South Luangwa National park safari lodge

Kafunta River Lodge South Luangwa

Kafunta River Lodge is a classic Zambian safari lodge, combining all the essentials for a great safari, including its spectacular location at the edge of the floodplain. Beyond the plain, lies the Luangwa River – one of the best game viewing areas in the magical South Luangwa National Park. This is indeed the premier park in Zambia and one of the best national parks in Africa. The lodge was fully renovated in 2019 and offers a relaxed atmosphere and great attention to details. We love what we do and we can’t wait to share this with you!

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Our accommodation

Safari lodge chalets & luxury Suites

At Kafunta River Lodge, each of the luxury private chalets, the main lounge and the dining decks overlook the game-rich floodplain. Our 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. We also have two spacious luxury suites with extra-large en-suite bathrooms. Each suite features a cosy mezzanine with additional day beds and an open balcony. Our rooms all have comfortable sitting areas with coffee and tea facilities and a small fridge stocked with refreshing drinks.

What to expect

A DAY AT THE LODGE

5:30

Wake-up call

5:45-6:15

Early morning tea

6:15-10:15

Morning safari

11:30

Buffet brunch

15:30

Afternoon tea

16:00-19:30

Night safari

20:00

Four course dinner

Experience the

Natural hot tub

Next to the bar is our infinity pool and the only natural hot tub in the Luangwa Valley, fed from a natural geothermal source on Kafunta’s grounds. With an average temperature of 37 degrees, the water is very therapeutic, added to which are the magnificent views over the flood plain and the Luangwa River. During cooler nights from May to July, this truly is the perfect ending to an eventful day’s safari.

WILDLIFE HIDE

The floodplain and waterhole in front of the lounge is a haven for all sorts of animals. Be it a family of elephants, a few giraffes, an inquisitive puku, a discreet water-monitor lizard, a couple of saddle-billed storks or our resident fish eagle, there is always something to observe. Our photographic hide is the perfect place to photograph these daily visitors.

FIG TREE SPA

Tucked away at the foot of the giant fig tree, our intimate Spa offers a variety of massages and treatments designed to spoil you with a moment of pure bliss and relaxation. A great addition to your safari experience.  

Open our Spa Menu

Main area

lounge & dining in style

Central to the lodge is our relaxing lounge and dining area, thatched in a traditional African style. The extensive decks lead to the stunning and undisturbed view of the plain and its frequent wild visitors. So many stylish places to unwind: the sofas near the wild mango tree, the cosy fireplace or the reclining sunbeds by the infinity pool. When the night comes, enjoy sumptuous candlelit meals under the vast African sky, in company of the hippos wallowing in the waterhole or the while-tailed mongoose scurrying by. Your safari never really ends!

Get a tailormade Zambian Safari

Feeling overwhelmed with the choices? Let our experienced team take the guesswork out of planning your ideal safari. Chat to us now and we will help answer all your questions and plan the prefect tailor made safari for you.

See the animals

Game Drives

Game drives are our favourite activity at Kafunta River Lodge. They start with the exciting river crossing at the pontoon, laying just minutes away from the lodge and giving access to more remote areas with extraordinarily good wildlife. Alternatively, we are a short game drive away from the main gate, which leads to another variety of game viewing loops and lagoons in the northern sector. Early morning walks can also be arranged although we recommend our bush camps for these to enjoy a real immersion in untouched wilderness. And of course, our afternoon game drives culminate with the amazing African sunset, celebrated by a traditional sundowner drink before continuing onto the night safari in search of nocturnal animals.

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