The original Flatdogs Camp opened in 1992 on the site of the Mfuwe Crocodile Farm. Initially only camping facilities were offered, but by 1994 four self-catering chalets became available. We gradually built up a good clientele of the major overland companies and regional budget, mobile-safari operators. With the internet and the first primitive version of our website we were seeing an increase in direct bookings from Europe, the US and regionally. Our inclusion in several of the major regional travel guides resulted in our being on the backpackers' agenda for many people traveling through Zambia. However we were fast outgrowing our old site. So we purchased 100 hectares (240 acres) of prime river frontage, less than 1 kilometer outside the Park entrance at Mfuwe Bridge. The site is spectacular riparian forest with continuous shade from winterthorn and mahogany trees along the river. The area behind the camp is acacia-park, dambo and lagoon with a population of game as good as the National Park. The property is sandwiched between two elephant crossing points and is a favoured feeding area for Thornicroft's giraffe, as well as resident puku, impala, bushbuck, waterbuck, buffalo etc. Construction started in October '98 and we relocated and were in operation May 26th 2000.....and we're still having a blast! Flatdogs Philosophy With over a decade of experience in the budget market we realize that we have to cater to the hospitality needs of several different types of traveler. A large chunk of our visitors are on overland trucks making six or eight week trips through East and Southern Africa or occasionally passing through on long transcontinental journeys. We have tried to gear our services to looking after those clients better than anyone else on the circuit. However, the campers and backpackers who make their own way to the Luangwa and are not keen to be over-run by large groups are also well taken care of and offered as much privacy as possible. We identified, and made inroads into, the regional market with our limited facilities at the old site. But we are now able to offer a much higher standard of self and fully catered services at the most competitive price in the Valley, making it possible for our guests to fly in, without the hassle of bringing all their supplies with them. We have made Flatdogs the only truly "family friendly" camp in the Luangwa and our facilities are geared towards family groups. That means we have a playground, a pool and a children's menu in the restaurant at children's chow times. Children are not merely tolerated at Flatdogs………..we actually like having them! A nanny service is also available for when it’s grown ups play time! The riverfront has not been developed in an effort to minimize disturbance to the riparian ecology but visitors remain free to sit quietly and watch the game in the National Park across the water, from shady trees along the bank. For those who enjoy the more sociable aspects of life in the bush, the "Dog and Gat Bar and Restaurant" offers an a la carte menu of excellent food, a great pub and a games room with a pool-table, darts and board games. Satellite DSTV is installed for selective viewing or news, sporting highlights or movies. Many of our clients have been traveling for weeks or months and look forward to enjoying the bush with a few of the trimmings of the real world that they have been missing. Most of our clientele are on longer trips or actually living in Africa, and whilst they are as keen to enjoy the bush as any visitor to the Park they prefer a more sociable atmosphere than that which the small, exclusive camps provide. However we are blessed with lots of room so you can choose to sit by the river and listen to the birds if you prefer. Flatdogs is all about the freedom of choice and you will not find the regimented meal times and behavior that can be so restrictive in some camps. Our swimming pool proved to be such an attraction that a hippo moved in during the rains! An arrangement which led, sadly, to the demise of both the river-horse and the swimming pool. A new pool was built and has been a big hit since opening in June 2002.
	Additional information: The "Flatdollar" Flatdogs has it's own currency. Visitors to Flatdogs will be entitled to sign for services on account or to purchase goods, services and activities using Flatdollars. This currency is so stable that the US Treasury keeps their dollar pegged to ours. Flatdollars enable you to lock up your cash and stop worrying about which pocket it was in. Flatdollars make it easier for you to see what your holiday is costing you without having to calculate local currency rates and fluctuations. They ensure that you know who is a legitimate agent for Flatdogs as anyone offering goods, services or other activities for cash is not part of our team. Flatdollars are fully refundable if not used. Whilst staying as a guest at Flatdogs you will of course have full signing privileges and are free to put all your expenses on account to be settled before you leave. Flatdogs accepts payment in Zambian Kwacha, USD, GBP and Euro. There are no charges for Travellers Cheques.  Visa and Mastercard are also taken with a 5% handling fee. What we ask: Although Flatdogs is recognized as a self contained empire we have adopted the Constitution of Zambia as our rule book. Anyone found breaking the laws of Zambia will be expelled from Flatdogs! Any guest who flouts the guidelines for safety and behavior within Flatdogs will also be shown the door as will anyone who has been found breaking the National Parks Laws whilst inside the Park. Our purpose is to provide you with a safe and enjoyable environment within which to experience the African Bush at close quarters. Those who feel they know how to handle this without our help and expertise are invited to book elsewhere and suffer the consequences. The use of illegal drugs anywhere on the property is forbidden. Any firearms are to be unloaded and left in the care of the management. All Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Management accepts no responsibility for clients' pets becoming part of the food chain or unwittingly acting as a bait or lure.