A new luxury lodge opening in Zambia’s South Luangwa

OPENING 2026 - CARMINE’S RIVER LODGE

OPENING JUNE 2026

Travel Promoters are delighted to have been appointed to oversee the trade sales & marketing for what promises to be one of Zambia’s most exciting new lodge openings of the coming year - Carmine’s River Lodge in the South Luangwa Valley.  The lodge’s avian name is a celebration of the property’s unique location which is home to the World’s largest Carmine Bee Eater colony, located directly opposite the lodge on the Luangwa Wafwa.

“The Art of Nesting, Perfected” – your new home in the heart of the wild.

Opening in June 2026, this intimate, luxury, family-owned lodge boasts an enviable island location, between two rivers, on 54 acres of private land. Less than 10 minutes’ drive, via a neighbouring pontoon, into the South Luangwa National Park and 20 minutes to the Nsefu Game Reserve. Located within the Valley of the Leopards, a natural wildlife corridor, teeming with game including elephant, big cats as well as wild dogs, all of which and more, thrive in this unspoilt region. 

Carmine’s River Lodge is set to deliver a serene, exclusive and individually tailored guest experience.  Initially catering for just 12 guests (18 with additional beds) across 3 superbly appointed two-bedroomed villas, each elevated and tucked between ancient 20-foot Ebony trees and strategically spaced to not only minimise footprint and disturbance to wildlife but capitalise on the lodge’s prime water facing location overlooking the Msandile river.

Guests can expect an eco-conscious design throughout, a thoughtful blend of contemporary elegance and cutting-edge convenience, fused with a relaxing and welcoming warmth, introduced through locally crafted furniture and materials, Zambian made fittings and hand-selected antiques. The villas are designed to take in the views at every angle and opportunity. A private retreat measuring just under 240 square meters with elegant central living and bar area overlooking your private deck and plunge pool beyond, flanked by two spacious identical bedrooms, each with sumptuous freestanding bath and unique indoor/outdoor fully glazed opening ‘infinity’ shower.

One of the three villas is fully equipped and accessible for guests that may have mobility challenges, offering a lift instead of a ramp as well as direct, level access to all the main areas.

A personal host or Nkhoswe (meaning “brother and protector”) will ensure an attentive and effortless guest experience and your private, qualified and highly experienced guide will conduct game activities in new, custom built 6-seater game vehicles. Each villa will have an additional, 2nd enclosed vehicle solely for the purpose of private transfers.  

Such is the attention to detail that each of the 3 villas and game vehicles will be paired through their shared avian name; Owl, Hamerkop & Kingfisher. Paying homage, in addition to the lodge’s name, to the rich bird population in the area.  

Conservation friendly ‘red light’ night & ‘starry night’ drives are planned for those guests with an interest in astronomy and observing predator activity after sunset. Naturally, the lodge would not be complete without walking activities, as this area in known as the birthplace of the African walking safari, a tradition which continues to define this landscape today.

Canon camera equipment is planned and will be available, on loan, to guests. The main lodge includes a photographic studio, media room which will also double as an educational space. Children are welcome at Carmine’s River Lodge, with dedicated activities available.

The Boma and fire pit will take centre stage in the main lodge area, alongside the infinity swimming pool, indoor and outdoor dining areas, elegant bar, wine room and boutique. Other facilities will include a fully equipped gym and in-room spa treatments will be available to pre-book.

A fully equipped catering kitchen, separate pastry kitchen as well as halal kitchen are planned. Construction of an animal proof greenhouse will enable the lodge to grow fresh ‘farm to table’ ingredients and ensure chef & his team delivers food that is of an all-important, exceptional quality.

Committed to sustainable operations, Carmine’s River Lodge is designed to operate 100% on solar power with backup systems for emergencies only. A full water filtration plant as well as the use of recyclable and biodegradable amenities throughout, will ensure that the lodge remains environmentally focussed.

Access is via a 70-minute flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe and then a +/-50-minute road transfer to the lodge.

We will be distributing rates, fact sheets and further literature in the coming weeks, but if you are eager to learn more or have a booking enquiry, in the meantime, please email the Travel Promoters’ team by clicking the button above.