Kafunta River Lodge is a classic Zambia safari lodge. Here you will find the rest and peace you need after an exciting safari day combine with personalised service and a warm welcome by the lodge team. Highly qualified guides take you on exciting game drives and share their extensive knowledge of the African bush with you.
Kafunta’s spacious wooden deck above the waterhole provides guests with undisturbed views over the plain. You can absorb the stunning location and while darkness falls, enjoy sumptuous candle lit meals under a vast African night sky, whilst watching as animals of all types come to the floodlit waterhole, a simply magical experience. The wildlife hide underneath the deck is also the perfect place to enjoy a spot of birding or photography during the hottest part of the day.
A welcoming camp fire is lit each evening as the sun goes down and guests and guides meet around the fire to share the latest stories of wildlife encounters or, simply to listen to the sounds of the bush.
Kafunta River Lodge has its own pontoon 5 minutes from the lodge and this adventurous river crossing takes you into the more remote areas of the South Luangwa National Park, giving access to extraordinarily good wildlife encounters. They are a short game drive from the main gate giving access to the abundant game viewing of the Mfuwe sector.
The early morning hours are ideal for a game drive or alternatively a walking safari can be arranged. During your afternoon game drive, stop for sundowners in the bush to fully experience the magnificent African sunsets. You continue with the drive in the dark which allows you to spot nocturnal animals.
The 8 private safari chalets have been built on raised wooden platforms and have thatched roofs. They are tastefully decorated with African style and charm. Additionally, there are 2 luxury suites which feature an upstairs viewing veranda and a luxurious bathroom.
Central to the lodge is the spacious lounge and dining area that has been thatched in the traditional style. A tall old semi-evergreen wild mango tree in the centre gives shade on sunny days.
A peaceful early morning breakfast as the sun rises is a great way to start your day, just before the excitement of exploring the wildlife of the Luangwa with your guide.
Rates Include
All meals; drinks (excluding premium brands); a laundry service; 2 game viewing activities per day; Park fees; the Luangwa Conservation and Community Fund; and transfers to/from Mfuwe Airport are included.
Please note: transfers to camps outside the Mfuwe area are an extra charge (rate on request).
Children Policy
Children aged 6 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request.
Children aged 5 years and older are welcome.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to participate in bush walks. A guided walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.
Regardless of age, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
General Information For Guests
The Standard Chalets consist of a twin-bedded bedroom with en-suite bathroom, mini bar, fridge, ceiling fan, a hair dryer, room safe, tea/coffee making facilities, and a private verandah overlooking the floodplains.
The Luxury Suites are set further away from the main dining area. The suites offer double or twin beds and an en-suite bathroom with shower and separate stand alone bath, 2 viewing decks, a downstairs deck as well as an upstairs viewing deck overlooking flood plains with the option to spend the night under the stars.
Kafunta serves a light breakfast before the morning activity, or a cooked breakfast for those staying in camp, followed by a buffet lunch later in the day. Dinner is a 4 course affair served on the main deck with direct view of the flood plains. Dining is generally hosted but private tables can be arranged as well.
Twice daily guests have the option to join the game drives into South Luangwa National Park. Safari vehicles are equipped with a shade roof and have 3 rows with a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle. During the peak season (April to October) game drives access the Park directly at Kafunta's pontoon. The afternoon game drive stops for sundowners and continue into a night drive using spotlights, to find smaller nocturnal animals or predators on the hunt.
Bush walks bring another dimension to a safari, focusing on smaller things, birds and flora while observing animals in the distance. Bush walks are not strenuous, but can take place over rugged terrain, lasting usually 3 to 4 hours.
Kafunta River Lodge features a small intimate spa with an array of relaxing treatments performed by an on-site therapist.
Upon request the lodge can organise a visit to the village of Mfuwe, to Project Luangwa Ladies' workshop, to the craft market, to Mulberry Mongoose jewellery workshop and to the iconic Tribal Textiles factory and shop.
There is a laundry service available.
The lodge has mobile phone service and complimentary internet access.
Credit card services are also available.
There is a swimming pool.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to participate in bush walks. A guided walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.
Regardless of age, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
