Be in awe...

Located on the edge of South Luangwa National Park in the central Luangwa region is a classic safari lodge, Kafunta River Lodge. Overlooking a great floodplain of the Luangwa River, Kafunta offers a ‘childhood Africa dream’ coming true. Although the staff is highly professional, the atmosphere in this camp is warm and relaxing. During the day you discover some of the richest wildlife areas of Africa – hippos grunting, elephants bathing, birds chirping above you; it is all at your doorstep. Then you experience genuine friendliness and hospitality once you return to the lodge. The flexible staff will bend over backwards to meet your wishes, even if that means being ‘on the hunt’ for a pack of wild dogs or a pride of lions for hours, just to make sure you have memorable encounters with some of the wildlife on your bucket list. The cherry on top is the vista at the dining area, where such wildlife as hippos, giraffes, zebras, impalas, crocodiles and a wide variety of birds can be seen all day.

Meandering along the river bank with stunning views, Kafunta accommodates up to twenty guests in ten thatched chalets raised on wooden platforms. Tastefully decorated with African style and charm, the standard chalets are delightful and spacious, while the luxury chalets feature an upstairs viewing verandah and luxurious bathroom. Each chalet includes en-suite facilities with hot and cold running water, mosquito nets, electric fans, tea and coffee facilities and private verandahs. Central to the lodge is a charming open-sided thatched lounge and dining area with a tall, mature wild mango tree in the centre, providing the perfect shadow to relax in on sunny days. A crackling campfire is lit each evening and a comfortable wooden deck overlooks an active waterhole with uninterrupted views. A wildlife hide under the deck is the perfect place for photography or bird watching. Another unique feature of this lodge is a hot spring fed from a completely natural geothermal source on Kafunta’s grounds. With an average temperature of 37 degrees celsius, this is the perfect way to celebrate the end of an eventful day, especially during the cooler winter months. Allow your weary body to soak while you gaze up and count the stars - this will take a while, as you will see more than you have ever seen before.

Activities at Kafunta River Lodge

Start your day with an early breakfast while you listen to the animal world wake all around you. With some fresh pastries and a piping hot tea or coffee to kick start your morning, you’ll be ready for your first safari activity. Besides going on a game drive with a guide and tracker, this camp also offers guided walking safaris. We recommend doing a walking safari at the beginning of your stay, as it will change your perspective on the environment, the ecosystems and how everything interacts with the animals. After the morning activity, you will notice all this safari excitement makes for hungry bellies. Good thing brunch is served when you get back. Still ‘hungry’ for more wildlife? The wildlife hide underneath the deck is also the perfect place to enjoy a spot of bird watching or dedicate some time for your photography during the hottest part of the day. Feel more like pampering yourself? Simply pick a spa treatment at the Wellness Spa, tucked away in a quiet and private corner of the camp. Rejuvenated and rested, afternoons are for fresh tea, cookies and cakes to prepare you for another incredible safari activity complete with sundowners in the bush. While the sky slowly turns a warm red, then to deep purple, a four course menu is served at night, accompanied by excellent wines, bush stories and a warming fire. Don’t forget to take a therapeutic plunge in the natural hot tub, and bathe yourself in African luxury.

Tripadvisor comments Kafunta River Lodge

Beautiful lodge in a wonderful environment; perfect management, staff very friendly, delicious food . The game drives were amazing, we saw an incredible number of animals, including the " big five " of Zambia ! We certainly would like to return.

fufu138 from La Ferriere, Switzerland

We enjoyed our trip last year so much that we have paid another visit to this almost magical place. I am pleased to report that, in all aspects, the Lodge is as good as ever. We had another wonderful stay. I hope to return again.

travellerNEEngland from England