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Mfuwe Lodge is no ordinary hotel! In fact, it’s a VERY SPECIAL place inside Zambia’s world-famous South Luangwa National Park! Having had the chance to stay at this unique luxury accommodation in the past, I know for sure that it is simply exquisite! For instance, each chalet has its own en-suite bathroom, and a splendid deck overlooking one of the lagoons.

The lodge also has an open boma for special dinner nights, and a campfire area for late and chilly evening chats under the starlit African skies! Not to mention the wildlife that surrounds the lodge, which is believed to be one of the richest in the world!  Sounds like a lot of fun, right?! Wait, there’s more…

Checking-In, Says the Elephant!

You heard me right: real elephants checking-in! And NO, the photos weren’t “photoshopped” at all lol!

Karibuni! (© Bushcamp Company)

 Welcome to Mfuwe Lodge!

I'd Like an XL Room, Please! (© Bushcamp Company)

 Single or Double?

Hellooo...anybody home? What's taking so long! (© Bushcamp Company)

Looks like we’ve got the lodge to ourselves…

The Story Behind This Unusual Parade…

Where's My Welcome Cocktail?! (© Bushcamp Company)

So what is it exactly that the elephants fancy in the lodge? The breathtaking view of the river? Maybe… The chef’s divine meals then? They surely are sublime, but not even close… Perhaps it’s the cozy bedrooms, ideal for afternoon naps? Nope, close but no cigar! :) What is it???

Are you giving up?

Believe it or not, but the answer’s mangoes! You see, it did in fact have to do with food (although the chef is not concerned…)!

Mangoes here we come! (© Bushcamp Company)

When people originally built the lodge, little did they know that the area was an ancient trail elephants use annually to feed on juicy mangoes!

Oh My...look what we've got over there! (© Bushcamp Company)

Today, Wonky Tusk (the matriarch) comes back every year with her herd, even if it means that she has to go through the safari lodge lobby!

What’s even more exciting is that she recently gave birth to a little baby, so you can be sure that her descendants will continue to come back for more! Elephants have excellent memory, and are extremely greedy…you bet they won’t forget those mangoes any time soon! That’s great news for enthusiastic tourists, and amazing free publicity for the lodge!

Best Time to See Mfuwe Lodge’s Friendly Elephants?

Although the herd doesn’t come on “specific “dates each year, you are more than likely to see them when the mango trees become ripe; in November! Occasionally however, Wonky Tusk will pay a visit to the lodge earlier (in September-October), to check on the condition of the fruit!

Mhhhhhhhh...Yummy Scrummy!

If you’d really like to experience this incredible close encounter, check out the Mfuwe Lodge website. I’m sure staff members will be more than happy to answer your questions!

Elephants Check-In Video