Affordable Africa

Welcome to Marula

We invite you to come and stay with us at Marula Lodge, an owner run business, offering affordable safaris into the South Luangwa National park. ​ Set 5 minutes from the main gate to the park, we offer great safaris to those who are looking for excellent value for money, an abundance of wildlife and a comfortable, peaceful place to stay. ​ Our morning and night game drives and walking safaris rank with the best. Our reputation for dedicated service is built on years of return business and personal attention.

Rooms & Rates We've got loads of affordable options, including a backpacker dorm, permanent tents, and comfortable en-suite chalets to suit every traveler. ​ More Info...

Safaris & More

Since we cater to such a variety of needs, We have created several inclusive packages, which include safari’s, walks, and tours. You can always drop us a line for details, rates, options and more. Have a look below for brief descriptions of what to expect on the different drives and tours we have available. ​

Morning Drives

It's an early start but its worth it. With the sun just rising, we'll serve you a light breakfast to start the day. By 6 am you'll be heading into the park for 4 hours of wonderful wildlife with one of our expert local guides. There will be a quick mid-morning rest stop, light snack and a stretch. You'll be back around 10 am with irreplaceable memories, great photos and a urge to laze about around the pool.

Night Drives

After some carefree monkey watching, working on your tan, enjoying a tasty brunch, and possibly getting some shut-eye, we will serve snacks with tea, coffee and juice at 3 pm. Around 3:30 pm you'll set out to enjoy the last few hours of daytime wildlife. As the sun starts to disappear, you'll stop for sun-downers, some epic sunset pictures and then head into the night to try catch some of the elusive nocturnal creatures with the help of an eagle eyed spotter and his light.

Walking Safaris

"A walk in the park!" The South Luangwa is famous for walking safaris. This is your chance to join our scout and guide on a stroll through the park where you can really connect with the bush. You’ll discover the secrets of the African earth together with a wealth of information to truly appreciate all creatures great and small. Leaving the lodge with your picnic tea at 2 pm, the guide will find a safe spot and set out on a circular walk at a pace that allows you to absorb the sights and smells of this little slice of paradise. Back at the vehicle there will be scrumptious sun-downers before you return to camp for a relaxing evening. This is an optional extra, and can be added to your package for just $20 per person, or if you're not on a package it's $65 per person.

Village Walks

If you're also interested in the other side of the coin, why not join the young locals on a tour through the little village of Mfuwe. Marula supports some of the local schools, where you will start the tour. Here you can see where the charity goes, and get some insight into the rural education situation. Moving on, there will be a pause for a climb and some fun under the famous Sendamira baobab tree. You'll experience first-hand, everything from local cooking, to beer brewing, conservation projects and the delightful village markets. This is a $10 extra (for transport) or $20 if you'd like to do it on a bicycle, and you may want to tip that keen young Zambian too!

Self driving is also permitted in the park in your own vehicle, without a qualified guide. To conduct game drives with a qualified guide or to stay inside the park after 18:00 hrs you need to be a licensed tour operator. It is for this reason that we cannot allow 3rd party game drives, and all activities while staying at Marula Lodge must be organised through us.

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