Camp Sabali & Safaris

I had a fantastic weekend stay at Camp Sabali. The setting was beautiful and peaceful. Leon and the staff were incredibly friendly, kind, and made us feel very welcome. The game drives in the emerald season were brilliant.I would recommend this stay to anyone wanting to explore South Luangwa!

We (my wife and I) found this gem in the off-season period of March when most lodges are still shut. The clinching point for our choice was that on the Sabali website, Leon and his team conveyed a substantial appreciation of the diverse birdlife that was accessible in the park (and actually around the Sabali Lodge itself). Both our guides (Akim and Moses) were exemplary and Akim had a profound knowledge of the birds and plants we encountered. Leon was extremely generous with his time with us and also a very knowledgeable birder. We could not have wished for a more attentive and polite host. I personally learnt a lot from both him and Akim and was struck with how environmentally attuned the whole team were. Other than rhino we encountered all the usual beasts up close. We were lucky to witness lion and leopard almost every day. We saw Lucy's cubs (leopard) stalking impala and were pretty shocked to be caught in the midst of a baby buffalo kill by the local pride of lions. Sabali's diverse spreads (this was an all-inclusive package) were provided by Mary (the camp cook) and they were all scrumptious with the highlight being the eggs benedict for one of the breakfasts.

Just back from a 4 night stay at Sabali. Accommodation was perfect for us. The staff are very friendly and attentative. The food was excellent and any allergies considered. Our guides were very knowledgeable and friendly with excellent driving skills.

Camp Sabali is a perfect place for a South Luangwe experience. The park is nearby. We have done several game drives: all very exciting, The guide was a real professional. He knows a lot and could easily find different game. The staff is friendly and attentive. We have had excellent diners and brunches. The chalets are both exotic and hygienic. Tasteful. We will definitely go back when we are in Zambia again.

Safari in Zambia will always be something special. For me Sabali captured it perfectly. A hidden gem in the bosom of the African Savanna, it doesn’t get better than that. I was greeted with the warmest welcome by Leon at the airport when I landed and immediately I felt at ease. I was travelling alone and as a solo female, that was really important. It's a short drive to the camp from the airport and as soon as we arrived at the camp grounds I was greeted by such a lovely team of staff who introduced themselves by name which I really appreciated and I knew right away I was in good hands. The grounds itself exceeded my expectations. It is beautiful. Steeped in wilderness and luxuriously comfortable, the layout and design is carefully thought out to give the guest comfort, privacy, safety and a spectacular view. Each tent is immaculately kept. You can shower indoors or outdoors under the stars. The décor both inside and out is classy and tastefully done. It intentionally respects the feel of its surroundings blending in nicely with the natural environment. The bed was really comfortable. If it wasn't for a game drive each morning, it would have been a great bed to lie in a little longer but a coffee and biscotti brought to my deck at sunrise was equally enticing. Everything has been carefully thought out to the tiniest detail. You will also eat like royalty here with high tea, and lavish meals prepared on site with fresh ingredients. Rhoda and Elvis, the staff on deck, served exceptionally well which made the dining experience all the more enjoyable. Although I travelled alone, I felt like I had friends here. Sabali has their own dedicated safari guides who are second to none. Isaac and Ackim were phenomenal guides from start to finish every day of my stay. Their knowledge and expertise of the park, its flora, fauna, history, culture and overall biodiversity is top notch. Their care, kindness and and consideration makes the adventure all the more meaningful. Their professionalism and sense of responsibility to both the guest and the environment is first class and humbling. Not only did I come away with so much learning but I had the honour of being in their company on an amazing adventure. They are brilliant. Thanks to Leon and his team I had the trip of a lifetime. It's a real privilege to have had this experience and I hope to stay here again in the future. I hope that my friends do too.

At the end of our intensive safari from Nairobi to South Luangwa we were lucky enough to get to this place. We found extraordinary quality of accommodation, food and hospitality to recreate body, mind and soul in relaxed and contemplative atmosphere. The brandnew lodge looks in any detail care- and tastefully designed. It turned out as perfect base camp to explore the South Luangwa NP. The unique landscape and sightings at our game drives rivales the great parks in Kenya and Tanzania easily…