Sungani, a young kid on the block in South Luangwa National Park, has taken third place in the 2024 Safari Awards’ ‘Best New Lodge’ category. Established in 2007, the awards offer ‘a deep appreciation for those who consistently surpass expectations, display an unwavering dedication to conservation, and demonstrate operational excellence while actively supporting local communities’.

During the assessment process, the judges considered some of Sungani’s outstanding qualities including:

  • Creating employment and skills transfer among the local community in a formerly underserviced area
  • The drive for conservation and regeneration
  • The creation of a road network and airstrip
  • Improved wildlife viewing in a unique location

Since taking over the remote site in 2019, the Davy family has embarked on a significant ‘rewilding’ project to make the formerly marginal area productive again. This has led to an increase in sightings of all the big cats including the Kulandila male and female leopards. Katatu, a young male leopard, has also moved into the area. In addition, May 2024 saw a pack of 18 wild dog being very active and it is believed they might be denning close to the lodge. All of this activity is remarkable for a region that once was under significant pressure a decade ago. More unusual recent sightings have included a baby bushpig (usually kept hidden by its parents) and an aardvark!

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‘Rewilding’ the Remotest Part of the South Luangwa Bears Fruit