Puku Ridge Celebrates Prestigious Accolades, Reinforcing Its Commitment To Exceptional Safari Experiences
Puku Ridge is delighted to announce two distinguished awards, further cementing its reputation for an unparalleled safari experiences in the heart of Zambia.
For an unprecedented third consecutive year, Puku Ridge has been honoured with the coveted title of Zambia’s Leading Safari Lodge at the esteemed World Travel Awards™. Since its inception in 1993, the World Travel Awards™ has been globally recognized as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence, celebrating the pinnacle of achievement in travel, tourism, and hospitality. This remarkable hat-trick underscores Puku Ridge’s consistent dedication to delivering exceptional experiences.
Adding to this significant achievement, for the second year running, Puku Ridge proudly accepts the award for Best Luxury Wilderness Lodge in Zambia, 2025, from the prestigious Luxury Lifestyle Awards. For 17 years, the Luxury Lifestyle Awards have championed a definition of luxury and a relentless pursuit of perfection, and inspiring legacies of excellence.
The Puku Ridge Experience: Where Luxury Meets Wilderness
Nestled within the breathtaking beauty of the unspoiled South Luangwa National Park, Puku Ridge offers an authentic and unrivalled safari experience. Eight exquisitely appointed tented safari retreatswith sweeping views across the Kakumbi Plains, provide constant opportunities for game viewing. Each featuring air conditioning, an overhead fan; outdoor shower, private plunge pools and Wi-Fi. For an elevated touch of indulgence, guests can also enjoy star bed towers, and the option of a rejuvenating in-room massage.
Unforgettable Encounters in the “Valley of the Leopards”
Puku Ridge provides unparalleled opportunities for intimate wildlife encounters. The renowned “eye-to-eye” photographic hide offers exceptional game viewing, while thrilling game drives into the legendary “Valley of the Leopards” are expertly guided by local guides, whose intimate knowledge of the area promise an extraordinary experience. For a deeper connection with Mother Nature, walking safaris allow guests to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness, home to a prolific 378 recorded bird species.
“These distinguished accolades serve as a profound inspiration, propelling the Lodge to continuously refine its offerings; committed to sharing the wonders of Zambia with its esteemed guests, seamlessly blending luxury, comfort, and conservation in perfect harmony”, concludes Michel Bouic, General Manager of Puku Ridge Safari Lodge.
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Notes to the editor
Getting There. Access to Puku Ridge is via the international airport in Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka, and then a short flight to Mfuwe Airport, where Puku Ridge staff will collect the guests in a 4 x 4 vehicle. A thrilling 90-minute drive through a local village and South Luangwa National Park, with the chance of spotting wildlife, forms part of an exhilarating introduction to the Lodge. Due to weather conditions, Puku Ridge operates annually from March – January each year.
South Luangwa National Park (Zambia) situated along the southernmost tip of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, South Luangwa National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts with a reputation for some of the densest animal populations in all of Africa. It covers an area of +/-9050 sq kilometers of the Luangwa Valley floor and is one of Africa’s few remaining unspoiled wilderness areas. Sights of giant hippos peeking above the water’s surface of the Luangwa River upon entering the Park, or enormous herds of elephants (sometimes up to 70 strong), gathered at the river’s edge to quench their thirst. Lions, spotted hyenas, wild dogs and leopards are the main predators in the area. Infact, it has earned the nickname “Valley of the Leopards” due to its exceptionally high leopard population. These elusive big cats thrive in the park’s dense vegetation and rocky outcrops, offering a thrilling opportunity for guests to witness them in their natural habitat. South Luangwa also boasts a remarkable diversity of birdlife. With over 400 recorded bird species, the park is a haven for ornithologists and casual birdwatchers alike. From majestic eagles soaring overhead to vibrant bee-eaters.
Puku Ridge is located within the same area, where the recently opened, reimagined Chichele Presidential is part of the portfolio. Reservations are managed by Chiawa Safaris.
Chiawa Safaris is owned by Grant and Lynsey Cumings, pioneers of the safari industry in Zambia. With over 40 years of experience owning, developing and operating lodges in Zambia, they currently co-manage, and market both Puku Ridge and Chichele Presidential. A collaboration between two Zambian families with a unified vision for luxury safaris in South Luangwa.
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