Crafted Africa - Southern Malawi and South Luangwa

Originally the family home built by Maclean Kay in 1928, Huntingdon House exudes a colonial charm and unique character that cannot be recreated. This magnificent house forms the heart of Satemwa Tea Estate and is surrounded by sprawling manicured gardens with secret patio?s and terraces waiting to be discovered by guests. As one of Malawi?s first land claims registered in 1874, Satemwa Tea Estate is undoubtedly among the countries most respected and established tea and coffee producers managed and operated by third generation members of the Cathcart Kay family. Chip, one of Maclean Kays sons, and his wife Dawn, live on the estate and Huntingdon?s guests are invited to step back in time and share some of Chips wonderful memories of his family home, discover the multitude of teas exported from the estate, and hear the fascinating history of Satemwa Tea Estate. The house has been tastefully refurbished to offer 5 unique suites, each individually decorated to reflect the quirks and character of this grand residence. Each area of the house has a story of it?s own from the original children?s nursery to the resident priests quarters and private Chapel. Guests are encouraged to share the colorful history of one of Malawi?s oldest homes while being spoilt by our team of professional staff. Share your opinion on Tripadvisor and see what other people think of Huntingdon House! Click Here

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Huntingdon House Entrance Credit: Nic Baletta

Credit: HuntingdonHouseSatemwaTeaEstate/Facebook

Credit: HuntingdonHouseSatemwaTeaEstate/Facebook

Credit: HuntingdonHouseSatemwaTeaEstate/Facebook

Credit: HuntingdonHouseSatemwaTeaEstate/Facebook

Thawale Lodge is African Parks' own tourism operation and places emphasis on responsible tourism by applying 100% of the camp's revenue back into conserving and protecting Majete. Situated within Majete around a serene floodlit waterhole that attracts a variety of wildlife, Thawale Lodge is a peaceful haven from which to experience Majete. Completely unfenced, the camp is regularly visited by wildlife.

Thawale Lodge offers six double- and twin-tented chalets, all en-suite and each with its own private veranda overlooking the waterhole. The more luxurious chalet has a unique open-air bathroom built among the rocks with a shower and a sunken bath and views of the floodlit waterhole. The chalets are spaced out to offer visitors privacy and an individual bush experience.

Adjacent to the park entrance of the lodge is a self-catering community campsite powered by solar energy and with a thatched bar and dining area, barbeque facilities, toilets, and hot-water showers. A communal lapa and traditional lounge area with a fully staffed kitchen is available in the centre of the camp. Meals are served in the thatched bamboo restaurant and bar with a birding veranda. Dinner can be combined with an 'under the stars boma night' with entertainment from the local Gule wa Mkulu dancers.

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Credit: ThwaleLodge

Credit: ThwaleLodge

Credit: ThwaleLodge

Credit: ThwaleLodge

Credit: ThwaleLodge

Credit: ThwaleLodge

Zomba Forest Lodge is a cosy, intimate guest house nestled in 20 acres of beautiful mixed woodland and secret gardens. A perfect retreat where relaxation is guaranteed.

There are 3.5km of nature trails around the property and a huge variety of birds, including sunbirds feeding from flowers mere inches from the veranda.

Completely off-grid, ZFL is an ideal place to hide away, to sit back and relax, away from the pressures of ‘real life’! Enjoy the luxury of switching off in a day in age when being connected is seemed to be so important – Come and try it out.

Alternatively, why not step it up and go walking on one of the many trails around the lodge, or Plateau; or simply lie in the hammock, enjoy the bird song, butterflies and a good book.

However, it isn’t all about relaxing and hiking, it is also about enjoying great food. Here you will enjoy some of the best home-cooked food in Malawi.

ZFL is more than a lodge, more than a hotel; as guests you are welcomed and treated like friends by the owners Tom and Petal. Their home is beautiful and humble, and yet promises a warm and enriching experience.

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Mvuu Camp has a spectacular vantage point along the Shire River that draws all manner of fauna to its banks. The camp, comprising 14 units as well as a nearby campsite, is a clever mix of spacious stone and canvas chalets and specially designed family tents. An impressive thatched dining and lounge area offers a magnificent river vista that is framed by two large baobab trees. Dinners are sometimes held under the stars in a specially constructed boma. A custom-built education and conference centre with facilities for up to 40 delegates or smaller corporate and team building functions is available.

Mvuu Camp offers a wide range of accommodation options such as full board rates and camping, and a variety of activities including boat safaris on the Shire River, game drives, nature walks & trails and non-stop birding. Trips to community projects in nearby villages and Nanthomba School are also popular.

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Mvuu Camp Mvuu Camp On Shire River

Mvuu Camp Main Building

Mvuu Camp

Mvuu Camp Game Drive

Mvuu Camp Shire River

Mvuu Camp

Mvuu Camp - Family Chalet Mvuu Camp - Standard Chalet

There are five family units with two beds per room. The bathroom is shared by both rooms.

There are seven twin bedded chalets. The twin beds can be moved together to make a double bed.

Property Facilities

Bar, Eco Friendly, Pool, Restaurant

Room Facilities

Balcony / Deck, En-Suite

Services

Credit Card

The perfect getaway for nature lovers looking for a combination of adventure and relaxation in a tranquil, private setting. Exclusively situated on Nankoma Island, a wild paradise in Lake Malawi National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site). Unobtrusive and eco-friendly, operating on solar power.

Offering a unique and sustainable travel experience, Blue Zebra is a conservation driven lodge working with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in Malawi to protect three islands making up the Marelli group: Nankoma, Maleri, and Nakantenga. These uninhabited islands are home to a vast array of fresh water fish, including some of the most rare and colourful in the world. They support diverse flora and fauna and are a bird watcher's paradise.

Accommodation: a unique set-up with 9 en-suite safari-style tented chalets, 1 forest-set Pitta Cottage, and 1 Superior Family Cottage overlooking Lake Malawi. Secluded executive chalets boast stunning views from private balconies. The chalets are set in an unspoiled environment, immersed in nature.

Facilities: spa, infinity pool, cocktail bar, restaurant, games room, meetings room, curio shop.

Activities: nature trails, birding, kayaking, snorkeling, water-sports, sunset cruise.

Just a 2 hour drive from Lilongwe, this is a great combination with Zambian Safaris as well as various wildlife parks in Malawi.

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Birding Credit: WAG Malawi

Superior Family Cottage Executive Family Chalets Executive Chalets Pitta Cottage Lake Safari Tents

The most luxurious and spacious of the island room types. A large, open planned cottage (house) with a lounge and dining area and two en-suite bedrooms (one queen, one double). 2 single beds can be added to the main room.

The master bedroom has ample cupboard space with a built in dressing table and an open bathroom with a shower and bathtub. The second bedroom is a smaller en-suite double room opening onto the lake-facing balcony.

Minimum 2 adults required (or supplement to the equivalent).
Capacity: 4 adults, 2 children. This unit can be set up in different ways: suitable for a couple; 2 adults sharing separate rooms; 3 - 4 adults sharing (with discounted sharing specials); a family with 2 adults and up to 4 children; multi-generational families.

2 Executive Family Chalets: Malachite and Fisheagle. Spacious en-suite safari-style tented chalets each with 2 bedrooms, a lounge and bathroom. Private lake-facing balconies.

Typically for families of up to 5 (2 adults & up to 3 children) or up to 4 adults.
Main room: 1 queen bed / Twin room: 2 single beds / U12's sofa bed in the lounge

FISHEAGLE: located around the side of the island with a long downard stairway entrance, in a natural and very private setting.

MALACHITE: located just behind reception at the lodge entrance. Private but closer to lodge facilities.

2 standard Executive Chalets: Kingfisher & Cormorant. En-suite safari-style tented chalets. Both exclusively located around the side of the island with private lake-facing balconies.

CORMORANT: 1 queen bed & 2 sofa beds for U12's. Best for couples / young families.
Furthest executive chalet from the communal area. Stairway from the balcony down to boulders which meet the lake.

KINGFISHER: 1 queen bed & a mini-lounge. Best for couples / solo travelers.
Long stairway entrance down to a private cove where this secluded chalet is set on the waters edge.

Named after the African Pitta.

En-suite, spacious thatched cottage, nestled in nature. Located above the central Lake Safari Tents, with stairway access. One spacious ensuite bedroom, a lounge with a sofa bed, and a large side-patio with a table seating area, patio furniture & hammock. *Photographs will be updated soon as this is the newest room.

Lake Safari Tents: Bulbul, Darter, Heron, Hornbill & Nightjar
En-suite safari-style tents, smaller than executives but quaint and comfortable. 3 doubles, 1 twin, 1 single. Some have sofa beds for U12s.

BULBUL: 1 queen bed
the furthest chalet from the communal area overlooking the lake & a private beach. At the entrance to nature trails.

DARTER: 1 queen bed & 2 sofa beds\
Centrally located, nearest the restaurant, no stairs, largest balcony.

HERON: 1 queen bed & 2 sofa beds
Centrally located, small stairway entrance.

HORNBILL: 2 single beds & 1 sofa bed
Centrally located in-between Darter & Heron, small stairway entrance.

NIGHTJAR: 1 single bed
Centrally located above reception.

Property Facilities

24-hour Security, Bar, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa

Room Facilities

Balcony / Deck, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Plunge Pool, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah

Services

Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card, Room Service

Nature Trails Kayaking Snorkeling Boat Cruises Birding Chill out at the Infinity Pool Wake Boarding / Water Skiing / Tubing Spa Yoga Retreats

Explore the wonderfully wild paths around and over Nankoma Island & connect with nature. The further you go the smaller you feel as you walk among massive Baobab trees. Venture off track to The Ancient Fig for a halfway break and soak in the enchanting natural beauty of this unspoiled paradise.

The main trail around the island is only 2.3km. Enjoy the thriving birdlife, look out for the elusive Red Duiker along the top path, Chameleons camouflaged in in trees, Monitor Lizards along the shore.

Early-birds will catch a stunning sunrise!

Explore the Marelli Archipelago by kayak - a great way to get out and explore the coves and coastal wildlife up close.

It takes around 45min-1hr around Nankoma Island, but for the more active and adventurous you can kayak all 3 islands in around 2.5 - 3 hours.

For a shorter kayak, there are rocky outcrops close to shore. Paddle around and spot all the different kinds of colourful fish. Other possible sightings: otters, monitor lizards, bird-life (especially Cormorants and African Fish-Eagles).

6 kayaks available: 4 single & 2 double.

Rarely does one have such effortless and immediate access to a site teaming with aquatic life. Just a few meters off the shore, experience Malawi’s renowned Cichlids in all their natural splendour. Famed for their vivid and vibrant colours, the Islands are home to species unique not only to Lake Malawi, but many to these islands! Look out for the Blue Zebra!

The best sites depend on lake levels and the time of year. Snorkel equipment is free to use for off-shore snorkeling. At an additional charge, snorkel trips can be arranged to Maleri and/or Nakantenga Islands.

Cruise around the Marelli islands and experience an awe inspiring Lake Malawi sunset out on the water - MGT (Malawi Gin & Tonic) or your sun downer of choice in hand. Every sunset is different & it's always an unforgettable event as the sun gently dips below the low lying Nkhotakota hills in the distance.

Malawi is world renowned as a birdwatchers paradise. The country boasts over 650 different species of birds, 10% of which are native species non-existent anywhere else on the globe.

Lake Malawi provides an ideal habitat for bird life has the highest concentration of African Fish Eagles on the continent. Their cry is heard frequently echoing across the skies over Nankoma Island.

There are over 350 species at the islands - best seen in the dry season. Take a bird check-list around the island and tick of how many you see.

Quite possibly the most popular 'activity', although this doesn't require being active. With stunning views over Lake Malawi, what better way to spend an afternoon than splash about in the Infinity Pool with a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail for kids) or laze on the deck-chairs with that book you've been too busy to read!

An exciting way to experience Lake Malawi, flying over the fresh clear water of the lake at high speed.

Motorized water-sports have additional charges.
Must be booked at the lodge, around the boat transfer schedule.

What better place to relax and pamper oneself than a tranquil private island, surrounded by the calming sounds of nature. Set under a giant fig tree with views across Lake Malawi.

Yoga weekends are usually scheduled during low season. Guided practice with restorative immersion in nature.

For self practice, the lodge has a few spare yoga mats, or guests can bring along their own and set up on their balcony or where they like!

BEE-EATER RESTAURANT

Named after a frequent visitor to the island, the African bee-eater.

All packages are inclusive of meals prepared by a team of Malawian Chefs at Blue Zebra Island Lodge.

Creatively inspired by international cuisine, with a touch of Malawi:
The menu is prepared around seasonal foods and catered to all dietary requirements. Advance request should be given for special requirements, given that it may be difficult to get some ingredients to the island.

Enjoy a continental buffet with hot-breakfast to order; select a 2-course lunch & 3-course dinner from a set menu presented daily.

Breakfast: 6.30 to 10.00
Lunch: 12.00 to 14.00
Dinner: 18:30 to 20:30

The restaurant can seat 40 guests. Guests may opt for a poolside lunch or a private evening dining experience at the sunset lounge or Nankoma Beach.

Situated in the heart of Area 12, 5-minute walk from The Four seasons Centre, 15-minute walk from The Golden Peacock Shopping Centre is Wines and Wings Guest House. We are a few kilometers from Kumbali, 20-minute walk from City Center and have a supermarket 50 metres from the house. The house has well experienced staff to help cook, clean and look after you. Our home is well furnished and comfortable, with a pool, lovely garden, good social areas, modern kitchen, fast wifi, DSTV and really is a top spot.

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Kafunta River Lodge is owned and operated by Anke & Ron Cowan who have made the Luangwa Valley their home for the past 20 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. Here you can enjoy pure relaxation while being presented with magnificent views over the flood plains and the Luangwa River. Activities on offer include game drives (morning, afternoon and night), bush walks, village & cultural tours as well as a wellness spa.

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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 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 - Fireplace & Lounge Credit: Kafunta Safaris Superb fireplace and deck overlooking the floodplains

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

The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris Overall view of both units and pool

The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris Overall view with decks

The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris Pool and decks

The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris The Sunset House with 3 en-suite bedroom

The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris The Sunset House Pool & Deck

The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris Overall view with lower deck

The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris Interior lounge

The Sunset House Credit: Kafunta Safaris One of the Sunset House bedrooms

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 Standard Chalet Kafunta Luxury Suite Island Bush Camp Three Rivers Camp

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

Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Disability Services, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa

Room Facilities

Balcony / Deck, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah

Services

Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card

Morning and Afternoon Game Drives Night Game Drives Bush Walks Photographic Hide Cultural Visits Infinity Pool, Natural Hot Tub, Wellness Spa, Gym

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.