Overview

Sanctuary Puku Ridge is currently closed and will re-open 1 April 2012. 
We are still taking reservations so please contact us to enquire.

Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp offers guests an authentic tented safari holiday in Zambia. The South Luangwa is one of the country's best areas for game viewing and bird spotting. The region is home to some 60 mammals - including elephant, lion, wild dog, buffalo, hippo and, of course, antelope - as well as over 400 bird species.

Spend  an afternoon relaxing in the camp's large living area in between thrilling game drives or walking safaris. You might even hear the Puku antelope whistling to one other when danger threatens. The central dining area produces gourmet meals, despite being so far away from a city. Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp is designed to leave no trace on the environment and has embraced a very natural kind of African chic in its decor.

The seven tents are spacious and comfortable, each with a soothing hot tub and an outdoor shower shaded by trees and stocked with luscious and environmentally friendly Africology products. Watch the sun rise from your double bed, or spot animals making their way across the plains to a waterhole from your private viewing deck.

Included Activities

walking safaris

Walking is the best way to see the bush around Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp. The South Luangwa is home of the walking safari and it remains the best way to experience the sights and sounds of the bush. Sanctuary’s experienced guides love showing guests the indicators of the wild, ‘rewinding’ the action of the last few hours from just a few small give away signs. See where an elephant stopped to browse, where a leopard scratched a tree or a pangolin rolled into a ball. Accompanied by an armed game scout and taking careful note of the wind to mask any scent. There’s nothing like seeing lion tracks or the giant footprint of an elephant to make guests relish the comforts of camp. The area is home to 60 mammals and over 400 bird species, making it one of the top birding destinations in the world.

game drives

Lions and leopards are often seen in the area around the camp, as are buffalo and elephant. For big game like this, guests really need a vehicle to get up close and here in the South Luangwa, travellers have the privilege of going on game drives at night. Guests are always amazed how much can be seen when they go down to the river for sundowner cocktails before leisurely driving back to camp. Bush babies in the trees stand out with their enormous eyes, puku and impala scarcely notice as vehicles pass by. Guests often see hyena and leopard in the early evenings and are able to get very close in Sanctuary Retreats’ specially designed 4 x 4 vehicles. On the open plains below the camp there are always grazing herds of antelope and of course they attract the predators that every guest wants to see.

Rates

Getting There & Away

The nearest airport to Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp is Mfuwe. 

You can fly into Mfuwe from Lusaka (1 hour), Livingstone (2 hours, via Lusaka), Sanctuary Zambezi Kulefu airstrip (1 hour 40 minutes) and Jeki/Royal Zambezi airstrips (1 hour 30 minutes). 

The transfer time from Mfuwe airport to Sanctuary Puku Ridge is approximately 2 hours in 4X4 vehicles (45 minute road transfer, followed by 1 hour 15 minute gravel road transfer with game viewing possibilities). Please note the luggage restriction is 15kg per person in a soft-sided bag.

Additional Activities

Guest Comments

"What a wonderful way to end a safari! Three nights here were exceptionally relaxing, very informative and delightful. Good food, excellent wines and the panoramic views from the lounge / deck make home base as entertaining as a game drive. Yesterday we watched numerous baboon skirmishes, wallowing warthogs, a bossy male impala shooing others away from the water hole, hippos meandering, countless birds, puku etc in an ever-changing  panorama of life on the flood plain. If this is not paradise, it's not far from it! A privilege to visit." Betsy & Hunter, USA

"Zikomo, for everything! We had an amazing time. The national park is awe inspiring and we saw everything we wanted to. This included multiple leopards, giraffe, buffalo, hyena, the list goes on. Thanks again for everything, we will remember it." Lots of love, Gertie, Sharlie, Philip, Alex & Jack

"Fabulous lodge, fabulous people, fabulous game, fabulous food! What else is there? Thanks for your hospitality." Janet & Remy, USA

"Simply the most fantastic experience. The tents are stunning, the staff absolutely lovely, the food and drink delicious. The romantic dinner on our balcony was an unexpected treat and all in all made for a perfect honeymoon getaway and that’s before taking into account the game drives; an excellent safari experience. Our guide was a fountain of knowledge and on top of seeing fantastic wildlife the trips out were always entertaining and informative. Thanks again for a perfect stay." Victoria & Mike, UK

"Thanks to everyone making our stay here so special. Everything about this place was wonderful. We will hopefully come back one day with a bigger family." Frank & Miriam, USA

"This is such an amazing camp. I cannot imagine a more immersive and comfortable first experience in Zambia. Thank you for having me." Anne, USA

"The camp could not be better located. The food exquisite. Hospitality warm and attentive. We have been persuaded to come back once again next year!" Ursula & Erhard, Germany

"We had a wonderful and spectacular time. The leopards and lions were especially unexpected and certainly was the perfect ending to a perfect stay. Thank you so much." Pat & Chris

"Such a beautiful camp and the friendliest staff with  5 star accommodation. Was a lovely day to spend here - the best holiday. Thanks to all of you." Bootie & Kata

"South Luangwa is a photographic paradise. We had such great sightings in 4 days. I still can't believe it. And then to top it off with such great staff. Every evening after a tiring day we got a warm shower of hospitality from everyone at the camp." Willy

"Thank you so much for your care and wonderful experiences you have provided over an all too short 2 days. The memories will last forever. This is a magical place." Sue & Mike, Australia

"This is an experience we may never forget. It seems unrealistic to gain the full sensation that an African experience has to offer in 48  hours, yet it appears to be the collaborate task of everyone here. We leave our thanks and hearts here and take away our memories." Martin & Linda

"We had a wonderful experience at the camp! We have lived one of the greatest experiences of our lives. We will remember you forever." Rodolf & Carmen, Mexico

"A wonderful, fabulous experience amongst lovely people." Gill, UK

Packages

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Best of Three Rivers

Duration: 8 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

Sanctuary Retreats has access to some of Zambia and Botswana’s best national parks, this package introduces guests to the magic of the three major rivers that run through these central African jewels.

View Safari

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Zambian Adrenalin Adventure

Duration: 7 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp, Sanctuary Zebra Plains

Zambia offers adrenalin activities like no other – from bungee jumping and white water rafting at Victoria Falls to the remote and wild South Luangwa where you are able to track lions on foot on a walking safari!

View Safari

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