Kafunta River Lodge, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Kafunta River Lodge Location

Kafunta River Lodge is scenically located along the banks of the Luangwa River, directly across from South Luangwa National Park. Game drives, night drives and bush walks all take place inside the park. Kafunta River Lodge has quick access to enter the park in two very different ways, located just five minutes from camp guests can cross the river by pontoon boat, adding to the adventure and a very memorable way to reach a lightly trafficked portion of the park that is excellent for walks and drives. Conversely, its about a thirty minute drive to reach the Mfuwe region of the park that likely has the highest wildlife concentrations within South Luangwa National Park.

Game Viewing from Kafunta River Lodge

South Luangwa has many specialty species for game viewing with Thornicroft giraffe, Crawshay’s zebra, and Cookson’s wildebeest all being endemic subspecies. The park is renowned for its night drives, especially the prevalence of outstanding nighttime leopard sightings. The river supports high densities of hippos and crocodiles, while lions are frequently sighted and water loving puku antelope are common.

Kafunta River Lodge Ownership

One of the strength’s of the Luangwa Valley is many camps and lodges still have the individual owners touch as opposed to corporate holders that have taken over in many areas. That’s certainly a strong point at Kafunta, where Ron and Anke Cowan are hands on owners, present at the camp to ensure the pinnacle experience. With more than fifteen years in the area they know the Valley well and how to deliver a full safari experience.

Kafunta River Lodge Accommodations

The lodge has accommodation in eight double chalets and two luxury suites for a total of twenty beds. The chalets are spacious, well appointed and have ensuite bathrooms with hot and cold running water. Each has a private veranda with wonderful views. The common areas are large and comfortable with a classic safari feel. There is a swimming pool and completely unique there is a natural hot spring on the property that is used to form a nature powered hot tub complete with sweeping views of the floodplains and river – perfect for relaxed game viewing.