Kafunta River Lodge

There is superb luxury safari accommodation awaiting your enjoyment at Kafunta River Lodge in South Luangwa National Park when you decide to visit Zambia on a wildlife safari soon. Voyage2Africa recommends the unique unspoilt wildlife experience as promised by Kafunta overlooking an incredible floodplain on the Luangwa River in the central region of this dynamic and awe-inspiring park.

Experience the magnificence of South Luangwa National Park described as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The healthy Luangwa River cuts through the 9 059 square kilometre park, feeding life into diverse habitats. See spectacular wildlife gathering along the banks, the oxbow lagoons, and the fantastic vegetation. 

When you choose Kafunta River Lodge, you choose to glory in the beauty of the Luangwa Valley, marking the end of the Great Rift Valley. One of the remaining unspoilt wilderness areas in Zambia, it is also known as the ‘Valley of the Leopard’. Look out for these elusive cats which love sausage trees and the thick mopane forests. In fact, South Luangwa boasts the highest density of leopards globally!

You will be one of 20 guests here, staying in 10 thatched bush chalets raised on timber decks to look out over the magnificent floodplain, their extremely charming and restful African style. Luxury suites boast an upstairs viewing deck while all chalets feature stunning hot showers, mosquito nets, fans, tea and coffee facilities, large soft beds and rustic hues. 

Wander along neat pathways to the main open lounge and dining area where a giant wild mango tree is the main feature and shady spot for cool relaxation. Chat around the boma fire at night and game view from the vast main deck while animals constantly visit this lush ecosystem. There is a natural hot spring at Kafunta where guests can really chill in a 37-degree pool after a long day in the 4×4 vehicle! Ideal for those chilly winter evenings. And the stars! How many are they?

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Overview

When you go on safari at the awe-inspiring Kafunta River Lodge, you are indulging in a high-class safari into the wilderness of the best national park in Zambia, the captivating South Luangwa. Find this authentic bush camp right on the Luangwa River, overlooking lush floodplains where hundreds of wild animals survive, birds and reptiles too. The camp has become an icon of fine attention to detail and comfort in a wild zone of absolute beauty.

You will stay in one of 8 private bush suites and two luxury suites, all raised on attractive wooden decks with floodplain views, all under thatch with mahogany walls and floors. These lavish interiors provide a very high standard of accommodation in the bush, so enjoy your ensuite bathrooms, lavish décor and plenty of space in which to relax. The luxury suites boast upstairs viewing areas for maximum wildlife enjoyment and personalised attention in this stunning lodge. 

Plenty of elephants graze here, giraffes and hippos too so watch them all as you sample delicious Zambian meals on the deck under the stars as owls toot and bats fly past. The compelling atmosphere of Kafunta gets into your bones and you will have to return one day! Soak up views of the Luangwa River from the bar and enjoy night drives to find leopards hunting. 

South Luangwa is a gem and you get to experience a natural hot thermal too, a place to soothe the body in the chilly evenings. Make sure to visit the local village where the Kuanda people live according to age-old customs and are proud to show you their homes.  Staff come from these regions and benefit from all tourism in the valley. Chat to Voyage2Africa about your Zambian tour that could include a foray into Kafue National Park too, and a turn at the Vic Falls in Livingstone!