst the setting sun and then the night part of the drive going back to the camp. All surreal, real and beyond what mere words can describe. We were also treated to an exclusive and personalised dinner under the stars by team flatdogs on our last night - which was touching. We had a late flight on check out day, and were graciously offered the use of a chalet till departure time. These little but inimitably humane touches added so much to the experience. We will keep going back, as much as we can, as long as we can. Thank you, team Flatdogs! Your being the first hospitality outfit in Zambia to be awarded the Fair Trade Tourism certificate is more than well deserved.🍷

My fourth time at Flatdogs over 20 years and each one beats the last. Fantastic location - great food - quality accommodation and awesome safaris Was lucky enough to stay in the beautiful Croca Nest this time Totally recommended Thank you to all the Flatdogs team for an incredible time