Situated adjacent to the main entrance of the South Luangwa National Park, Flatdogs Camp provides excellent facilities for the middle budget visitor, their history lies more in the overland and self catering market but over time owner/managers Ade & Jess Coley, both long-time Valley residents, have moved away from that market and now provide what is unquestionably the best value fully-inclusive product in the area.
The atmosphere in the central bar and dining area is always convivial and welcoming, both the bar and dining area are open-sided and some tables are always laid in the courtyard. The menu is a la carte and of an excellent standard, drinks are always charged extra, even with an inclusive package.
There are 6 standard chalet rooms each is large enough to easily accommodate an extra bed, there is also a family chalet with 2 en-suite rooms downstairs and a loft room upstairs with a total capacity of 7 or 8 people. The Jackalberry House is separate from the main lodge and has 2 rooms, it is set on a raised deck overlooking plenty of bush and is ideal for families.
The Croc-Nest is another 2-roomed house property set to one end of the camp, it has elevated the Flatdogs offering yet again and as a self-contained unit with its own pool and exclusive activities it really is pushing the company beyond its middle-market roots.
There are 7 en-suite “Luxury Safari Tents” set on platforms overlooking the main river, one of these is a family tent with a double bed and 2 singles. These luxury tents are priced the same as the chalets and in my opinion offer a more authentic bush-experience. There are also 6 standard tents which are quite a bit smaller and come at a cheaper price.
For longer stays this camp would combine well with one or two of the more reasonably priced bush-camps in the Luangwa.
