KAFUNTA RIVER LODGE – SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Kafunta River Lodge is a classic Zambian safari lodge with a spectacular location at the edge of the floodplain just outside the park. Beyond the plain lies the Luangwa River and the boundary to the park with access to one of the best game viewing areas in the South Luangwa National Park. The lodge was fully renovated in 2019 and offers a relaxed atmosphere and great attention to detail.

The lodge has just 8 standard chalets on stilts and 2 luxury suites with mezzanine – all offering beautiful views over the flood plain towards the river. There are lots of activities on offer from game drives to walking safaris and cultural visits to watching wildlife from the nearby photographic hide.

When not out on safari you can relax on the expansive wooden deck extending in front of the lodge, enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool and hot tub, get fit at the wellness gym or relax with a massage.

LOCATION

Kafunta Lodge is located in the south of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Access is by flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe and it is an hour’s drive to Kafunta River Lodge. If you are travelling down to one of the bushcamps then you will stop off at Kafunta River Lodge on the way.

CAMP

Each of the luxury private chalets, the main lounge and the dining decks overlook the game-rich floodplain. The eight safari chalets stand on raised wooden platforms and have thatched roofs and private viewing decks. They are pleasantly decorated to match the local style with local textiles.

There are also two spacious luxury suites with extra-large ensuite bathrooms. Each suite features a cosy mezzanine with additional day beds and an open balcony. All the rooms have comfortable sitting areas with coffee and tea facilities and a small fridge stocked with refreshing drinks.

Central to the lodge is the lounge and dining area which is thatched in a traditional African style. The extensive decks lead to the stunning and undisturbed view of the plain and its frequent wild visitors. There are lots of places to unwind: the sofas near the wild mango tree, the cosy fireplace or the reclining sunbeds by the infinity pool.

In the evening you can enjoy sumptuous 3 course candlelit dinners under the vast African sky listening to the hippos wallowing in the waterhole and the sound of hyena.

There is an infinity pool located near the bar with sun loungers and a natural hot tub – the only one in the Luangwa Valley. Natural hot springs flow underground so the hot tub is fed directly from this geothermal source with its water constantly at 38 degrees centigrade.

For the energetic there is a gym hut tucked away in a quiet corner of the lodge where you can enjoy keeping fit with a view. If a relaxing massage or facial is more appealing then you can indulge in some me time at the Spa.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

The South Luangwa National Park has year-round access and is one of Africa’s ecologically unspoilt wilderness areas. The national park encompasses 9,050 square km and is home to over 420 bird species and over 60 species of mammals. The park is renowned for its high leopard population and these elusive creatures are commonly seen on night drives.

The park is also home to large elephant herds and there are a great number of hippo and crocodile in the river. Lions are commonly seen in South Luangwa National Park and it is the only place in the world where they are known to kill hippos. The lion prides here include up to 20 individuals. Species endemic to Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park are the Thornicroft giraffe and the Cookson’s wildebeest.

Game Drives – are the most popular way to discover the park and observe all the astounding wildlife and birdlife of the South Luangwa. We offer morning and afternoon game drives with our qualified guides in customised open vehicles. The afternoon drive extends as a night drive.

Night Drives – afternoon game drives continue after sunset to have the unique opportunity to observe those animals which are active only at night and to have a chance to see the larger predators such as leopards, lions and hyenas on the move and possibly hunting.

Walking Safaris – the Luangwa Valley is one of the few places in Africa where it is possible to walk in the wilderness. Under the guidance of professional guides and an armed national park scout you have the opportunity to safely discover the secrets of the African bush close up.

Birding Safaris – the South Luangwa is a paradise for keen bird watchers with over 420 recorded species of birds including 39 birds of prey and 47 migrant species. If you are a dedicated ornithologist, we offer specialised birding safaris with our passionate guides. Prior arrangement and private vehicle recommended.

The Kafunta Hide – offers great photo opportunities right at the lodge. Concealed at the edge of the waterhole, it’s a great place to relax during the day and watch wild animals and the many waterbirds.

Viewing Deck – the tree deck is set at the edge of the property and offers an elevated view of the flood plains and the Luangwa River. An ideal place for a surprise meal it is also a great location to relax in the breeze.

Culture and Conservation – expand your African experience with a cultural visit to town and to Project Luangwa where you can learn more about wildlife preservation with a stop at Conservation South Luangwa or take a tour of the Chipembele Conservation Center.

KAFUNTA RIVER LODGE IS CLOSED FROM THE 6TH JANUARY TO THE END OF MARCH EVERY YEAR

THE LODGE WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 6 YEARS AND OLDER – YOUNGER ON REQUEST ONLY. DO NOTE THAT ONLY CHILDREN AGED 12 YEARS AND OLDER CAN PARTICIPATE IN WALKING SAFARIS