Lolelunga Private Reserve · Getting there

the road to the reserve

Self-drive directions

Lolelunga is a remote safari destination. Travel times vary depending on road conditions, weather, pontoon waiting times and driving speed. We strongly recommend travelling during daylight hours only and avoiding travel after dark.

For a more comfortable and stress-free journey, guests may wish to consider a lodge-arranged road transfer or a charter flight directly to Lolelunga Airstrip.

Download the printable guide (PDF) WhatsApp the lodge
Route From Lusaka Approx. 425–450 km · 7–10 hours via Mumbwa, the Lubungu and Lunga pontoons View directions → Route From Solwezi Approx. 240 km · 6–7 hours via Mutanda and Kasempa View directions →
LUSAKA MUMBWA SOLWEZI KASEMPA MAIN GATE LOLELUNGA LODGE SCHEMATIC · NAVIGATE WITH THE ROUTE FILES

Before you leave

Navigation

We recommend downloading Maps.me (preferred), although Organic Maps is also suitable. Both apps are free and available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

  1. Download the app.
  2. Download the Zambia offline map.
  3. Import the route file for your journey (buttons below).
  4. Keep these directions to hand — signal is limited beyond the last town.
From Lusaka Route file · KML KMZ
From Solwezi Route file · KML KMZ

Important safety information

  • Travel during daylight hours only.
  • Do not attempt arrival after dark.
  • Carry sufficient drinking water.
  • Ensure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.
  • Download offline maps before departure.
  • Keep the supplied GPS route files and written directions accessible.

Step by step

From Lusaka

via Mumbwa, the Lubungu and Lunga pontoons

Approx. 425–450 km7–10 hours
  1. 1

    Lusaka to Mumbwa

    153 km · 2–2.5 hrs

    Follow the M9 westbound from Lusaka to Mumbwa.

    In Mumbwa: refuel, purchase any final supplies, and contact the lodge before departing.

  2. 2

    Mumbwa to Lubungu Pontoon

    Approx. 120–140 km · 2.5–3 hrs

    Follow the route track north from Mumbwa towards Lubungu Pontoon. Road conditions become gravel and bush road.

  3. 3

    Lubungu Pontoon

    Estimated delay 15–45 mins

    Cross the Kafue River at Lubungu Pontoon. Pontoon fee: ZMW 85 one-way, payable directly to the pontoon operator. Allow for queueing, loading and crossing.

  4. 4

    Lubungu Pontoon to Lunga Pontoon

    Approx. 70 km · 1.5–2.5 hrs

    Continue north following the route track. Road conditions vary and may include corrugations, ruts and sandy sections.

  5. 5

    Lunga Pontoon

    Estimated delay 15–45 mins

    Cross the Lunga River. Pontoon fee: ZMW 340 one-way, payable directly to the pontoon operator. Allow for queueing, loading and crossing.

  6. 6

    Lunga Pontoon to Jifumpa Community

    Approx. 3–5 km · 10–15 mins

    Continue north beyond the pontoon crossing. Please reduce speed through the settlement and be alert for livestock and pedestrians. Landmark: Jifumpa Community.

  7. 7

    Jifumpa Community to Lolelunga Turnoff

    Approx. 15–20 km · 15–30 mins

    Continue beyond Jifumpa following the supplied route track. Watch carefully for the signed Lolelunga Turnoff and turn RIGHT onto the Lolelunga access road.

  8. 8

    Lolelunga Turnoff to Checkpoint Gate

    Approx. 3–5 km · 5–10 mins

    Continue to the Lolelunga Checkpoint Gate. Guests approaching from Lusaka enter via the Checkpoint Gate.

  9. 9

    Checkpoint Gate to Lolelunga Lodge

    Approx. 20–30 km · 30–60 mins

    Continue through the reserve towards the lodge. Road speeds are slower within the reserve due to wildlife, reserve roads and seasonal conditions.

Step by step

From Solwezi

via Mutanda and Kasempa

Approx. 240 km6–7 hours
  1. 1

    Solwezi to Mutanda

    30 km · 30 mins

    Depart Solwezi and travel south on the T5 towards Mutanda.

  2. 2

    Mutanda to Kasempa Turnoff

    100 km · 1.5–2 hrs

    At Mutanda, remain on the main road as it becomes the M8 (Mutanda–Zambezi Road). Continue south on the M8.

  3. 3

    Kasempa Turnoff

    45 km to Kasempa · 45 mins–1 hr

    Watch for the Kasempa Turnoff, identified by a small roadside market. Turn LEFT onto the D181 towards Kasempa.

  4. 4

    Kasempa

    Last fuel and signal

    Continue on the D181 into Kasempa. This is the last reliable communication point before reaching Lolelunga — please notify the lodge when passing through Kasempa.

  5. 5

    Kasempa to Lolelunga Turnoff

    55 km · 1–1.5 hrs

    Remain on the D181 and continue south. Watch for the signed Lolelunga Turnoff after about 55 km.

  6. 6

    Lolelunga Turnoff

    3 km to the Main Gate · 5 mins

    Approaching from Solwezi (the north), turn LEFT onto the Lolelunga access road.

  7. 7

    Lolelunga Main Gate

    Continue to the Lolelunga Main Gate.

  8. 8

    Main Gate to Lolelunga Lodge

    Approx. 1 hr

    After entering the reserve, continue along the reserve access roads to the lodge. Road speeds are considerably lower within the reserve due to road conditions, wildlife and reserve access tracks.

Lolelunga lodge team

+260 570 990 412

Please let us know when you set off, and again as you leave the last town with signal, so we can expect you and keep an eye on your progress.

WhatsApp the lodge Printable guide (PDF)