ZAMBIA | CUISINE
EVERYTHING DIFFERENT, EVERYTHING SPECIAL WRITER: ANJA HANKE PHOTOGRAPHY: SAFARI MAGAZINE
ightness and sophistication—
two attributes that come together beautifully at Chikunto Lodge in South Luangwa National Park. This is how modern safari cuisine at the highest level is served. It is one of those special moments in the bush—in the evening, after the adventures of the day, when guests relax together around the campfire to review their impressive experiences, with an obligatory G&T in hand. But at Chikunto Lodge in South Luangwa National Park nothing is obligatory. ‘Our bar is unique in the region,’ says Jens Kant, not without pride. And rightly so, because the German owner of this boutique lodge is himself a connoisseur and therefore takes one or two special bottles of gin with him when he travels from Germany to his paradise on the banks of the Luangwa River. Besides South African gins like Musgrave or ClemenGold, German craft gins and different tonics are served at this special sundowner time. Culinary art plays an important part at Chikunto. True to the motto ‘What you love yourself, share with others’, it was clear to Jens Kant and his wife Regula, with the first thought of their own lodge, that their vision of a modern, luxurious and sustainable safari must be experienced not only in living the safari dream, but also on the plates and in the glasses of the guests.
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For many years the couple travelled through different countries in Africa, and more and more the dream of combining the love for this continent with their own demand for a lodge was formed. They found the perfect place in this animal-rich national park of Southern Africa. ‘This region offers wide-open spaces and bush at the same time, and, combined with the river, it’s an incredible combination,’ explains Jens. And a combination that they wanted to turn into a charming gem with their own ideas because it was truly their heart’s dream. They did not rely on an
TRAVEL & LEISURE | ISSUE 17 | NOVEMBER 2020–APRIL 2021
