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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
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: 13
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Island Bush Camp | South Luangwa National Park
Island Bush Camp is owned and operated by Ron & Anke Cowan, along with sister property Kafunta River Lodge located in the main Mfuwe area.
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 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, and is close enough to Three Rivers Camp to walk between these two camps.
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Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Restaurants
Island BC ChaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisEach reed chalet is built on stilts, overlooking the Luangwa River
Island Bush CampCredit: Kafunta SafarisView of one of the chalets
Island Bush CampCredit: Kafunta SafarisInside a chalet
Island Bush CampCredit: Kafunta SafarisDining
Island Bush CampCredit: Kafunta SafarisView of the Luangwa River
Island Bush CampCredit: Kafunta SafarisEnjoying the sunset
Island Bush CampCredit: Kafunta SafarisMain area
Island Bush CampCredit: Kafunta SafarisMain area
Island Bush CampCredit: Kafunta SafarisMain area
Island BC DinnerCredit: Kafunta SafarisDinner on the banks of the Luangwa River
Island Bush CampCredit: Kafunta SafarisPhotographic Hide
Island BC BreakfastCredit: Kafunta SafarisEarly morning breakfast by the Luangwa River, before heading on a bush walk
Island BC ChaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisFive chalets elevated on stilts, with open frontage
Island BC Dining AreaCredit: Kafunta SafarisIn the shade of the thatch roof or under the stars, dining at Island Bush Camp is always a grand affair
Island BC DinnerCredit: Kafunta SafarisDining at Island Bush Camp is a casual affair, in a stunning environment
Island BC Main AreaCredit: Kafunta SafarisAuthentic little boma with a bar, lounge and dining area
Island BC ChaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisSplendid night skies in the remoteness of South Luangwa NP
Island BC - ChaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisOpen-sided chalet with view of the river
Island BC - ChaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisOpen sided chalet made of grass and thatch
Island BC - Chalet bathroomCredit: Kafunta SafarisOpen sided chalet, open bathroom with bucket shower
Island BC ChaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisChalets offer running water and flushing toilet, but the shower remains a traditional bucket shower
Island BC ChaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisEnjoy the night in the bush while listening to hippos babbling and lions roaring
Island BC AtmosphereCredit: Kafunta SafarisTraditional paraffin lights replace electric bulbs in this corner of paradise
Island Bush Camp - Photographic HideCredit: Kafunta SafarisA hide near a waterhole for elephant observation
Island BC AtmostphereCredit: Kafunta SafarisEnjoy amazing African sunset at sundowner time
Island BC Walking SafarisCredit: Kafunta SafarisExplore South Luangwa National Park on foot
Island BC Walking SafarisCredit: Kafunta SafarisIsland Bush Camp focuses on bush walks, morning and afternoon
Island BC Game DrivesCredit: Kafunta SafarisAlthough bush walks are the main focus, game drives can also be organised
South Luangwa WildlifeCredit: Kafunta SafarisA large variety of animals can be observed on foot
South Luangwa WildlifeCredit: Kafunta SafarisElephants enjoying a waterhole
South Luangwa WildlifeCredit: Kafunta SafarisLeopards can sometimes been seen on walks
South Luangwa BirdlifeCredit: Kafunta SafarisBush walks allow for close observation of birds
South Luangwa WildlifeCredit: Kafunta SafarisLarge pods of hippos reside just in front of camp
Elevated Grass Chalet
Each of the five chalets is built on stilt, with open sides to have an uninterrupted view of the Luangwa River. The bedroom extends to a viewing deck. The bathroom is equipped with a bucket shower, a sink with running water and a flushing toilet.
No electricity or noisy generator, Island Bush Camp is all about the authenticity of a stay in the remote wilderness.
Balcony / Deck, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Night Drives, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours, General Sightseeing
Island Bush Camp enjoys a pure and remote wilderness area in the South Luangwa National Park to enjoy walks morning and afternoon.
Bush walks bring a different experience to the safari, focusing on smaller animals, critters, birds and flora. Bigger animals are also often seen such as elephants, giraffes, antelopes and occasionally predators such as lions, leopards and wild dogs.
Certified safari guide and escort scout provided.
Unfortunately children under the age of 12 are not authorised on bush walks.
Although Island Bush Camp focuses activities on bush walks, a vehicle is based at camp to be used in relation to the walks, and most specifically after the sundowner, guests can enjoy a night drive back to camp.
Vehicles with shade roof, maximum 8 clients on the vehicle.
Set up just outside of Island Bush Camp, this hide is perfect to observe and photograph elephants as they come to drink and wallow in the small pond.
Island Bush Camp Dining
Dining at Island Bush Camp takes place in the shade of the grass roof or under the stars on the banks of the Luangwa River. Stellar meals come out of the bush kitchen which can be visited at the end of the stay.
An early continental breakfast is taken by the fire place before heading on the bush walk. A buffet lunch is served at midday and a fine dinner served in the evening before retreating to the fire place for a nightcap.
Island Bush Camp can cater for most dietaries.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
3 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 5
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife