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Home / Destinations / Mfuwe

Mfuwe

Zambia · City · ZMW · -13.110700, 31.797800
Family friendly 4.9/10 · Rank 2211 of 2 709
Best season: July-October

Best for

Suitable for safari and wildlife lovers, photographers, and those wanting to see leopards and other animals in their natural habitat.

Best season

July-October

Daily budget
$143.00 (≈ 12 001 ₽)
For 7 days
$1 001.00 (≈ 84 004 ₽)
Mfuwe is a small settlement in eastern Zambia that serves as the main gateway to the famous South Luangwa National Park, known as the birthplace of the walking safari. This remote corner attracts wildlife enthusiasts from around the world with opportunities to see elephants, hippos, and leopards in their natural habitat. Mfuwe is an ideal base for safari adventures and immersion in pristine African wilderness.
Summer
40.0°C
Winter
11.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Mfuwe residents are friendly and used to tourists. Many guides and lodge staff knowledgeable about wildlife.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • One of Africa's best national parks
  • Rich wildlife including leopards and lions
  • Walking and night safaris
  • Unique lodge experience
  • Cultural attractions

Cons

  • High safari and accommodation prices
  • Rainy season from December to March
  • Transport needed to get around the region
  • Few entertainment options outside safaris
  • Limited infrastructure
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
25.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
29.7°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
40.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
21.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
25.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
11.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
December-March
Attractions

South Luangwa National Park

One of Africa's best national parks with rich wildlife including leopards, lions and elephants

Mfuwe Lodge

Famous lodge where elephants walk through the lobby to a mango tree, popular safari spot

Night Safaris

Unique opportunity to see nocturnal animals including leopards and hyenas

Walking Safaris

Guided walks through the national park, allowing close encounters with wildlife

Mfuwe Village

Local village with a market and the chance to experience Zambian culture

Best areas

Lodge Area

Area with lodges and camps, popular with safari tourists

Mfuwe Village

Local village with a market and cultural attractions

National Park Gate

Entrance to South Luangwa National Park, where safaris begin

Must-try food

Nshima

Thick cornmeal porridge, the staple of Zambian cuisine, served with meat and vegetables

Grilled Meat

Fresh game or beef grilled over an open fire

Chapati

Thin flatbread, served with main dishes

Stewed Vegetables

Local vegetables stewed with peanuts and spices

Fruits

Fresh tropical fruits including mango and papaya

Where to go next

South Luangwa National Park

One of Africa's best national parks, 10 minutes by car

Chipata

Town with a market and cultural attractions, 1.5 hours by car

Nsefu

Town with a market and nature, 1 hour by car

Lusaka

Zambia's capital with markets and museums, 6 hours by car

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Mfuwe International Airport (MFU).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
July-October
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$565.00
≈ 47 415 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$350.00
≈ 29 372 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Mfuwe: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is July-October. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Mfuwe: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +40.0°C, during the day — up to +29.7°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Mfuwe: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +11.0°C, during the day — up to +25.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Mfuwe: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on December-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Mfuwe: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $143.00 (≈ 12 001 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Mfuwe: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $20.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $100.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $200.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $565.00 per night, an apartment — $80.00 per night, a villa — $350.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Mfuwe: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $10.00, dinner at a restaurant — $30.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Mfuwe: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $15.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Mfuwe: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: South Luangwa National Park — One of Africa's best national parks with rich wildlife including leopards, lions and elephants; Mfuwe Lodge — Famous lodge where elephants walk through the lobby to a mango tree, popular safari spot; Night Safaris — Unique opportunity to see nocturnal animals including leopards and hyenas; Walking Safaris — Guided walks through the national park, allowing close encounters with wildlife; Mfuwe Village — Local village with a market and the chance to experience Zambian culture. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Mfuwe: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Nshima — Thick cornmeal porridge, the staple of Zambian cuisine, served with meat and vegetables; Grilled Meat — Fresh game or beef grilled over an open fire; Chapati — Thin flatbread, served with main dishes; Stewed Vegetables — Local vegetables stewed with peanuts and spices; Fruits — Fresh tropical fruits including mango and papaya. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Mfuwe: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Lodge Area — Area with lodges and camps, popular with safari tourists; Mfuwe Village — Local village with a market and cultural attractions; National Park Gate — Entrance to South Luangwa National Park, where safaris begin. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Mfuwe: is a visa required?
Visa: required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Mfuwe: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Mfuwe International Airport (code MFU). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $15.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Mfuwe: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — ZMW. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $143.00 (≈ 12 001 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Mfuwe: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Mfuwe: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Mfuwe: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: South Luangwa National Park — One of Africa's best national parks, 10 minutes by car; Chipata — Town with a market and cultural attractions, 1.5 hours by car; Nsefu — Town with a market and nature, 1 hour by car; Lusaka — Zambia's capital with markets and museums, 6 hours by car. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

4.9/10
Overall rank: 2211 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 908