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!
Welcome to Mfuwe Lodge!
I'd Like an XL Room, Please!
Single or Double?
Hellooo...anybody home? What's taking so long!
Looks like we’ve got the lodge to ourselves…
The Story Behind This Unusual Parade…
Where's My Welcome Cocktail?!
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!
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!
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
Tags: elephant check-in, elephants, Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa
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Hello Michael:
Nice posting!!
What an incredible experience that would be. It would be amazing but yet at the same time I might be a little bit scared
The only reason I'd be scared is if I was one of those juicy mangoes!
Check out photo 4, I'm sure all the tourists on the day were going bezerk! I'd be going wild if I were them…must've been so much fun!
Thanks for your comment Cheryl!
Mike
Some great footage! Love how the Elephants just waltz into the lodge! It seems the South Luangwa National Park is a hot spot for getting up close and personal with the animals in the area. Came across a similar experience in another camp close by called Kaingo (http://www.kaingo.com/how-do-you-like-your-tea/). What an amazing area! I must visit soon!
Great blog
Jacob
Hi Jacob,
Thanks for the kind comment. Had a look at your “tea” article. Must be such a thrill to be able to experience such close elephant encounters almost on a daily basis!
Keep well,
Michael