Marula Lodge sits on the Luangwa riverbank at Mfuwe, about five minutes from the main entrance gate of South Luangwa National Park. It is family-run, established by Mike and Jenny Waterhouse, and spans a wider range of budgets than most Luangwa properties.
Best for
Travellers who want a Luangwa riverbank without safari-camp prices, and mixed groups, since chalets, tents and dormitories sit on one site.
Location
The Luangwa riverbank at Mfuwe, adjacent to the main South Luangwa park gates, Eastern Province. Mfuwe International Airport is a short drive.
Rooms and style at Marula Lodge
En-suite chalets in standard and more comfortable grades, riverside tents, and shared dormitories. No total count is published.
Facilities at Marula Lodge
A thatched restaurant with a lounge and dining area, a bar, a swimming pool overlooking the river, a self-catering kitchen, and an open-air circular bathhouse built around a mahogany tree. Hammocks and evening firepits sit along the riverbank. Morning and night game drives, walking safaris and birding are arranged.
Trade-offs and what to know
Dormitories and chalets share the site, so the atmosphere varies with who is in.
No published room count.
Several unrelated Marula Lodges operate elsewhere in southern Africa, and this one also trades as Marula Lodge Safaris.
Getting there and getting around
Mfuwe International Airport takes scheduled flights from Lusaka and is minutes away. Driving from Lusaka is a long day on the Great East Road through Chipata and then north to Mfuwe. The park gates are five minutes from the lodge.
Explore the area
South Luangwa is the home of the walking safari, and the Mfuwe sector is its most accessible end. For the rest of the valley see our Luangwa Valley pages.
Before you book
Say chalet, tent or dormitory, because they are different products at one address. Ask which activities are included. And book Mfuwe flights and the transfer together.
Current rates and availability
We do not publish fixed rates for Marula Lodge, because pricing and availability change with dates and demand. Use the Check Availability button on this page to see the current options offered by the independent booking provider. Zambia Travel Guide does not set prices, hold inventory or take payment.