Kafunta River Lodge is owned and operated by Anke & Ron Cowan who have made the Luangwa Valley their home for over 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.
Images
Video
Rooms
Units
Facilities
Activities and Services
Restaurants
Kafunta Safaris Game Drive ChildCredit: Izla PhotographyLearning about wildlife
South Luangwa ElephantsCredit: Izla PhotographyFamily of elephants strolling by
South Luangwa LeopardCredit: Izla PhotographyLeopard resting
Kafunta Safaris Game DriveCredit: Izla PhotographyWatching Lions
Kafunta Safaris Game DriveCredit: Izla PhotographySouth Luangwa Scenery
Kafunta Safari Game DriveCredit: Izla PhotographyTea break on morning safari
Kafunta River Lodge Main DeckCredit: Izla PhotographyView from the main deck
Kafunta River Lodge FireplaceCredit: Izla PhotographyFireplace overlooking the floodplains
Kafunta River LodgeCredit: Izla PhotographySpa
Kafunta River Lodge FloodplainsCredit: Izla PhotographyView from the lodge
Kafunta River Lodge Pool Credit: Izla PhotographyPool with a view
Kafunta Safaris Dining ExperienceCredit: Izla PhotographyBrunch at Kafunta
Kafunta River Lodge - Fireplace & LoungeCredit: Kafunta SafarisSuperb fireplace and deck overlooking the floodplains
Kafunta River LodgeCredit: Kafunta SafarisView of the lodge from the floodplains
Kafunta River Lodge - the main areaCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - view of the dining decks
Kafunta River Lodge - The lodgeCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - the lodge and water plains seen from above
Kafunta River Lodge - arrivalCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - front circle
Kafunta River Lodge - From the plainsCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge seen from the plains in front
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - view of one of the standard chalets, from the outside
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - view ofstandard chalets, from the outside
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - view of one of the standard chalets and the fig tree
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury suiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Outside view of a luxury suite
Kafunta River Lodge - the main areaCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - view of the pool and lounge decks overlooking the plains
Kafunta River Lodge - Pool & Natural Hot TubCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Infinity pool near the lounge
Kafunta River Lodge - Pool & Natural Hot TubCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - natural hot spring made as a hot tub
Kafunta River Lodge - SpaCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Spa
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury SuiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Luxury suite main sleeping area and deck
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury SuiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Luxury suite main sleeping area and passage to bathroom
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury SuiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Luxury suite main sleeping and sitting area
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury SuiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - upstair mezzanine which can be converted in a sleeping area
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury SuiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Upper deck of the luxury suite
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury SuiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - bathroom in a luxury suite
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury SuiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - bathroom in a luxury suite
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - standard chalet with private viewing deck
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - spacious standard chalet
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - standard chalet with private viewing deck
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - standard chalet with private viewing deck
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - en-suite bathroom in a standard chalet
Kafunta River Lodge - LoungeCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Relaxing lounge
Kafunta River Lodge - Inside diningCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Inside dining area, lunch area
Kafunta River Lodge - Lounge deckCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Lounge deck overlooking the plains
Kafunta River Lodge - LoungeCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - relaxing lounge
Kafunta River Lodge - Bar areaCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - bar between the lounge and the pool area
Kafunta River Lodge - Lounge deckCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Extensive and multilevel lounge deck overlooking the plains
Kafunta Dining on the DeckCredit: Kafunta SafarisFine dining is served on the main deck with a four-course dinner
The Sunset HouseCredit: Kafunta SafarisThe aerial view
The Sunset HouseCredit: Kafunta SafarisSunset House decks
The Sunset HouseCredit: Kafunta SafarisSunset House bedroom
The Sunset HouseCredit: Kafunta SafarisPool, deck and view of the flood plains
The Sunset HouseCredit: Kafunta SafarisEagle Room
The Sunset HouseCredit: Kafunta SafarisEagle Room with the day bed
The Sunset HouseCredit: Kafunta SafarisEagle Room dual showers
The Sunset House LayoutCredit: Kafunta Safaris
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.
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
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.
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
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.
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
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.
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
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.
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
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
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.
PontoonCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Game driveCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Game driveCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Game driveCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Game driveCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Game driveCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Game driveCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Game driveCredit: Kafunta Safaris
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.
Leopard on night driveCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Leopard on night driveCredit: Kafunta Safaris
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.
Bush walkCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Bush walkCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Bush walkCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Bush walkCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Bush walkCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Bush walkCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Bush walkCredit: Kafunta Safaris
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.
Photographic HideCredit: Kafunta Safaris
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.
Student at ChipembeleCredit: Chipembele
Ladies at Project LuangwaCredit: Kafunta Safaris
JewelleryCredit: Mulberry Mongoose
Craft at Tribal TextilesCredit: Tribal Textiles
Tribal TextilesCredit: Tribal Textiles
Wildlife ConservationCredit: Conservation South Luangwa
Kafunta River Lodge features a small, intimate spa with an array of relaxing treatments performed by an on-site therapist. Enjoying the infinity pool and the natural hot tub and booking a massage at the spa is the perfect way to spend the midday hours between game-viewing activities.
Fig Tree SpaCredit: Kafunta Safaris
PoolCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Natural Hot TubCredit: Kafunta Safaris
PoolCredit: Kafunta Safaris
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.
Lower DeckCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Shaded dining loungeCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Llunch buffetCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Dinner serviceCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Dinner serviceCredit: Kafunta Safaris
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees 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
Lion Camp | South Luangwa National Park
Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is one of the best National Parks in Africa for an authentic, truly African wilderness safari. Lion Camp is located in the northernmost reaches of the park, away from park gates, ensuring an unforgettable wildlife experience without the congestion of other vehicles and masses of people. Where guests are at-one with nature and its inhabitants. The camp is built on the water’s edge amongst woodlands and some large sausage and mahogany trees. The main lodge is a large open, spacious and airy thatched area with private nooks, seating areas and a pool. A well-stocked bar, real size snooker table, coffee station and reading area form part of this offering. The openness of the lodge affords spectacular views of the plains with the constant presence of wildlife. The original rondavels that were built during 1967, offering the first permanent accommodation to scouts and Norman Carr walking safaris have been restored and house the shop, wildlife library, small gym facility and a photographic studio, loved by all photographers as it offers a quiet spot with enough space and electrical points.
With incredible game viewing literally on our doorstep, all our luxury suites have been designed to maximise the views.
Our 8 luxury suites have canvas walls and a thatch roof. During the day, the netting at the front of the tent can be tied back to access a shaded private deck directly from the bedroom. Bathrooms are off to the side to provide more privacy, whilst ensuring an unobstructed view out.
Evening breeze cooling units have been installed for maximum comfort in the hotter months. These units along with the rest of the camp are solar-powered.
Our two private deluxe suites maximise the prime locations at the end of the camp.They are similar in design to the luxury suites but are larger and have secluded outdoor bathtubs.
The Deluxe Suite can be either twin or double and an extra bed can be added to accommodate a young child.
The honeymoon deluxe suite. It has one king-size bed and a large wrap-around deck with 180 degree views of the plain. It is the furthest suite from the main area of the camp and its seclusion makes it perfect for honeymoon couples. Our honeymoon suite in 2021 will become our most expensive suite as we added a beautiful "galaxy" sleep-out deck. This rate will also include a 1-night special picnic dinner with champagne at the suite.
Property Facilities
Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Viewing Hide, Game Walks
Activities Nearby
All safari activities are led by qualified guides who will educate and enlighten you in the secrets of the park. Game drives are conducted in open Land Rovers. We also offer game drives by spotlight after the sun goes down (returning to camp by 19:30). Drives by spotlight provide guests with the unique opportunity to see nocturnal animals and animal activity.
Walking Safaris are a very different option. They bring you in touch with the wilderness and tend to focus more on the minutiae of the park and the eco-system. It is a truly unforgettable experience striding out in country where you are on the same footing as a lion or elephant.
All walking safaris are led by expert and qualified walking guides and are accompanied by an armed scout.
Lion Camp
At Lion Camp we serve African-inspired cuisine. Our meals are paired with great South African estate wines inclusive in our rate.
All guests staying at Lion Camp 3 nights or more will be offered a bush dinner on one night.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Fast Facts
5 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Bilimungwe Bushcamp | South Luangwa National Park
Overlooking 3 waterholes with many herds of resident elephant, Bilimungwe Bushcamp is a hidden gem hidden under huge mahogany trees.
Each of the 4 large thatched and grass chalets sits on stilts and has magnificent views of one or two of the three watering holes.
With beautiful outdoor showers, a large deck overlooking the watering holes, and large bedroom area, guests can enjoy the surrounding wildlife from the comfort of their chalet.
Bilimungwe has a secret breakfast spot on the edge of Luangwa Valley, perfect to watch the sun rise over the Chindeni hills as well as a boma for surprise outdoor dinners under the stars!
Images
Video
360 Panoramas
Rooms
Units
Facilities
Activities and Services
Bilimungwe
Bilimungwe
Bilimungwe main deckOutside seating area
Bilimungwe
Bilimungwe breakfast spotBreakfast with a sunrise view
Bilimungwe bomaOutside seating area around the fire
Bilimungwe
Bilimungwe
Bilimungwe
Bilimungwe
Bilimungwe
Bilimungwe
Bilimungwe loungeCredit: Dana Allenmain lounge area
Bilimungwe Bushcamp breakfast bomaCredit: Dana Allenbreakfast boma on the banks of the Luangwa River
Bilimungwe main areaCredit: Dana Allenmain area
Bilimungwe chaletCredit: Dana Allenchalet from across waterhole
Bilimungwe chaletCredit: Dana AllenBilimungwe chalet
Bilimungwe lower dining deckCredit: Dana Allenlower deck by waterhole
Bilimungwe star deckCredit: Dana Allenstar deck
BilimungweCamp fire on the banks of the river
BilimungweSleeping under the stars
BilimungweCocktails in the river
BilimungweLooking across to camp
BilimungweEvening fire as the sun sets over the river
Bilimungwe sundownersSundowners
BilimungweChalet
Bilimungwe main deckExterior view of the open plan main deck
BilimungweMain living area
BilimungweView of chalet from across the lagoon
BilimungweWatching elephants come to drink from the deck
BilimungweCandlelit dinner on the deck
BilimungweBilimungwe by Night
BilimungweSpacious bathroom in the chalets
BilimungweBathroom with views of the surrounding bush
Conservation and Community infographicinfographic
Bushcamp Company mapBushcamp Company map
360 degree views of Bilimungwe Bushcamp
360 degree views of Bilimungwe Bushcamp
Raised Thatched Rooms
Bilimungwe’s four raised thatched rooms have been carefully designed to ensure the height of comfort whilst still retaining that authentic bushcamp feel, each with magnificent views of one or two of the three watering holes. The tangle of mature mahogany trees that surround camp are echoed in the rich, wood interiors and the beautiful wooden furniture, handmade by local artisans. Bright African textiles bring splashes of colour to the elegant rooms.
After an early morning game drive, head back to your room for a refreshing, open-air waterfall shower, or continue the wildlife spectacle from your private deck. Two of the chalets have twin beds (queen-sized beds) and two have doubles (king-sized bed).
The lounge and dining area is built on stilts around a large, old termite mound, under an ancient mahogany tree which provides ample shade from the hot sunshine. Bilimungwe has a secret breakfast spot on the edge of Luangwa Valley, perfect to watch the sun rise over the Chindeni hills. Bilimungwe sleeps up to eight guests and is open from May to December.
Bilimungwe Chalet
Large, wooden and thatched chalets with an outdoor shower and indoor bathroom overlooking the watering holes.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Laundry Service (Complimentary)
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Safaris
Take advantage of the exceptional knowledge and charm of our guides, and head out on a walking safari.
In between walking, find a chair and enjoy the wildlife magnets that are Bilimungwe’s three permanent waterholes. Who needs satellite television when you have your very own ‘Bush TV’ to entertain you?
Take advantage of the exceptional knowledge and charm of our guides , and head out on a game drive.
In between walking, find a chair and enjoy the wildlife magnets that are Bilimungwe’s three permanent waterholes. Who needs satellite television when you have your very own ‘Bush TV’ to entertain you?
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 4
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Hiking, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife