Painted Dogs is an 8 sleeper private and exclusive lodge in South Luangwa.
Painted Dog's Lagoon provides guests with an authentic African bush experience, conveniently situated right at their doorstep. The lodge's focus on relaxation sets it apart from conventional safari experiences. Drawing on over 20 years of expertise in the African bush, the team recognizes the importance of creating a tranquil and immersive environment for visitors. Rather than actively pursuing wildlife encounters, the lodge adopts a passive approach, allowing nature to unfold naturally and offering guests a genuine and unfiltered wilderness encounter.
Painted Dogs Lagoon has 3 accommodation options to choose from
Painted Dogs can sleep up to 10 people across 5 tents. Depending on your preference and budget, your options are as follows: The Njobvu Platform (lagoon facing), Chimbwete or Mimbulu (riverbed facing) or the Den (private villa.) Regardless of which option you choose, all tents offer or have access to the following:
- The lodge is solar powered with plug points in all of the rooms
- Gas geysers are used for hot water
- WiFi is available in the main area as well as the tents
- Swimming pool available
- Photographic hide
- Daily laundry service
- Mosquito nets in all rooms
OPTION 1
The Njobvu Platform: Suited to families or small gorups
Set on an elevated deck overlooking the lagoon, the Njobvu Platform is perfect for couples, families or small groups wanting a private safari experience. There are 2 luxurious en-suite tents with outdoor showers, a shared lounge and dining area, and a hot tub with unobstructed views of elephants and puku wandering by.
Features include:
- 2-bedroom layout for families or small groups
- Shared en-suite bathroom facilities
- Outdoor seating areas for relaxation
- Lagoon facing
OPTION 2
Chimbwete & Mimbulu Tents: Suited to Couples or Solo Travellers
For couples or solo travellers wanting a more intimate experience near the Luangwa River, our Chimbwete and Mimbulu tents each sit individually on their own platform with views of the confluence of the Masandile and Luangwa rivers. These elegant tents offer:
- Queen-size beds with ensuite bathrooms
- Outdoor showers and private decks — a pure safari ambience for honeymooners, romantics or anyone longing for solitude.
- Floodplain facing
The Den: A private house for those seeking complete privacy
If you’re seeking complete privacy, The Den offers the ultimate retreat with a lagoon-view deck, king-size bed, outdoor shower, hot tub and a luxurious open-plan layout in a tranquil spot close to South Luangwa. It’s the perfect pick for honeymoon, solo escapes or couples wanting absolute seclusion and wildlife as their only neighbours.
The Den offers:
- Private dining on your own deck with a personal butler
- Indoor & Outdoor Seating Area
- Private Guide + Private Vehicle
Visitors to Painted Dogs Lagoon have the opportunity to break away from the typical safari routine and opt for a more relaxed approach.
The lodge offers tailored game drives and walking safaris, allowing guests to savor the African wilderness without the need for daily excursions. The tranquil setting invites guests to immerse themselves in the serenity of the lodge, indulge in a sundowner, or observe wildlife from the infinity pool overlooking the lagoon.
Guests can also embark on private safari drives in the South Luangwa National Park. These drives promise an exhilarating adventure as visitors traverse the park’s diverse landscapes and spot wildlife up close, all with the expertise of a knowledgeable guide by their side.
Travel Logistics
How to get to Painted Dogs Lagoon?
Painted Dogs Lagoon is situated at the confluence of the Msandile and the Luangwa rivers. To get there, you will need to fly to Mfuwe (we can book your domestic flights if needed) where we will collect you from the airport and drive you to the camp.
Chat to us about combining Painted Dog's with other camps in the Luangwa!
Travel Packages featuring South Luangwa
Experience the best of what the Luangwa has to offer by booking one of our packages
TRAVEL PACKAGE
Our Luambe and Painted Dogs 8 night package is priced on a Stay 8, Pay 7.
Our Luambe and Painted Dogs 8 night package is priced on a Stay 8, Pay 7 basis. The package includes a pick up from Mfuwe airport with a road transfer to Luambe Camp for the first 4 nights and then down to Painted Dogs for a further 4 nights.
- Combine 2 camps in 2 different parks in the Luangwa Valley
- All road transfers included from Mfuwe airport (return)/
- This safari package can also be done in reverse.
TRAVEL PACKAGE
South Luangwa, North Luangwa and Luambe: 9 (or 10) night Safari Package
This is the Ultimate Luangwa Safari: It will begin with 3 nights at North Luangwa Skybeds, followed by 3 nights at Luambe Horizons and finally 3 nights at Painted Dogs lagoon in South Luangwa.
- Option to Fly in or out directly from / to North Luangwa
- This safari package can also be done in reverse (drive in, fly out)
- Road transfers between the camps included
Guests Feedback from 2025
Read what some of our guests have had to say about their time in the Luangwa this past season.
"The most unbelievable wild experience! Some amazing sightings of leopards and lion... what a special place. "
- Chris and Vikki Irwin, Sept 2025
(North Luangwa & Luambe)
"Luambe was our last destination on our trip but definitely the best! Thank you for unforgettable memories."
- The Koch Family, October 2025
(Luambe Camp)
"Wild, remote and incredibly beautiful... for those who want to revisit earlier memories of an unspoilt Africa or for those who want to soak in Africa at its remote best.
- John & Di, Sept 2025
(North Luangwa & Luambe)
"An absolute privilege to share this experience. Will always be a fantastic memory. Thank you!
- Liz & John Williamsson, Sept 2025
(North Luangwa & Luambe Camp)
"A huge success for me to see this beautiful place, experience the wild and the people!"
- Bill Willis, Canada, Sept 2025
(North Luangwa River Lodge)
"What an amazing place - a true wilderness with comfort and style. The sleep-out was a night I will never forget."
- Chloe Neild, July 2025
(Luambe Camp)
"Luambe is perfect. Absolutely amazing... thank you so much for everything."
- Sylvia Phillips, June 2025
(Luambe Camp)
"The most impressive beautiful tranquil place with so much warm people and wonderful tranquility. I really, really don't want to leave!"
- Rasa, July 2025
(Luambe Camp)
Contact us to make a booking
Let's start planning your safari! Complete the form below (with as much detail as possible) and we will respond within 2 hours.
Who is Luangwa Valley Safaris?
Luangwa Valley Safaris a collection of 3 safari lodges within the Everwild portfolio. The 3 camps are Luambe Horizons, North Luangwa Skybeds and Painted Dogs Lagoon.
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About Everwild Travel Portfolio
The Everwild Travel Portfolio consists of 8 camps located in various remote and wild areas across Zambia.
All the Everwild Camps
Kafue National Park
Nanzhila Safaris
Livingstone / Vic falls
Taita Falcon Lodge
Lusaka
Pioneer Lodge
Zambezi River
Lumbe Pools Camp
Travel Partners
Luangwa Valley Safaris is affiliated with and / or partner with the following organisations:
