Flatdogs

Classic Safari Tents

The en-suite safari tents at Flatdogs Camp are set along the banks of the Luangwa River, offering some of the best views in camp and a strong sense of being close to the surrounding environment.

The tents are spacious and well laid out, with full-sized beds, a dressing area and a small writing desk, along with mains electricity and charging points. Large gauze windows and the open design allow for good airflow, supported by electric fans, while mosquito nets are provided for comfort at night.

Each tent leads through to an open-air en-suite bathroom, complete with a hot shower, flush toilet and basin, maintaining a balance between comfort and a more traditional safari feel.

There are six river-facing tents in total, including one family unit which features a double bed and two single beds, along with a larger bathroom, making it suitable for families of up to four.

Overall, these tents are a good option for guests looking for a classic safari experience with reliable comfort, strong river views and a close connection to the sights and sounds of the Luangwa.

Luxury Safari Tents

The Luxury Safari Tents at Flatdogs Camp are set along the Luangwa River, well positioned for views and easy access to the main areas of camp.

The tents are more spacious than the standard units and offer a comfortable, well-equipped base with a classic safari feel. Each tent includes full-sized beds, a small sitting area and storage space, along with mains electricity and charging points.

Large gauze windows allow for good airflow and clear views, while mosquito nets and electric fans provide comfort at night. The en-suite bathrooms are open-air in design, with hot showers, flush toilets and basins.

Each tent also has a private veranda overlooking the river, which works well as a place to relax between activities and watch wildlife along the riverbank.

Overall, the Luxury Safari Tents are a solid option for guests looking for a traditional tented experience with a bit more space and comfort, while still maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding environment.

Chalets

The Chalets at Flatdogs Camp offer a more solid and family-friendly alternative to the tented accommodation, built from stone and thatch to provide a cooler and more enclosed environment.

There are six standard chalet rooms arranged across three separate buildings. Each building consists of a downstairs double room with an en-suite bathroom, and an upstairs twin or triple room with its own bathroom located just below. This setup works well for families or small groups travelling together, allowing for proximity while still maintaining separate sleeping areas.

All chalet bathrooms are fully enclosed, and each unit includes practical amenities such as mains electricity, electric fans, a small kitchen area and tea and coffee facilities, along with a fridge.

In addition, there is a larger family chalet with three bedrooms. This includes two en-suite rooms on the ground floor (one double and one twin, both with the option of an extra bed), and an upstairs loft room with two single beds. The loft also functions as a sitting area and opens onto a raised deck with views over the river. Guests using the loft room share the downstairs bathrooms.

Overall, the chalets are a good option for families or groups looking for a more enclosed and spacious setup, with added practicality and comfort while still enjoying the setting of the camp.

Crocodile Nest

The Croc Nest at Flatdogs Camp is a spacious, tented house set on the banks of the Luangwa River, offering a private and self-contained option within the camp.

The unit is designed to accommodate families or small groups, with three en-suite bedrooms, each featuring semi-open bathrooms. A central living space includes a sitting room and private dining area, allowing guests to relax and dine in their own space.

Outside, a private swimming pool and deck area overlook the river, providing a comfortable setting to spend time between activities.

Stays at Croc Nest are operated on a fully private basis, with a dedicated guide and vehicle included, allowing for a flexible safari experience tailored to the group.

The house is well equipped with practical amenities including WiFi, a bar fridge, tea and coffee facilities, a safe and mains electricity.

Overall, Croc Nest works particularly well for families or groups looking for a more exclusive safari setup, combining the feel of a private house with the support and activities of a well-established camp. Minimum age is 6 years.

Jackalberry Treehouse

The Jackalberry Treehouse at Flatdogs Camp is an elevated, open-fronted unit designed to maximise views and create a strong connection to the surrounding bush and river.

Raised approximately eight feet off the ground and accessed via a wooden staircase, the house centres around a spacious deck and sitting area, with uninterrupted views out across the Luangwa. The open-fronted design allows for constant wildlife viewing directly from the room.

There are two en-suite bedrooms, both with open-style bathrooms, along with a shared sitting space and the option for private dining. The overall layout works well for families or small groups travelling together.

The Treehouse is equipped with WiFi, a bar fridge, tea and coffee facilities, a safe and mains electricity, ensuring a comfortable stay despite the more open and immersive design.

For groups of four, a private guide and vehicle are included for the duration of the stay, allowing for a more flexible and tailored safari experience.

Overall, the Jackalberry Treehouse is a good option for guests looking for something slightly different, with an emphasis on views, elevation and a more open safari experience. Minimum age is 6 years.

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 3 classic tents 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 3-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.

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