Reviews of Puku Ridge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
23 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Puku Ridge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
100% success
92% success
79% success
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60% success
11% success
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"Puku Ridge review"
Starbed is pretty fun. Plunge pool was amazing and I think they have a circulation system because the water is constantly maintained at a cool temperature.
The wide plains/waterhole in front of the camp is not as game-rich as I expected. It is quite a distance for the animals to walk to it from the tree-line. There is a hide looking out to the waterhole too where you are more on the eye level with the animal.
They also organized a cook out for 4 of us in the bush one day which was a pleasant surprise. It is Asian stir fry and tastes amazing. One of the camp managers (Grant), who used to be a chef at Sanctuary Chief's Camp, made the lunch for us." See all these reviews: 16n in Zambia
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Wild dog
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Puku Ridge review"
The additions to the camp are amazing:
A secret hide to watch over the waterhole in front of the lodge is exciting for observing elephants, giraffes, warthogs, buffalos, pukus, impalas, zebras, kudos, baboons, birds including owls who regularly flock by.
A small pool is added on the veranda of each room. This came in very handy as the October heat exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in the Luangwa. Rooms are also equipped with A/C which makes the heat much more bearable. Of coz you can chose to switch it off and enjoy the breeze but that probably works in other months better.
The bungalows are now two-story. The upper floor not only gives you an elevated, even more amazing view of the plains, but it also features a bed so you can sleep under stars. Of coz it comes with a mosquito net so you don't need to worry about insects at night.
The most outstanding additions are the bush surprises...thanks Puku Team for these experiences. Very cool!!!
Meals are very tasty and of high variety. It was often difficult to chose from the options. They were all great.
Management and all staff are impeccable. There is really nothing that I feel could have been done better.
I highly recommend this camp. And spend a morning or evening in camp, and just enjoy the action that takes place around the veranda of your bungalow. It's Bush TV all the time.
Also, if your time permits, do a bush walk, the team is very experienced and does not take any risks. When we saw elephants, we detoured to give them ample space, same with hippos. Seeing hundreds of hippos from the riverbanks of the Luangwa River on foot is just cool.
Would always come back if opportunity arises." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wild dog
2 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Puku Ridge review"
Puku Ridge is stunning. The tents, sitting on a hillside with a panoramic view of the plain, are new, spacious and attractive. A waterhole in front of the Lodge attracts many animals and birds in addition to those that feed and travel by on the plain.
Each tent has all of the amenities of a modern hotel room plus the sky bed for stargazing.
Grant, Annemie and the Puku Staff are awesome – talented, sincere people who by word and deed demonstrate that they truly care about their guests, employees and nature. The camaraderie and positive attitudes displayed by the group is inspiring.
Grant has 25 years of international experience as an executive chef. He has trained his kitchen staff and his influence is evident in the quality of food served at Puku – the best that we had anywhere during our entire trip.
Our guide Pius and spotter John (guide in training) were top notch. Pius has years of experience – some at Nsefu – and combines that with his knowledge and gift of storytelling to provide both an entertaining and educational presentation. He has an uncanny sense of his client’s interests as well as an ability to recognize great photo opportunities and put a photographer in the right place with the right lighting to get great photos.
By the time we reached camp on the first day, we had seen elephants, giraffe, impala, buffalo, fish eagle, monitor lizard, baboons and ground hornbill. While there we saw one Cookson’s wildebeest and several Crawshay’s zebra and Thorncroft giraffes. More species were observed here then at either Nsefu or Sausage Tree. A comprehensive mammal and bird list was available in our room." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
9 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10 sightings
Wild dog
4 sightings
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
10 sightings
"Luxurious Puku Ridge"
Some of our most exciting sightings were right in camp. We were just heading of for siesta when we heard, Lions in camp!, jumped into the vehicle and off to meet 2 male lions just behind the rooms. The last night there we excitedly followed a large pack of wild dogs through the property. Finishing the evening with a last gennet sighting, like the whipped cream on the sundae.
Speaking of whipped cream, a special mention for the food here. Wow. we enjoyed both the irresistible veggie and non veggie option at each meal. Except the last candle lit supper on our deck where we both had to have the beef fillet. As in all the camps the Zambia beef is outstanding.The food here was fresh, creative,gourmet, but not in a heavy way. (Not that we did not return home a little heavier ourselves)" See all these reviews: 16n in Zambia
Buffalo
4 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Spotted Hyena
3 sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
Zebra
10 sightings
"Puku Ridge review"
"Wonderful, intimate place"
The view over the flood plain was a highlight, with so many animals to see just from our dining table or private deck off our room/tent! The food was delicious and so special mention of the chef, William, who always checked in after every meal to see if it had been to our liking and who went out of his way to share a copy of a soup recipe I particularly liked.
We were given two special experiences while here - first, one evening our guide brought us to the top of a ridge where other staff had set up chairs and a bar and were waiting to serve us champagne as the sun went down (we had sundowners with the guide on other evenings but this one was "white tablecloth" level).
Second, on our final night, our guide brought us to a site where other staff had set up a BBQ and fire pit and lanterns. Here we shared a meal of Zambian food with the other guests staying at the camp. The surprise element of both these experiences and the care that went into executing them made them very special. This care and attention to detail characterized everything at Puku Ridge." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"Pleasant stay at Puku Ridge"
Furniture is a bit hotch potch but OK , and I can't say it bothered me personally but just thought I'd update the description FYI.
There was a very nice deck around a tree overlooking the floodplain - where we usually took our meals.
Very comfy beds
Robe and slippers
Wake up call 5:30 with Tea in room
Breakfast ( hot or cold) 6am
Game drive 6:30 tea at 9:00 return by 10:00
Lunch 11-12:30
Tea 3:30
Game drive 4 - 7:30 with sundowners en route
Leaves 10:00-16:00 doing nothing though.
Might be better to go out at 6am, have snack breakfast enroute so could stay out longer ?
Transfer time from the airport according to EA is 3 hrs but it only took us 1.5 hrs and we drove through the river instead of taking the pontoon which was fun, but also indicates how much the river had dropped which isn't good for the animals.
Facilities- Mains electricity , hot and cold running water all times , hairdryer in room , floor fan
There is even a little gym box with a yoga mat and some light weights in it !
Unfortunately, I was rather ill for most of my time at Puku Ridge and I only have the notes I made on arrival to refer to.
The food that I saw seemed very good - probably the best of our trip and the staff were absolutely lovely . Personally, we didn't take to the manager during our stay who was called Evidence - but maybe that was just us. I was told by other guests that the other manager ( Levies) was away and they felt it changed the atmosphere of the place.
Our guide was Lamek ? ( apologies if misspelled but I was rather ill) He was very good and really knew his stuff .
Unfortunately, we saw no lions at all at Puku Ridge , but that's the luck of the draw
Prior to our trip I had read many reviews saying how fantastic the game viewing was - so we were just a little unlucky, I suppose.
We did however see a leopard kill from start to finish , which was amazing.
Lamek then played a little trick on us and told us that after he sees a kill, he gets sad and just has to go back to camp immediately.
We said "Okay" - and he drove off - only to take us to a hilltop where a champagne sundowner had been set up for and the other couple staying at Puku Ridge. It was a fantastic end to our visit.
The view of the floodplain from camp was great and if I hadn't visited anywhere else I would think it was the bees knees .
I think if the place you stay has a view of water , it automatically makes it more attractive.
We usually saw puku ( of course), zebra, warthogs, impala, baboons.
However , the subsequent camps we stayed at I found to have better views . The water hole in front of Puku Ridge was reduced to a muddy puddle which was neither attractive or of much use to the animals.
I can thoroughly recommend Puku Ridge , but I have to say it wasn't my favourite place out of the three camps in South Luangwa" See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Puku Ridge review"
For our honeymoon, we would choose Puku. Candlelight meals, impeccable food and service, but not much else to do with teenage boys. It was fun for two days, but longer would have been a challenge. Still, Levies and our guide, Alick, were top notch, and the game viewing was simply stunning." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 3n in Rwanda
"5 star look and feel"
The room is equally nice. I was in buffalo. The room is huge with amazing views of the plain. The outdoor shower is totally open to the wild life. I was able to watch a group of 8 elephants, a number of baboons and puku close up from my shower on one of my two days. It was the best of the 3 showers across my lodges for its feel and view. The room also has a large tub inside with a similar view but protected by screen. I meant to try it but ran out of time. The decor was inviting. The veranda was also fantastic with similar views to the main area and more or less spanned the entire room. The furniture was comfortable too. A nice plus that the others didn't offer was the shower cap and slippers.
The manager, Evidence, Limbi and the rest of the staff were extremely attentive, warm and professional. I appreciated that the primary guest facing people were local Zambians as the other lodges often seem compelled to hire foreign young white people to tend to the guests. I arrived with a cold and the staff were most accommodating including making me some special concoction of ginger and honey to try to soothe my throat. Unfortunately, as a result of being sick, I didn't get to have as much of their delectable cuisine due to lack of appetite. Unlike other lodges, puku ridge gives guests a choice of starter, main and desert as well as custom ordered hot breakfast. Tea break and sundowners are similar to the others. The food was top notch.
My drives at puku were okay. I had Elias one day and evening. He was very good and tried hard to have me see my priority animals. Elijah took care of me for a night drive and a transfer. While nice, he didn't seem to be as good about soliciting input/questions, finding animals not coincidentally next to the car or stopping for extended periods. It required me being a bit more assertive to ensure a good drive.
Reasons to stay: seeking more flexibility, quality time with a significant other or family (rooms are romantic and meals are not eaten as a group) , good game area, top notch food, romantic setting/room, demand high level of service and personal attention, seeking R&R." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia; 5n in Botswana
"Great game viewing from the camp"
My guide Lameck was very enthusiastic and even took us out straight after lunch one day to follow up a tip off about wild dogs which I was keen to see. No luck, but it was much appreciated that he put in the effort. The managers were also very friendly and professional, especially Claire, and they quite sensitively allocated a very hardcore birding couple their own vehicle.
The main thing I didn't warm to was the lack of communal dining which, as a solo traveller, I really missed. I was sat with another solo lady but it would have been nice to have managers or guides join us for at least some meals. I realise not everyone likes communal dining, but other camps seemed able to accommodate those who requested separate seating.
I also prefer vehicles with no canopies, as at the RPS camps and Tafika, but again that is a personal preference." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
Holiday styles & special interests in Zambia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zambia.
Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Tafika
One of the best camps in Zambia, Tafika is naturally built, combining excellent service and food with top guiding skills for a superb wildlife experience.
Nkwali
On the banks of the Luangwa River, with its own access to the national park, the intimate Nkwali is open year round.
Kaingo Camp
Small and owner-run, the riverside Kaingo occupies a a quiet but excellent game area, with a series of wildlife hides and a focus on photography.
Nsefu
One of the Luangwa's oldest camps, Nsefu is a great safari camp in a remote, beautiful and game-rich location with top-rate guiding.
Mwamba Bushcamp
Small, remote and owner-run, Mwamba offers first-class walking, 4WD safari drives and superb hides, with excellent guides and a real bush feel.
Tena Tena
One of the Luangwa's best camps, in a beautiful, remote bush location, Tena Tena is very small, exceedingly well-run and has top-rate guiding.
Chikoko Tree Camp
Chikoko Tree Camp is an excellent small, rustic bushcamp that concentrates on walking safaris, and is run by a top-quality operation.
Big Lagoon Camp
Big Lagoon Camp is a great little rustic bushcamp built to high standards that focuses on excellent walking safaris, with the emphasis on top wildlife guides.
Luangwa River Camp
Luangwa River Lodge is a small and consciously stylish lodge in the Mfuwe area, overlooking the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park beyond – an area renowned for great game.
Flatdogs Camp
A relatively big safari camp, Flatdogs offers value for money with great guiding and good food in a comfortable, relaxed setting.
Kapani Lodge
Kapani Lodge is now the main office base for Norman Carr Safaris, one of the Luangwa's oldest safari operations.
Mchenja Bushcamp
Set in a shady ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa, Mchenja is a smart tented bushcamp. It combines well with Kakuli and Nsolo – its sister camps with a focus on walking safaris.
Kakuli Bushcamp
Beside the Luangwa River, Kakuli is a comfortable tented bushcamp offering 4WD safaris and walking safaris – the best of which are camp-to-camp walks linking Kakuli with its nearby sister camps.
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo is a small, comfortable bushcamp overlooking one or two pools in the usually dry Luwi riverbed. It concentrates on walking safaris in an interesting and diverse area, led by a knowledgeable guide.
Kafunta River Lodge
Kafunta is a laid-back, friendly and good-value lodge on the outskirts of South Luangwa National Park.
Luwi Bushcamp
In a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park, Luwi is a rustic bushcamp whose emphasis is on walking safaris with great guiding and a chance of seeing some rarely seen and elusive antelope.
Lion Camp
Lion Camp is an established and comfortable camp with a swimming pool, located near to the game-rich Lion Plain in the northern part of South Luangwa National Park.
Robin Pope mobile
RPS mobile safari camps are at the heart of their set-itinerary walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park, which start and finish at a permanent camp.
Kapamba Bushcamp
In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Kapamba is a small and very comfortable bushcamp offering good walks and game drives.
Mfuwe Lodge
In a game-rich area close to the South Luangwa’s main Mfuwe Gate, Mfuwe Lodge is relatively large by park standards, but it’s stylish, modern and family friendly.
Kuyenda Bushcamp
Kuyenda Bushcamp is a classic bushcamp with particularly delightful hosts and offers top-class walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.
Luangwa Safari House
Luangwa Safari House is a vast and very smart four-bedroom house specifically designed for families and small groups, and offering an exclusive and flexible safari experience.
Three Rivers Camp
In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Three Rivers Lodge sits at the confluence of three of the valleys rivers.
Island Bush Camp
Island Bushcamp is a good-value, rustic, walking-only camp, in arguably one of the most remote parts of the South Luangwa, well away from all other camps.
Bilimungwe Bushcamp
A smart bushcamp with four very spacious chalets, Bilimungwe offers interesting walking safaris in pretty riverine woodland, as well as day and night safari drives.
Chinzombo
Opened in early June 2013, Chinzombo offers luxurious and stylish accommodation with very high levels of service and excellent guiding.
Chindeni
Chindeni Bushcamp is a very modern and minimalist camp, which is a far cry from your traditional bushcamp and unlike most of the other camps in South Luangwa.
Robin's House
With your own expert guide, private vehicle, chef and valet, the two-bedroom Robin's House offers an exclusive, flexible safari experience – and is open year round.
Kawaza Village
Kawaza Village – beside the South Luangwa National Park, offers guests the rare opportunity to appreciate local village life. Visit for a few hours or stay overnight.
Chamilandu Bushcamp
A comfortable little bushcamp, Chamilandu has a picturesque setting by the Luangwa River, in an area with a range of habitats to explore on foot and by 4WD.
Mwamba Camp-out
The Mwamba-Camp Out allows you to have an incredibly adventurous night in the bush, sleeping under mosquito nets with activities led by some of the best guides in Zambia.
Zungulila
Zungulila is a small, comfortable tented bushcamp with an emphasis on walking safaris, in the remote southern section of the South Luangwa.
Shawa Luangwa
Opened in June 2021, Shawa Luangwa Camp is a small, intimate and rustic camp, with a good location in a remote section of the South Luangwa National Park.
Luwi Riverbed Sleepout
For an adventurous night in South Luangwa National Park, come and sleep out in the bush, around a campfire, with an experienced guide and game scout.
Chichele Lodge
Currently in the final stages of an extensive rebuild, Chichele Presidential Lodge stands high within the park, with superb views, and is due to reopen in early 2025.
Nkonzi Camp
A simple and rustic bush camp, Nkonzi has a strong focus on walking safaris in this remote section of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.
Chikunto
Chikunto Safari Lodge is a more traditional property in the South Luangwa National Park, sitting on a peninsula of land created by the meandering Luangwa River.
