Featured Accommodation: Mfuwe Lodge

Every year, Travel+Leisure magazine asks its world-wise and well-traveled readership to vote on their favorite travel experiences. With categories ranging from restaurants to river cruises to tour operators (a category in which Odysseys has been recognized seven times), these World's Best rankings stand as one of the travel industry's highest honors. And in the 2025 edition of the World's Best awards, one of the hotels on our Africa's Wildlife small group tour was rated as the third-best hotel on the planet.

Outdoor recreation and alfresco dining on the African savanna

Thatched roofs, vaulted ceilings, and an unparalleled sense of place highlight the Mfuwe Lodge, a premier safari lodge situated close to the Luangwa River in South Luangwa National Park. This 3,500-square-mile park represents one of Africa's most pristine stretches of untouched wilderness, with its remote location ensuring fewer tourists and a higher concentration of game. During this part of our tour, guests are able to get closer to the animals than at any other point — and this often extends to stays at Mfuwe Lodge, where elephants are known to wander through frequently.

Airy common spaces offer seamless transitions to the outdoors

Paved walkways canopied by ebony and mahogany trees connect the open-air main lodge and outdoor swimming pool with 18 air-conditioned guest chalets, each of which features its own veranda and private bathroom.

Private tented accommodations open onto prime wildlife viewing areas

The lodge is surrounded by two lagoons, and features a restaurant, bar, and lounge open to the breezes (and birdlife) of the savanna; as well as an outdoor swimming pool, spa with massage services, fitness center, library, laundry services, and gift shop.

Up-close wildlife encounters are a common occurrence at Mfuwe Lodge

Each of the 18 air-conditioned, open-plan, thatch-roofed guest chalets provides a rustic yet comfortable experience, featuring en-suite bathrooms with hair dryer, private verandas, mosquito nets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Our two-night stay here ensures ample time to soak up all the amenities of Mfuwe, and truly appreciate the reason for its ranking as one of the three best hotels in the world.

To see more about the Mfuwe Lodge, and to explore our Africa's Wildlife small group tour in detail, navigate to the tour page here.