Guest post: Marula Lodge, Zambia

If you are exploring Zambia, make sure you get to South Luangwa National Park. It is a little known gem slap bang in the middle of Africa!  Both the wildlife and landscape are stunning and rival the bigger more well-known parks in Tanzania and Kenya. 
Marula is a great little lodge at the gate of the South Luangwa National Park that caters for all travellers who are looking for a value-for-money safari.  It has lovely simple en suite rooms and great family rooms. It’s location on the border of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is exceptional. Elephants, hippo and various other local residents can be enjoyed regularly in the grounds.
The food comes highly recommended everything is reasonably priced.  Prices range from a low season accommodation $30 pppn to high season all inclusive rates of $185pppn in en suite rooms.

It is not always easy for backpackers to get around in Zambia and ‘off the beaten track’ accommodation is often expensive and exclusive.  That is why Marula Lodge has also opened a dorm.  For just $10 you can bunk down at Marula in the pleasant mixed dorm.  You can use the self-catering kitchen and hop onto a game drive as you choose.
Guests often take a siesta at the river bank or a swim in the crystal clear pool between game drives.  The quiet serene setting is perfect for recovery after a spell of hard work on a project, or as a breather for those making their way relentlessly through Africa.

Families enjoy the open spaces and relaxed atmosphere.  Marula is a family run business and the owners are happy to regale you with tales of elephants eating the guests curry, or the night 8 lions were on the lawn at 2am tossing the irrigation pipes around! The staff is as friendly and helpful as any you’ll ever meet.  Check the reviews on Tripadvisor.

All the details and more pictures can be found at www.marulalodgezambia.com.