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 over 27 years.

The 10-room lodge is located on the floodplains of the Luangwa River, south of the park's main gate. During the peak season, the lodge accesses the national park via its own pontoon, as a convenient alternative.

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 floodplain and the South Luangwa National Park. Great game viewing and bird watching starts right at the lodge!

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 includes 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.

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Kafunta River Lodge - Fireplace & Lounge Credit: Kafunta Safaris Superb fireplace and deck overlooking the floodplains
Kafunta Safaris Game Drive Child Credit: Izla Photography Learning about wildlife
South Luangwa Elephants Credit: Izla Photography Family of elephants strolling by
South Luangwa Leopard Credit: Izla Photography Leopard resting
Kafunta Safaris Game Drive Credit: Izla Photography Watching Lions
Kafunta Safaris Game Drive Credit: Izla Photography South Luangwa Scenery
Kafunta Safari Game Drive Credit: Izla Photography Tea break on morning safari
Kafunta River Lodge Main Deck Credit: Izla Photography View from the main deck
Kafunta River Lodge Fireplace Credit: Izla Photography Fireplace overlooking the floodplains
Kafunta River Lodge - Spa Credit: Izla Photography Spa
Kafunta River Lodge Floodplains Credit: Izla Photography View from the lodge
Kafunta River Lodge Pool Credit: Izla Photography Pool with a view
Kafunta Safaris Dining Experience Credit: Izla Photography Brunch at Kafunta
Kafunta Safaris Dining Experience Credit: Izla Photography
Kafunta Safaris Dining Experience Credit: Izla Photography
Kafunta Safaris Dining Experience Credit: Izla Photography
Kafunta Safaris Dining Experience Credit: Izla Photography
Kafunta Safaris Dining Experience Credit: Izla Photography
Kafunta Safaris Dining Experience Credit: Izla Photography Breakfast Buffet
Kafunta Safaris Dining Experience Credit: Izla Photography
Kafunta River Lodge Credit: Kafunta Safaris View of the lodge from the floodplains
Kafunta River Lodge - the main area Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - view of the dining decks
Kafunta River Lodge - The lodge Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - the lodge and water plains seen from above
Kafunta River Lodge - arrival Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - front circle
Kafunta River Lodge - From the plains Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge seen from the plains in front
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - view of one of the standard chalets, from the outside
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - view ofstandard chalets, from the outside
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - view of one of the standard chalets and the fig tree
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury suite Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - Outside view of a luxury suite
Kafunta River Lodge - the main area Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - view of the pool and lounge decks overlooking the plains
Kafunta River Lodge - Pool & Natural Hot Tub Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - Infinity pool near the lounge
Kafunta River Lodge - Pool & Natural Hot Tub Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - natural hot spring made as a hot tub
Kafunta River Lodge - Spa Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - Spa
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury Suite Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury suite main sleeping area and deck
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury Suite Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury suite main sleeping area and passage to bathroom
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury Suite Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury suite main sleeping and sitting area
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury Suite Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - upstair mezzanine which can be converted in a sleeping area
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury Suite Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - Upper deck of the luxury suite
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury Suite Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - bathroom in a luxury suite
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury Suite Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - bathroom in a luxury suite
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - standard chalet with private viewing deck
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - spacious standard chalet
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - standard chalet with private viewing deck
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - standard chalet with private viewing deck
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - en-suite bathroom in a standard chalet
Kafunta River Lodge - Lounge Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - Relaxing lounge
Kafunta River Lodge - Inside dining Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - Inside dining area, lunch area
Kafunta River Lodge - Lounge deck Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - Lounge deck overlooking the plains
Kafunta River Lodge - Lounge Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - relaxing lounge
Kafunta River Lodge - Bar area Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - bar between the lounge and the pool area
Kafunta River Lodge - Lounge deck Credit: Kafunta Safaris Kafunta River Lodge - Extensive and multilevel lounge deck overlooking the plains
Kafunta Dining on the Deck Credit: Kafunta Safaris Fine dining is served on the main deck with a four-course dinner
The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris The aerial view
The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris Sunset House decks
The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris Sunset House bedroom
The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris Pool, deck and view of the flood plains
The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris Eagle Room
The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris Eagle Room with the day bed
The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris Eagle Room dual showers
The Sunset House Layout Credit: Kafunta Safaris

Your Stay

3 Nights

Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities

All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included

Fast Facts

4 Star

Lodge

Spoken Languages: English

No. Rooms: 10

Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife

Island Bush Camp | South Luangwa National Park

Three Rivers Camp is an owner-run camp part of the Kafunta Safaris' portfolio.

Island Bush Camp is 2 1/2 hours' drive south of Kafunta River Lodge (so about 3 1/2 hours from Mfuwe airport) in a very remote yet extremely game-rich area of the southern section of the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. It is in this complete solitude, far away from other crowds, that walking safaris and game drives are taking place in the mornings and afternoons.

This seasonal, intimate camp lies under a grove of Mahogany trees, right on the banks of the Luangwa River. Island Bush Camp offers authentic bush accommodation in five elevated reed huts, with bucket showers and running water. The huts are open-sided with a private verandah overlooking the Luangwa River.

The camp runs on solar lights, and solar charging facilities are offered in the main area.

Island Bush Camp focuses on bush walks (although game drives are also possible) and is close enough to Three Rivers Camp to walk between these two camps.

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Island BC Chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Each reed chalet is built on stilts, overlooking the Luangwa River
Island Bush Camp Credit: Kafunta Safaris View of one of the chalets
Island Bush Camp Credit: Kafunta Safaris Inside a chalet
Island Bush Camp Credit: Kafunta Safaris Dining
Island Bush Camp Credit: Kafunta Safaris View of the Luangwa River
Island Bush Camp Credit: Kafunta Safaris Enjoying the sunset
Island Bush Camp Credit: Kafunta Safaris Main area
Island Bush Camp Credit: Kafunta Safaris Main area
Island Bush Camp Credit: Kafunta Safaris Main area
Island BC Dinner Credit: Kafunta Safaris Dinner on the banks of the Luangwa River
Island Bush Camp Credit: Kafunta Safaris Photographic Hide
Island BC Breakfast Credit: Kafunta Safaris Early morning breakfast by the Luangwa River, before heading on a bush walk
Island BC Chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Five chalets elevated on stilts, with open frontage
Island BC Dining Area Credit: Kafunta Safaris In the shade of the thatch roof or under the stars, dining at Island Bush Camp is always a grand affair
Island BC Dinner Credit: Kafunta Safaris Dining at Island Bush Camp is a casual affair, in a stunning environment
Island BC Main Area Credit: Kafunta Safaris Authentic little boma with a bar, lounge and dining area
Island BC Chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Splendid night skies in the remoteness of South Luangwa NP
Island BC - Chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Open-sided chalet with view of the river
Island BC - Chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Open sided chalet made of grass and thatch
Island BC - Chalet bathroom Credit: Kafunta Safaris Open sided chalet, open bathroom with bucket shower
Island BC Chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Chalets offer running water and flushing toilet, but the shower remains a traditional bucket shower
Island BC Chalet Credit: Kafunta Safaris Enjoy the night in the bush while listening to hippos babbling and lions roaring
Island BC Atmosphere Credit: Kafunta Safaris Traditional paraffin lights replace electric bulbs in this corner of paradise
Island Bush Camp - Photographic Hide Credit: Kafunta Safaris A hide near a waterhole for elephant observation
Island BC Atmostphere Credit: Kafunta Safaris Enjoy amazing African sunset at sundowner time
Island BC Walking Safaris Credit: Kafunta Safaris Explore South Luangwa National Park on foot
Island BC Walking Safaris Credit: Kafunta Safaris Island Bush Camp focuses on bush walks, morning and afternoon
Island BC Game Drives Credit: Kafunta Safaris Although bush walks are the main focus, game drives can also be organised
South Luangwa Wildlife Credit: Kafunta Safaris A large variety of animals can be observed on foot
South Luangwa Wildlife Credit: Kafunta Safaris Elephants enjoying a waterhole
South Luangwa Wildlife Credit: Kafunta Safaris Leopards can sometimes been seen on walks
South Luangwa Birdlife Credit: Kafunta Safaris Bush walks allow for close observation of birds
South Luangwa Wildlife Credit: Kafunta Safaris Large pods of hippos reside just in front of camp

Your Stay

2 Nights

Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities

All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included

Fast Facts

3 Star

Camp

Spoken Languages: English

No. Rooms: 5

Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife

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