Mopani Safari Lodge

I have never seen such a poorly run establishment. Its quite clear that their main objective is to keep costs as low as possible even at the expense of their clients. This is a problem of the owners. The employees are trying their best but they have owners who have no appreciation of their clients. I am pretty certain they are poorly paid. The restaurant is the worst I have ever seen. The manager called Shakeel has no idea what he is doing. We were served cold chicken burgers and our complaint fell on deaf ears. My son was served beef ribs that were spicy and he was unable to eat them. When I mentioned it to Shakeel he said "I will see what I can do tomorrow ". I was given cake that felt like rubber. The restaurant has no menu and you are served pretty much what they feel like. Breakfast 0/10, brunch 1/10 and dinner 3/10. I would never recommend that anyone stay at this establishment .

What an amazing place! It is luxurious while at the same time accommodating a rather wide variety of animals wondering in and around the grounds. We saw out our back window elephants, giraffes, wart hogs, baboons, bushbuck, leopard, hippos. It's always a thrill to look out your window and realize you're right in the middle of their territory! The food was excellent and the staff is incredibly professional and attentive. We were very impressed by Boniface's management of the lodge. Since the lodge is a very short distance from the South Luangwa gate, it is easy to do two game drives a day and this area of South Luangwa never seems to disappoint.

Mopani Safari Lodge has the most amazing location, you literally see elephants, giraffes, baboons from your french doors looking out on to the lagoon. From the pool area you overlook the river and the sound of the numerous hippos becomes your soundtrack! It's incredible. The staff are wonderful, so attentive and friendly. Our guide Eddie was exceptional and on our drives we literally saw everything - buffalo, leopards, lions, giraffes, zebras, hundreds of birds, hippos, hyenas. This was my first safari and exceeded expectations. The only thing of note however, is that this is a dry resort, and I did miss not having a sundowner of a gin and tonic and the odd glass of wine! I'm sure my liver was grateful however!!

Mopani served us with unmatched hospitality, consideration and care. Our cabin overlooked the lagoon, there was a constant stream of wildlife passing by, beautiful views with a private pool. The staff here fulfill there roles with warmth of family, their kindness and wholeheart commitment to meeting our needs made us feel right at home. My children, albiet fussy ones, have raving reviews for the food and entertainment provided. The team make immense efforts to make meals memorable, we experienced special bush dinners, Sundown tea times at the lagoon and brunch with a parade of elephants. Brian, our game ranger, had a mastery of knowledge on the Safari drives, we witnessed increbile big cat sightings. We also did a walking Safari where we learnt about the flora and fauna which kept the Luangwa Reserve thriving. The game rangers really know the reserve well. There is a hide onsite which allows you to experience the animals up close. The night rangers are always at hand to escort you to and fro in the dark so safety is always ensured. The housekeeping kept the cabin was pristine despite the mess of 3 teens! Borniface provided a faultless concierge service. This trip has truly been a dream. With all our thanks, love and gratitude to the Mopani team for giving us a holiday of a lifetime!

Very impressed with this venue their hospitality is overwhelming and the accommodation comfortable spacious and welcoming. I enjoyed the pleasure of a super superb guide Bryan who is highly accomplished knowledgable and skilled. We enjoyed some spectacular sightings. The food is plentiful and varied. Although outside of the park the pontoon to cross the river into the park is close therefore this is merely a slight detriment. Highly recommend and when in Zambia again I will certainly return. Thank you for a great stay wish it were longer!

We arrived at the lodge and were greeted by Borniface, the lodge manager. He was extremely welcoming and showed us around the lodge and rooms. We were also served a delicious welcome drink. All the staff at Mopani are very helpful and go out of their way to make you feel as comfortable as possible. We stayed in the lagoon facing rooms, and i must say they are spectacular! Beautiful, clean and spacious, and you can see many animals come to the lagoon to drink water. Such an amazing sight, just sitting from your room and viewing the animals, meters away from the room veranda. We saw elephants, kudu, impalas, baboons, warthogs, girrafes and were also lucky enough to spot a lioness feeding on a buffalo at the lagoon! We went for 3 game drives and a walking safari with our highly knowledgeable guide Mr Brian. He gave us a brief history about the park, animals and flora and fauna indigenous to south luangwa. Highlights of our game drive was when we requested Mr Brian to see the Carmine bee eater birds. He went out of his way to show us the birds. Fabulous sighting! He knew exactly how to navigate the park and we sighted lions twice on the game drives. We were also lucky to spot the endangered African wilddogs. Such a rare sighting! Coming on to the food, it was prepared freshly keeping in mind any dietary restrictions we mentioned. Hats off to the chef for preparing such delicious food everyday. I always looked forward to lunch and dinner as the food was just amazing! Some snacks were also provided during the game drive, where we would stop inside the park at a safe location and eat with views of the beautiful trees and birds. On the whole, i really had exceptional experience at mopani and it is luxury at its best! Affordable and great for Bush and Safari lovers! Will definitely visit again soon