Msandile River Lodge

Location: post office box 94, Kakumbi, zm

Star Rating: 9.4 Stars

Property Type: Lodges

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 01:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Parking
• Non-smoking rooms
• Swimming pool
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Family rooms
• Safety deposit box
• Tour desk
• Packed lunches
• Private check-in/check-out
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Board games/puzzles
• Shuttle service (additional charge)
• Concierge service
• Outdoor furniture
• Coffee Shop on site
• Fruits
• Staff adhere to local safety protocols
• Fire extinguishers
• First aid kit available
• Invoice provided
• Key access
• Food delivered to guest room
• Access to health care professionals
• 24-hour security
• Free wired internet
• Self parking (surcharge)
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
• Pool sun loungers
• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Spa tub (surcharge)
• Internet access
• Housekeeping on request
• Private picnics
• Wine release events
• Exercise/lap pool
• Japanese garden
• Swimming nearby
• Charcoal grill
• Vegetarian menu options available
• Accessible shuttle
• No accessible shuttle
• Accessible train station shuttle
• No accessible train station shuttle

Rooms Available

• Deluxe Twin Room

  Providing free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a shower. The twin room features a private entrance, a patio and garden views. The unit offers 2 beds.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Private entrance
  • Mosquito net
  • Toilet paper
  • Pool towels
  • Bottle of water
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed

• Family Chalet

  The chalet has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. The chalet is furnished with a desk and a seating area and offers a private entrance, a wardrobe and garden views. The unit has 3 beds.

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Private entrance
  • Sofa
  • Mosquito net
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Linen
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Pool towels
  • Bottle of water
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Key access
  • Window

• Double Bed Chalet

  The chalet features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. The chalet is furnished with a desk and a seating area and provides a private entrance, a wardrobe and garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Private entrance
  • Sofa
  • Mosquito net
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Linen
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Toilet paper
  • Pool towels
  • Bottle of water
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Key access
  • Window

• En-Suite Tent

  This tent features a desk, a patio, garden views and a private bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Private entrance
  • Sofa
  • Mosquito net
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Linen
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Pool towels
  • Bottle of water
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Key access
  • Window

Guest Reviews

• Julia (10/5): Alles perfekt, ein einzigartiges Erlebnis, sehr professionell und warmherzig. - Die Msandile Lodge war für uns ein außergewöhnlicher Wohlfühlort. Wir wurden mit viel Wärme und Gastfreundlichkeit empfangen. Die Lodge liegt wunderschön am Fluss und ist ebenso wunderschön. Die Game Drives waren sehr professionell. Auch die Bedürfnisse meiner Tochter wurden abgefragt und berücksichtigt. Danke, wir kommen sehr gerne wieder! -
• Stuart (10/5): -
• Benjamin (10/5): -
• Monique (2/5): Accommodation terrible, game drives excellent and food good. - The breakfast and food generally was good and I enjoyed the game drives. First off, we were collected from the airport in an open sided game vehicle - in the pouring rain! We then had to take an open boat across the Luangwa River to the lodge in the pouring rain. We were drenched as so was our canvas luggage. They have a closed 4X4 vehicle, knew it was going to rain, yet brought an open vehicle to drive one hour to the lodge. We booked a “chalet” … it was in fact a tent with some brick walls, sparsely furnished - with cupboard doors that you couldn’t open because the bed was in the way of opening the doors … it rained during most of our stay and our “chalet’s” tent roof had many leaks … the section by the front door got flooded … my husbands clothes got soaked in his suitcase and those hanging over a chair. They eventually had to put up a tarpaulin over the front entrance to stop the rain from coming in as well as over certain areas on the tent roof. The “chalet” did not look anything like the pictures on the Booking.com site, before or after they put on the tarpaulin. There are no solid pathways between any of the accommodation tents or chalets to the communal area … we had to slosh through thick mud and flooded areas as there was no other way around but to walk through it to get to our “chalet”. Some guests, including myself, slipped in the mud to get back to our chalet. The accommodation was very disappointing to say the least ….everything about the accommodation has been done on the absolute CHEAP and needs to be radically renovated if they want to attract guests over the age of 40.
• Aaro (10/5): An unforgettable wildlife experience with excellent safaris, hosting, accommodation and food - This lodge offers a truly remarkable location for wildlife—I really saw at short distance all the animals shown on the Booking.com photos, and more. Elephants and hippos regularly walked past and even through the lodge grounds, creating the feeling of being part of nature while still being completely safe and well looked after. The team manages everything with great care, professionalism and responsibility. Frank is an excellent host who also does impressive work by employing a large number of local staff, all of whom were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and highly professional. The food was excellent, the accommodation very comfortable, and all transportation arrangements ran smoothly. The safari program exceeded expectations! Every day included morning and afternoon + night game drives, and I also had the option to do a walking safari, which all offered different and fascinating perspective on the wildlife. Beyond the park, I appreciated the insights into Zambian and Malawian life I received from the staff and the driver. Overall, this place offers an unforgettable safari experience, with superb hospitality, wildlife immersion and great value. Hugely recommended!
• JORDI (9/5): -
• Laura (10/5): Great value-for-money at this hidden gem - Loved the location, the food was good too and the staff were super friendly. The guides were super knowledgeable too. Highly recommend. Only thing was we would have loved a cover on the jeep but better for stargazing.
• thierry (8/5): Nature incroyable humain détestable - Être au cœur du parc juste magnifique L’humain qui veut se faire du fric facile m’insupporte
• Bianci Sentini (8/5): Great experience in the Luangwa National Park - The food, the location and the staffs were great. Nothing in particular but the suite could be upgraded.
• Raphaelle (9/5): -
• LIPING (9/5): 一切都超预期！太赞了！ - 酒店位置极佳！河对岸就能看到大象、长颈鹿或者河马。它们也可能过河拜访帐篷屋呢！可谓又期待又紧张啊！ 员工十分热情友善！ 每天两次巡游能看到很多动物和漂亮的鸟儿，不虚此行！ 虽然不太对中国胃，但对于习惯西餐的人来说三餐很棒！ 并非不满意！只是提示自驾过来的人必须做好功课。我们提前从店家得到行车路线，得以顺利抵达。还是要感谢Frank！
• Kirsten (10/5): Voor herhaling vatbaar! - Het was geweldig! Het personeel is onwijs vriendelijk, behulpzaam en gezellig. Het eten was heerlijk. We hebben zo veel prachtige dieren gezien tijdens de game drives, mede dankzij onze guide Isaac. Kortom: een absolute aanrader!
• Robert (10/5): De beste plaats waar ik verbleven heb tijdens al mijn reizen - De vriendelijke omgang en de verzorging alles tor in de puntjes verzorgd Niets alles was perfect
• Grant (10/5): -
• James (10/5): Beautiful location and friendly staff - Location, staff, wildlife, food, vibe, great trip
• Pia (10/5): Exceptional - The setting is fantastic, the team is welcoming and the guides are good at their jobs. It was luxury being able to choose between great birdwatching around camp or lounging by the pool between the safaris!
• Simon (9/5): Superb -
• Nancy (10/5): Amazing! - Wow, wow, wow, what a diamond in the bush! This was my 6th trip to different areas in Africa, including Zambia @ different lodges, this was a great surprise, not only for the lodge itself but all the staff that work so hard to make your stay memorable! Sabine & Frank the owners are the best, they make you feel like family. I stayed here for 5 days & then moved onto another camp for 4 nights. While @ the other camp I did get a little dehydrated & Frank who was not @ his camp but home in Malawi heard I had gotten ill & contacted me to check on me & to see if there was anything he could do or to help me in anyway he could. I couldn’t begin to say how much that was appreciated especially being in a different country. Trust me if you have an opportunity to stay @ this lodge you will not be disappointed! I can’t wait to go back & have a nice long visit with my new found friends!
• Maciej (10/5): Exceptional -
• Chelsea (9/5): Very nice stay! - Great food and staff. Comfortable lounge. Enjoyed the game drives! Thoughtful night watchmen who ensured safety walking back and forth from lounge to room at night. Lots of animal action along river, that was visible from lounge/pool. Wifi was not working well and due to restrictions no power most of day/night. I realize this is out of their control. A battery powered flashlight for nighttime bathroom trips would be a good idea. Room was very nice but needed a bit more under the bed cleaning as many cobwebs ect but staff took care of this when asked.
• Tony (9/5): Superb -
• Grant (9/5): Superb -
• Philip (10/5): Way worth the visit Best to stay 4-5 days to have the best chance of seeing elusive animals - Great location Great Staff Good food Outstanding Guides
• Harald (10/5): Just amazing! - The lodge is perfectly located and the staff were absolutely fantastic. The park is also one of the best places to see leopards in addition to lions and wild dogs. Nothing
• Sibongani (10/5): Great get away! - Amazing experience, the staff were extremely helpful and attentive. The lodge is beautiful and the food was excellent.
• Rachel (9/5): Fantastic Midrange Lodge! - I loved the location, it was truly amazing seeing so many animals. The food was delicious and the staff were fantastic! I would not only recommend Msandile River lodge, i would happily come back and stay again. I wish the electricity was on more. I encourage guest to bring a battery powered fan as when the power was out the tent could become hot/stuffy making sleep a bit more difficult.
• Diane (10/5): An amazing experience fulfilling my dream of seeing leopards - The location was exceptional A little tired in places Also water from taps ran brown
• Geoffrey (10/5): Exceptional - Fantastic experiece. Best Game Reserve, Isaac great Driver/ Guide. Loved the whole experience. We hope to return next year Well trained and pleaset staff Great accommadation No hotvwater in showers
• Zulu (8/5): An Excellent Safari - The proximity to wildlife was an excellent experience. The tours were so informative The uncertain schedule for power availability through a genset was a bit unsettling
• Douglas (5/5): Zeke's Bargain African Safaris (apologies to Far Side) - Guide was knowledgable, staff friendly. Prices far below neighboring lodges. No menu choices, many meals were repackaged leftovers, chef hard-cooked fried eggs regardless of instructions, touring vehicle was antique and broken down, electrical power only available a few hours per day, not even sundowner soft drinks were complementary, troubled internet, transfer service left baggage stained with oil. It was apparent that this lodge is under-capitalized, possibly because of the pandemic.
• Kathelijne (4/5): Location made up for the lack of everything else - Location The food - set menu only with poor quality Limited power - with no alternatives available in room / tent Dirty pool Too many people in old and rundown cars
• Emmanuel (8/5): Very good -
• Jackie (10/5): Exceptional - The staff were wonderful and could not have been more helpful, kind, or professional. Lungi, the guide was superb, very knowledgeable, and we had some epic sightings. We loved the sundowners and drinks around the campfire. We felt like members of the family when we finally left. As vegetarians, we were handsomely catered for, which was a delight! Nothing!
• Andrew (10/5): Great authentic African lodge at a very competitive price. - Excellent Value for money lodge very close to the South Luwangwe park.it was 1x our from the airport and a short bay ride across the river from the lodge. The guide , Isaac, was brilliant being so knowledgable on all flora and fauna.You have 2 game drives ( day & night) so great value. This is not a high luxury lodge but very functional at a very competitive cost.It made it a very authentic experience. Very minor point but Coukd do with the electric in the cabins after the game drive in the morning for the shower.
• An (10/5): Exceptional -
• Merijn (9/5): Great safari experience in a beautiful lodge - We had a great stay at Msandile. We stayed at one of the safari ensuite tents and the bed was very comfortable and everything very clean. The food is very nice, fresh and plenty. The owner (Chloe) is really making sure you have a great time. Isaac our guide is very experienced and we had great game drives, also crossing the river every time before the drive with all the hippos was a great experience. We would definitely recommend this place! No real negative but the pool could be a bit cleaner.
• Patricia (10/5): a real safari experience - EVERYTHING! the place was beautiful and the views to the river (with animals crossing the river at all times) was amazing. Even an elephant approached to the lodge when we were having lunch (an experience I will always remember) the food was very tasty, the pool was essential (specially because it was really hot). game drives were very fun and informative (we saw all the animals!) the room is wonderful and the staff is always attentive and making sure you feel comfortable nothing
• Matthews (10/5): Excellent! Awesome! Magical! - Awesome in every way! Friends management and staff, excellent food, Located on the river where elephants walk past the rooms each morning ! I had views of hippos from my bed. 2x game drives each day with Very knowledgeable guides. Saw So many animals up close.
• Jorge (8/5): Very good - The place, the accommodation, the staff, the food, and the safaris. Everything was top👌 Information to reach the place, should be improved
• Amie (10/5): Loved every minute, welcomed with open arms and amazing animal sightings. - Amazing location, divine property and very welcoming staff and owners. Had a lovely, restful few days after a busy work trip. Amazing value for money, game drives are included in the price. The park is amazing for sightings (we had close up encounters with Msandile, the young male leopard in the park), and very knowledgable guide Isaac is a true asset to their team. The chef is fantastic, cooking up a variety of delights you wouldn’t expect to find in the bush. You get homemade cake before your game drives and other homemade goodies at breakfast. The tents are decorated lovely with amazing views of the river. elephants can roam through the camp, makes for amazing morning wake up calls (or any time of the day). i would go back without a doubt, a little slice of bliss to expensive it. Nothing to dislike, but a few pointers for future people booking which will help: booking.com says you can pay by card - YOU CANNOT. Make sure you’ve got cash. Drop them a message once you’ve booked so Frank and Sabine can get in touch. I was only able to receive messages from them once I messaged them. They share details about finding the lodge and their contact details in case you get lost. Finding the lodge is tricky if you haven’t read the detailed instructions on their direct website. Make sure you download/screen shot those when you’re going.
• Daniel (8/5): an excellent relaxing safari stay with lots of various animals - location, interesting nights with various animals visiting
• Nils (10/5): Great spot with excellent quide, cook and staff! - We loved the spot. Next to the river with elephants passing by everyday. A nice pool to cool down. We had an excellent guide Longisana and all the other staff were great too. The food was delicious. We disnt bring USD but the manager was kind to change Euros for us. We will certainly book here when we come to Luangwa again. Great place!! Nothimg. Everything was perfect

Photos