Flatdogs Camp
‘Flatdogs’ is the South African nickname for crocodiles and the camp got the name because of its original location on the site of an old crocodile farm and after some incidents involving dogs and crocodiles! Owned and managed by Jess and Ade Coley and set beneath large mature trees on the banks of the Luangwa River on the eastern edge of the beautiful South Luangwa National Park, the camp overlooks the river on one side and a natural lagoon on the other. Children of all ages are welcome.
Accommodation & Facilities
The atmosphere at Flatdogs is relaxed and fun with facilities set around a central courtyard where there is an open-sided restaurant, a well-stocked bar, shop and swimming pool. Flatdogs has several accommodation options for families which include authentic Meru safari tents, stone family chalets, Croc’s Nest and the amazing Jackal-Berry Tree House.
The four family chalets accommodate up to six guests (the largest sleeps up to eight in three bedrooms), and have a spacious double room with en-suite bathroom downstairs and a twin/triple room with its own bathroom upstairs. The two rooms in each building are completely separate with their own facilities, but can be joined through the small kitchen area if a family or group of friends want to book both rooms. The luxury family tent has space for a double bed and two single beds, with a large bathroom at the back of the tent. The family tent is on the river bank, close to the main area, with lovely views of the river. The camp’s swimming pool has a shallow end, steps and a child friendly water slide
The Croc’s Nest is a recent addition and is a large ‘tented house’ a few minutes’ drive from the main camp. It has two en-suite bedrooms, a spacious lounge with dining area, minibar and a private swimming pool. It is possible to add a third bed into each bedroom, or two beds into the living room, so the house can sleep a maximum of six people and is a great choice for families. Guest can eat in the camp restaurant or enjoy in-house private dining. Across the front of the house are several folding screen doors that open onto a wooden deck and pool. The pool has steps down into the shallow end but is not fenced so children need to be supervised at all times.
The Jackal Berry Treehouse, also a few minutes’ drive from the main camp, is raised two metres off the ground and is entirely open at the front with views across a lagoon. It has two bedrooms, a living and dining area and a radio so that guests can arrange for private meals if they wish. The Treehouse is an adventurous option for families with children over eight years of age.
Eating & Sleeping
Meals are taken on individual tables in the restaurant and are not hosted. The restaurant is open all day and children can choose from plenty of child friendly options such as BBQ chicken wings with rice and salad, pizza, fish goujons, spaghetti with meatballs etc. A baby sitting service is available if parents want to go out on an activity without the children. The babysitters are the housekeeping ladies who all have children of their own and are great with kids. If parents want a later dinner, a listening service is provided by one of the watchmen who will come and call the parents if the children wake up.
Wildlife & Activities
Flatdogs Camp offers day and night game drives in open safari vehicles and walking safaris in the National Park, all accompanied by some of the best-trained professional safari guides in the Luangwa. There are 60 different mammal species and over 400 different bird species in the park, and guests can expect to see large elephant herds, reaching up to 70 in number. A visit to Kawaza Village can be arranged, where you have the opportunity to spend time in genuine Zambian rural village and to get involved with local people and village life.
Specifically for children…
• Game drives – several of the guides are excellent with children and families in general. There is a great quiz for kids to take on drives so that they keep asking questions and learn a lots about the things they see in the park.
• Children of 12 years and older can accompany parents on bush walks.
• Younger children can do nature walks with the guides in and around the camp.
• Village visits – children can visit the nearby village where they can learn about the conservation projects and hear about the special detection dogs which have been trained to sniff out ivory, bushmeat and even snare wire.
• Visit to Mulberry Mongoose workshop and shop where jewellery is made out of snare wire and other local products. $5 from every piece goes back to conservation programmes.
• Half day and full day art safaris at Tribal Textiles.
• Kawaza Village – visiting this authentic Zambian village is an eye-opening experience for most and gives children a real insight into how people in rural Zambia live.
• Visit to Chipembele Wildlife Education Centre – a great information resource including lots of interactive exhibits, a history of the Luangwa, tracks and spoor, and information on the animals found in the area.
