Lydia Zulu on Flatdogs Camp: Wild, Warm and Unforgettable South Luangwa

What makes Flatdogs—and its surrounding destination—different from anywhere else in Africa?

Lydia Zulu

It is the combination of wilderness, wildlife, freedom, people and authenticity. It feels like a place where the safari has not been separated from Africa around it.

What local traditions, ingredients, art or experiences do you incorporate into the guest experience?

Lydia Zulu

At Flatdogs Camp, we try to give guests a genuine taste of Zambia through our food, people, stories and connection with the local community.

We use fresh, locally grown produce wherever possible, including vegetables, herbs and chilli from local farmers and our own small garden. Our kitchen also supports local producers from Chipata, bringing Zambian ingredients into the meals we serve.

Guests can visit Tribal Textiles, a local workshop where textiles are hand-painted by local people. This gives guests an opportunity to see the creative process and support local artisans.

Guests can also visit local communities around Mfuwe, especially Chundu village, to experience everyday rural Zambian life, including traditional cooking, local homes and community projects. Flatdogs has also offered community-focused itineraries involving village stays and authentic local meals.

Can you share a memorable story about a guest, employee or community member that captures the spirit of Flatdogs Camp?

Lydia Zulu

Confidence grew up in the South Luangwa area and attended Chipembele classes before being taken on by Project Luangwa. Safari guides visiting schools to talk about conservation and guiding inspired him. He worked hard, and a visitor connected with Project Luangwa supported his guiding course.

He began volunteering at Flatdogs Camp as a spotter. While he was a spotter, we saw his potential and took him on as a trainee guide. Today, he is a safari guide at Flatdogs Camp.

Which is your favourite room at Flatdogs Camp, and what makes it special to you?

Lydia Zulu

My favourite room is the Jackalberry Treehouse. What makes it special to me is the feeling of being completely surrounded by nature. Being up among the trees, listening to the sounds of the bush and watching wildlife from such a peaceful and private setting makes it feel very special.

What is the first thing you want guests to feel when they walk through the door?

Lydia Zulu

The first thing I want guests to feel is that they are genuinely welcome, that they have arrived at a special place where they can relax, feel at home and know that we are here to make their stay memorable.

If you could describe Flatdogs in just three words, which would you choose—and why?

Lydia Zulu

Wild, warm and unforgettable.

Wild—because we are surrounded by incredible wilderness in South Luangwa, where wildlife and nature are part of everyday life.

Warm—because our hospitality is personal and genuine. We want every guest to feel welcomed, cared for and part of the Flatdogs family.

Unforgettable—because it is more than a place to stay. It is a place where guests create special memories through wildlife, people and personal experiences.

How do you balance international hospitality standards with an experience that feels genuinely local?

Lydia Zulu

The balance is about keeping the service professional and consistent while allowing the Zambian character of Flatdogs to shine through.

We maintain international standards in cleanliness, safety, service, communication and attention to detail, while making the experience feel local through our warm hospitality, local staff, Zambian food and connection with the Luangwa community. Flatdogs works with local farmers and incorporates locally produced ingredients into the kitchen.

What nearby hidden gem do you return to again and again—and what makes it special to you?

Lydia Zulu

One of the places I find myself returning to again and again is a quiet spot along the Luangwa River. I have spent many special moments there, sometimes with colleagues, and sometimes simply enjoying the peace on my own.

What makes it special is the river, wildlife, light and sounds, which are always changing. After working in hospitality, it is a place where I can slow down, breathe and reconnect. I love this part of Zambia, and it feels like a little piece of home to me.

What do you do to help employees grow into future leaders?

Lydia Zulu

Developing future leaders starts with trust, responsibility and encouragement. At Flatdogs, I try to give staff opportunities to take ownership rather than telling them what to do. I involve them in decisions, listen to their ideas and encourage them to learn from their successes and mistakes.

I also believe in leading by example. When staff see that good communication, teamwork, respect and care for our guests matter to us as managers, they begin to develop these qualities themselves. Most importantly, I want people to know that their growth matters.

What is the most important leadership lesson that working in hospitality has taught you?

Lydia Zulu

The most important lesson hospitality has taught me is that leadership is all about putting people first. When your team feels respected, supported and listened to, they become more confident and willing to give their best.

Working at Flatdogs has also taught me that good leadership is not about having all the answers, but about communicating clearly, staying calm under pressure, leading by example and bringing people together.