Kafunta River Lodge | South Luangwa National Park
Kafunta River Lodge is owned and operated by Anke & Ron Cowan who have made the Luangwa Valley their home for the past 25 years.
The 10-room lodge is located on the floodplains of the Luangwa River, away from the busier area near the park's Mfuwe gate. During the peak season the lodge accesses the national park via its own pontoon.
Central to the lodge is a spacious bar and dining area. Built around a semi-evergreen wild mango tree and thatched in the traditional style, it offers superb panoramic views over the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park. Great game viewing and bird watching from the lodge is guaranteed.
Adjacent to the bar is a refreshing infinity pool and the only natural hot spring tub in the Luangwa Valley. This unique hot tub is fed from a source on Kafunta’s grounds, offering a constant temperature of 38 degrees.
Activities on offer include game drives, bush walks, village & cultural tours as well as a wellness spa.
Since the end of 2023, the lodge also features a private tented villa, The Sunset House, with 3 en-suite bedrooms. Perfect for multi-generation families or small groups of friends seeking privacy and flexibility.
- Information
- Rooms
- Units
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
Your Stay
5 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 13
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
The lodge features 8 standard chalets. The chalets consist of a twin-bedded bedroom with ensuite bathroom, minibar fridge, ceiling fan and private verandah overlooking the floodplains.
The lodge features two luxury suites, set further away from the main dining area. The suites offer a double bed on the ground floor and the possibility to make 2 extra single beds on the upstairs mezzanine. The suites have a large bathroom with shower and separate stand alone bath. There is a viewing deck as well as an upstair deck both overlooking the floodplains.
The suites come with a small supplement, and can accommodate a family of up to 4 people.
Kafunta River Lodge has a satellite bush camp called Island Bush Camp, located further south, on the banks of the Luangwa River. Check Island Bush Camp for complete information.
Kafunta Safaris' newest camp, Three Rivers Camp, opened in 2017, features 5 sophisticated tents with individual sleep out decks. Check Three Rivers Camp for complete information.
The Sunset House
Opened in late 2023, The Sunset House at Kafunta River Lodge is a 3-bedroom canvas-roofed safari house with a private pool and private services (butter, chef, safari guide). The unit is split into a two-bedroom tent with a large dining area and outdoor lounge. Each bedroom is en-suite and completed with a sitting area. The second tent is adjacent to the central unit and features the third en-suite bedroom with a sitting area. The villa has spacious multi-level decks, an infinity pool, lounging chairs, and a fireplace.
Each bedroom has a king-size bed and an additional 3/4 double day bed which can be turned into an additional bed. The unit can therefore accommodate up to 9 people.
It is perfect for a multi-generation family or a group of friends travelling together and seeking more privacy. The view towards the floodplains of the Luangwa is magnificent.
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Children Friendly, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service, Mobile Connectivity, Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck, Parking, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian, Wheelchair Access
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Driver's cabin, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Family Safari Tent, Fan, Fridge, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Safaris
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.
South Luangwa is the birthplace of walking safaris. 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.
Qualified walking guides and escort scout are a must. Unfortunately children under the age of 12 are not authorised to participate.
The hide is set up right under the dining deck and is facing the floodplains and lagoon where many waterbirds including fish eagles and saddle-billed storks are often seen, along with elephants and giraffes.
Kafunta Safaris highly recommend a visit to the village of Mfuwe where Project Luangwa has a visitor center where one can learn about the many projects benefiting local education and communities, there is also a café and a craftshop . It is also possible to organise a side trip to the Mulberry Mongoose jewellery workshop and to the iconic Tribal Textiles factory and shop and its Artisan market. In Central Mfuwe there is also the Conservation South Luangwa visitor center to learn more about conservation efforts.
Great for younger visitors is the Chipembele Wildlife Educational Center only 20 minutes away from Kafunta River Lodge.
Kafunta River Lodge features a small intimate spa with an array of relaxing treatments performed by an on-site therapist. Enjoying the infinity pool, the natural hot tub and booking a massage at the spa are a perfect way to spend the midday hours between game viewing activities. There is also a small gym with a selection of equipment and treadmills/bikes.
Kafunta River Lodge
Kafunta serves a light breakfast before the morning activity, or cooked breakfast for those staying in camp, followed by a buffet lunch later in the day. Dinner is a four-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. Kafunta caters for special diets.
Potato Bush Camp | Lower Zambezi
The Camp consists of 3 Luxury Safari Tents and 1 Two-bedroom Family Tent. The 3 Luxury Tents are extremely spacious and have en-suite bathrooms with twin showers, twin basins and a full size four-claw bath tub. Large Rosewood folding doors lead onto the balcony which hosts a 2-person hammock and a private plunge pool. With raised walkways all around camp Potato Bush Camp is perfect for Family or group bookings looking to have a private escape.
- Information
- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, German
No. Rooms: 4
Special Interests: Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
The three Luxury Safari Tents are extremely spacious and have en-suite bathrooms with twin showers, twin basins and a full size four-claw bath tub. Large folding doors lead onto the large balcony which hosts a 2-person hammock and a private plunge pool, with well-appointed furniture to complement the ambience and architecture of the safari tents. Two of the Luxury Safari Tents are furnished with king-size beds while the 3rd Safari Tent is a twin. All beds are covered with large walk around four-poster mozi nets and each fitted with a fan. 24-hour electricity is supplied to all rooms for charging batteries, cameras, computers etc...
The Two-bedroom Family House is a massive 21metre wide perfectly designed "safari tent". This offers a huge central living area, dining and balcony area which divides the two bedrooms. Both bedrooms have their own en-suite bathrooms with twin showers, twin basins and large four-claw bath tubs (with a view). To accompany the architectural grandeur of this luxury house, it also offers a large plunge pool, fully stocked bar and fridge, private dining table and furniture that complements both the style of the house and the surrounding environment. Perfect for any family or party of 4 adults. Extra beds can be added in any of the rooms. All beds are covered with large walk around four-poster mozi nets and each fitted with a fan. 24-hour electricity is supplied to all rooms for charging batteries, cameras, computers etc...
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Disability Services, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available)
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Smoking Rooms, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Room Service, Room Service (24 hours)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, High Tea, Night Drives, Safaris, Scenic Flights, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Fine Dining, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, River Cruises, Walks (Guided)
Game drives are the most successful way to see a good variety of wildlife, both large and small. Visiting more areas, and witnessing the diversity of the Lower Zambezi National Park you can appreciate the unspoiled wilderness of Zambia. A larger area can be covered in a shorter time frame, increasing the chance to find good game. The vehicles also allow those "up close and personal" experiences - our team of professional guides will ensure that it is not too close!
Night drives are the perfect way to experience the nocturnal animals, including the elusive Leopard, Genet, Civet, Porcupine and Giant Eagle Owl. The big cats tend to be more active at night and you may find yourself following lions on the hunt. Other common sightings include Honey Badger, African Wild Cat and even the occassional sighting of the very rare Pangolin.
Your guide will also point out the constellations of the Southern night sky.
The Lower Zambezi is renowned for its spectacular canoeing. As one of the few privileged operators based inside the National Park, we are able to canoe guests down the most stunning section of the Zambezi River, the 14km long "Chifungulu Channel" starts just 100m downstream of the camp.
Led by one of our highly qualified canoe guides, explore the banks of the river, where game can be seen from a totally different perspective - looking UP rather than down! Canoe trips vary in length (from one to seven hours) however a one-hour canoe trip is a great prelude to an evening game drive.
No experience or particular strength is required - it is an effortless drift, as the flow of the Zambezi pushes the canoes downstream. Rather than a work out, this is a time to relax, listen to the sounds of the huge variety of bird-life and admire their sheer beauty. Min. canoeing age is 15 years old.
Scenic boat cruises are a very relaxing way to view the game that comes down to the river to drink and bathe, whilst also taking in the unique water wildlife. Until the Zambezi River is explored by boat, it is impossible to truly appreciate the huge hippopotami pods and crocodile populations. Lucky guests regularly experience the truly memorable sight of elephant crossing the Zambezi, from Mana Pools National Park to the Lower Zambezi National Park. To view the most amazing sunsets in Africa, floating sundowners (Gin and Tonic are de rigueur!) in the middle of the Zambezi is a must! This can also provide a photographic opportunity for that perfect African sunset.
Potato Bush Camp operates scenic boat trips using 6 metre aluminum river cruisers. Designed for river systems, they are the perfect boat for the Zambezi River as sandbanks make navigation on the water very difficult.
Walking is the perfect way to search for the smaller creatures, learn about the trees, the plants and examine the different tracks and signs. Walking Safaris were pioneered in Zambia and remains one of the few areas where this can be truly appreciated and enjoyed.
Led by our professional walking guide and a National Parks Wildlife Officer, walking is carried out in small groups. Taking advantage of the cooler morning temperatures, you will take a game drive from camp to an open area where the walk begins. Beware - not only do you see the smaller things on foot, it is also not uncommon for us to see lion and even the big guys, the elephant! Min. walking age is 15 years old.
The Zambezi River is host to some of the most spectacular fresh water sport fishing in the world with plentiful Tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus, Latin for "striped river dog") and Tilapia amongst others. Potato Bush Camp offers both spinning and fly fishing, both strictly catch and release in accordance with the principles of the National Park.
The Boma
"The Boma" restaurant can comfortably dine 12 guests.
Breakfast 06:00 hrs
Breakfast is buffet style consisting of freshly brewed coffee, a variety of teas and fresh juices; toast and oatmeal cooked on the embers of the campfire from the night before; a daily selection of pastries and muffins; cold meats and cheese; cereal, including home made meusli; and fresh fruit salad - a very healthy way to start the day. Cooked breakfasts are available to order.
Lunch 12:00 - 13:00 hrs
A la carte menu with a huge variety of choices to suit every dietary requirement and appetite desire.
Afternoon Tea 15:00 hrs
To fortify you before your afternoon activity, freshly made lemonade or iced tea is served with a selection of sweet and savoury delicacies.
Dinner 20:00 hrs
Whilst not a formal affair, dinners consist of three courses of fine dining served with South African wines. Dinner is served at our hosted table where you can share the adventures of the day, served at your private table on the deck or in the privacy of your own tent served by your personal Muchinda.
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge | Victoria Falls (Zambia)
Waterberry’s scenic position on the banks of the Zambezi, with excellent accommodation and outstanding service, makes it the perfect base for a visit to Victoria Falls while escaping the busy town.
Guests can choose between three different accommodation options – bright, individual rooms in the 7-room lodge, a private safari house or a luxury tented woodland site.
Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi riverbank has spacious sun and dining terraces, a lounge to enjoy the panoramic views, and magnificent gardens with individual cottages dotted around the lawns and along the river. An inviting swimming pool is surrounded by rockery gardens.
The River Farmhouse is a private riverside safari house sleeping up to 10, with magnificent views across the infinity pool to the Zambezi and the national park opposite.
The Woodlands Forest Tents set in the shady woods of the conservation area are perfect for birdwatching and relaxing in the peaceful wild.
An international Zambian, German and British team run this independently owned lodge and Waterberry is a proud community partner. Guests are able to witness rural Zambian life first hand, and see how tourism is genuinely giving back with schools, a farming cooperative and adult skills centre.
- Information
- Rooms
- Units
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
4 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, German
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
The Waterberry cottages are set around lawns, gardens and the Zambezi riverbank. Named after birds found around the lodge, these are lovely cool rooms open to the high thatch. All have private terraces and are en-suite with air conditioning, ceiling fan, mosquito nets, private terrace, inside and outside lounge seating, wifi, toiletries, hairdryer, gowns, water, hand sanitiser. Private dining on the terrace is available on request.
The versatile cottages are doubles, twins or triples with one two-storey family house that is particularly good for families.
Originally set up for birders, The Woodlands proved so popular that the tents are now available to those wanting to be in the wild without sacrificing comfort and luxury.
The three 40m2 safari tents are furnished as doubles or twins, with lounge seating inside and out, plenty of space for clothes and luggage, a private veranda garden, a separate dressing room with hanging and shelves, and en suite shower room.
Guests enjoy breakfast at The Woodlands either at their tent or on the central dining veranda. Other meals are served in the Waterberry restaurant, a couple of hundred metres walk away along sandy paths round the private dam, the swimming pool and other lodge facilities are also for Woodlanders. Private dining can be arranged at The Woodlsnds on request.
There is a permanent waiter/groundsman/guard in attendance.
The Woodland is also available for exclusive use for a minimum of 4 guests.
A private, fully serviced house for exclusive use by groups of family or friends, River Farmhouse has three ensuite bedrooms and one two-bedrooms suite.
South and East doubles have a river view, French windows opening onto the terrace and en suite bath/shower rooms. North is a two-bedroom suite with views over the gardens, West is a double/twin overlooking the gardens, with an en suite shower room. All bedrooms have ceiling fans, mosquito nets and air conditioning.
The lounge has comfortable sofas and chairs with amazing views over the terrace, pool and river to the game park beyond. There’s a fireplace for cold evenings and air conditioning for warm ones. In the kitchen off the lounge chef and kitchen team prepare meals to serve inside or outside depending on the weather and guest preference.
On the shady terrace guests can dine, relax and stay cool out of the hot sunshine or warm up with braziers on cold evenings.
The large infinity pool overlooks the Zambezi and the game park beyond whre elephants and game often come to the river to drink.
And for people who just can’t bear to leave the world behind there’s wifi – for downloading great birding, stargazing and other apps to help you make the most of what you see.
With seven thatched cottages set in beautiful gardens or along the riverbank, Waterberry is famous for good service, great foot and the very best of Zambian hospitality.
Each thatched cottage is different. All are en suite with a private terrace and inside lounge seating. Furnished in clean colorful style, with huge comfortable beds made by our local craftsmen, each room has air conditioning, ceiling fan and electric blankets for cold nights and a safe for personal belongings.
The en suite shower rooms are stocked with toiletries, bathrobes and a hair dryer,
The rooms have a mix of double, twin and triple beds with one family unit (Owl House) having two en suite bedrooms and a lounge.
The central dining area has sundecks overlooking the Zambezi, and a shady upstairs lounge.
A swimming pool is in the middle of the beautiful gardens and guests can walk around the marked paths beside the private lake.
THE RIVER FARMHOUSE - 1 private safari house with 4 bedrooms sleeping 8-10
A private, fully serviced house for exclusive use by groups of family or friends, River Farmhouse has four bedrooms, two doubles and two doubles/twins with the option of extra guests in the lounge annexe.
South and East doubles have a river view, French windows opening onto the terrace and en suite bath/shower rooms. North and West doubles/twins have en suite shower rooms overlooking the gardens. All bedrooms have ceiling fans, mosquito nets and air conditioning.
The L-shaped lounge has comfortable sofas and chairs with amazing views over the terrace, pool and river to the game park beyond. There’s a fireplace for cold evenings and air conditioning for warm ones. In the kitchen off the lounge chef prepares meals to serve inside or outside depending on the weather and guest preference.
On the shady terrace guests can dine, relax and stay cool out of the hot sunshine or warm up with braziers on cold evenings.
The large infinity pool overlooks the Zambezi and the game park beyond.
And for people who just can’t bear to leave the world behind there’s wifi – for downloading great birding, stargazing and other apps to help you make the most of what you see.
THE WOODLANDS - A FOREST CAMP WITH 3 TENTS
The latest addition to the Waterberry accommodation. Originally set up for birders, The Woodlands proved so popular that the tents are now available to those wanting that special wilderness feeling without sacrificing comfort and luxury.
The three 40m2 safari tents are furnished as doubles or twins, with lounge seating inside and out, plenty of storage for clothes and luggage, a private veranda garden, and a fully en suite bathroom with basin, shower and toilet, a safe for personal belongings and a bar fridge.
Guests enjoy breakfast at The Woodlands either at their tent or on the central dining veranda. Other meals are served in the Waterberry restaurant, a couple of hundred metres walk away along sandy paths round the private dam, the swimming pool and other lodge facilities are also for Woodlanders.
The Woodland has a permanent waiter/groundsman/guard in attendance.
The Woodland is also available for exclusive use as a unit for family and friends wanting to holiday privately with exclusive service.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Disability Services, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fishing, Game Viewing, Walks (Self Guided)
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Golf, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Horse-back Safaris, Museums, Rhino Tracking, River Cruises, Safaris, Scenic Flights, Sky Diving, Tree-top Canopy Tours, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
Nothing beats drifting down the Zambezi at sunset. Listen to the sound of the river settling in for the night. Baboons and monkeys climbing to safe-haven perches high in the trees, flocks of birds heading to their night-time roost. Herds of elephant and buffalo coming down for an evening drink, hippos grunting and splashing around, jostling for the best position in the water. This is what you'll do on your first night at Waterberry - sundowner in one hand, camera in the other. Bliss.
At dawn the Zambezi wakes - completely still with mist rising from the waters, this is a magical time to set out in a small boat with hot water bottle and blankets and hot coffee to see the sun rise as the birds setting out for their daytime feeding grounds.
Our village guide lives in the community and will show guests how rural Zambians lead their lives in this completely noncommercial setting. Followed by curious children guests will see our school and education areas, the village library and the community farm that are part funded by the village walks.
Waterberry's owners have built a school, library and adult education centre, and given land for a community farm opened during the pandemic to help provide food for the village. From a mud and stick classroom in 2009 to recognition of the school as a regional exam centre, the community projects programme is at the heart of Waterberry.
Victoria Falls never ceases to amaze. Flowing over 1.6km of sheer cliff between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the huge body of water changes with every season. High water in the early part of the year floods with absolutely astonishing force, shaking buildings miles away, releasing massive spray and vast double rainbows. In the dry season, from late October until early January, the huge 100m deep canyon is exposed with boiling rapids and views to the fast running cataract on the west side.
Walking the paths around the Falls is an unmatched, awe-inspiring experience. We think everyone should see the Falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, because they are very different experiences.
Waterberry's expert bird guides take guests around the 1km Waterberry riverbank and through the wooded areas to see our amazing collection of birds. Keen birders can also visit Mosi O Tunya Park. A dawn cruise on the Zambezi reveals flocks of birds leaving their night time roost and heading for their daytime feeding grounds.
Livingstone was the capital of Zambia at the beginning of the 20th century, and some fascinating architecture remains. In the Museum guests can actually pull out and read David Livingstone's handwritten letters. At Maramba Market local Zambians shop for food, beautiful fabrics and literally everything!
