Kafunta River Lodge

a pleasant base from which to explore central areas

Kafunta River Lodge is located in the South Luangwa Central area of eastern Zambia.

The lodge is set in a lovely riverside position on private land on the eastern bank of the main Luangwa River, around 10 km south of the main Mfuwe Bridge Gate into the national park. This area south of the bridge is a Game Management Area, so remains clear of human habitation and also contains a reasonable amount of wildlife.

It is a traditional style lodge, centred on a pleasant open-sided stone-and thatch main building which has been constructed around a large wild mango tree, bar and lounge to the right, dining to the left. Out front is a pleasant campfire area, leading on down to a large deck which projects out from the riverbank over a large waterhole. To one side there is a reasonably sized circular swimming pool.

The camp has the only natural hot tub in the valley, fed by a thermal spring below the property. There is also the Fig Tree Spa, offering a range of treatments.

Animals in camp

One aspect that we always appreciate is the amount of wildlife that passes through camp.

The presence of the waterhole ensures a steady stream of animals here, commonly including pukus, zebras, warthogs, impalas and baboons.

But most exciting are the herds of elephants which often frequent the place, not only out front, but also passing between the buildings whilst search for the seed pods which fall from the trees here. Hippos can also be found grazing between the chalets at night.

The waterhole in front of camp can be floodlit to illuminate any interesting animals which may choose to visit, we heard one report of guests watching from the comfort of the main deck whilst a pack of hyenas hunted pukus at the waterhole.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Kafunta River Lodge is in a total of ten rooms, which vary slightly from one to the next, but all of which are set above the river and have private verandahs with great views.

Chalet Rooms : x8 : These rooms are single storey, with a large bedroom, with two beds draped by a large mosquito net and a large conventional bathroom to one side.

Suite Rooms : x2 : These rooms are slightly larger, have a bathtub and an upper viewing deck. Guests have described these rooms as “fantastic” and “well worth the extra”.

Activities

Kafunta River Lodge provides the following guided activities …

• vehicle safari
• walking safari
• village visits

South Luangwa is a very high quality safari area that often serves as the primary location in a trip.

The stay duration tends to be 5-8 nights split between two camps, or more occasionally 3-5 nights at one camp. Three camp combinations are also possible.

Seasonality

The best time to visit South Luangwa is during the May-Oct dry season, when the wildlife is focused on the riverine areas and easy to find.

Within that period, May-Jul is pleasantly cool at night, but the animals may not yet be fully migrated back into the river.

Towards the end of that period, Oct-Nov the wildlife should be at its strongest, but the weather is likely to be uncomfortably hot, especially at night. Bear in mind that most camps do not have air-conditioning.

Getting around

South Luangwa lies to the east of the country and is usually accessed by light aircraft services from Lusaka or Livingstone.

From Mfuwe Airport it is 45 minutes by road into camp.

usually combined with Livingstone and other safari areas