Life at Kukula
Days here aren’t rushed, they’re unravelled. One slow drive might bring a tower of giraffe, a herd of buffalo, or a flash of zebra crossing the track. Or you may just sit with a drink and let the show come to you — because at Kukula, the bush always shows up. Watch the warthogs watching you, shiver under the haughty stare of a kudu, or catch the ostrich ballet as they fan their feathers and strut for attention. Every day is a mix of the expected and the wonderfully surprising.
What You’ll Find Here
Wake to sunrises over the Munali Hills that never look the same twice. Spot herds of antelope grazing — often with their young in tow — and notice how they don’t vanish at first sight. They’re wild, not tame, but here they’re more likely to give you a close-up than a disappearing act. Binoculars help, but you won’t always need them. At night, it’s the Pookie calls (bushbabies) you’ll hear more often than jackals, a soundtrack that reminds you this is their home, not ours. And unlike bigger lodges, life at Kukula isn’t left to “the staff” — you’ll feel that personal touch in every part of your stay, from a friendly chat to the way we keep things easy, simple, and real.
Region & Experiences
The Region
Kukula sits just outside Mazabuka, affectionately called “the sweetest little town in Zambia” thanks to its endless sugar cane fields. But while the town hums with farming, mining, and commerce, Kukula feels like another world. Just two hours from Lusaka, the contrast is instant: rolling bushveld, open grasslands, and pockets of woodland that are now home to a surprising variety of wildlife. Close enough for an easy drive, yet far enough to feel worlds away.
For the Bird Nerds
If you’re into birds, Kukula will keep you busy — and if you’re not, you might become a convert. From the Chaplin’s Barbet (a local endemic and our feathered celebrity) to flashes of color from Purple Indigobirds and Jameson’s Firefinches, there’s always something fluttering, calling, or perching a little too close to your breakfast. Bring binoculars if you’re serious, but honestly, half the fun is spotting them when you least expect it.
Wildlife Moments
The wild doesn’t just wander past here — it performs. Think buffalo locking horns in an argument, zebra with their endless “family disagreements,” giraffe swinging necks in a head-butting contest, or antelope racing across the plains. And then, of course, the warthogs — practicing their clown routines whether you’re watching or not.
Starlight & Firelight
When the sun dips, the sky steps in. Clear nights are more common than not, and stargazing becomes second nature — tracing constellations, spotting the Milky Way, and seeing a sky unspoiled by man-made glow. Add a fire pit, a few sparks drifting upward, and stories that last longer than the logs, and you’ve got evenings the way they’re meant to be: simple, warm, and carried by the sounds of the bush.
The Bush Awaits
Ready to make it your weekend?
From sunrise to starlight, Kukula is where the wild writes your itinerary