David - Double Zambia [waring]

Kafunta River Lodge is a well-established, owner-run safari lodge set beside a wide floodplain just outside South Luangwa National Park, with the Luangwa River beyond. Its location, about 9 km from the main road from Mfuwe Airport, allows quick access into the park via its own exclusive crossing point, giving guests efficient access to game drives. The lodge’s main area is built around a wild mango tree and features a large thatched roof supported by reclaimed tree trunks, creating a stylish yet relaxed safari atmosphere. The space includes a bar-lounge with high stools, an indoor dining area, a small swimming pool, and a natural hot tub fed by a local spring. Elevated wooden decks extend over the floodplain for breakfast or dining under the stars, complemented by a hidden floodlit wildlife hide beneath the deck and a tree-top platform ideal for game viewing or private meals. A small spa offers massages for relaxation.

Kafunta has ten chalets overlooking the lagoon. Eight standard chalets are raised on stilts, constructed of wood with thatched roofs and interiors of stone and wood. Renovated in 2019, they feature cool grey stone walls, polished stone floors, paned windows, and mesh-covered double doors opening to private verandas with floodplain views. Chalets are furnished with two three-quarter beds under walk-in mosquito nets, armchairs, built-in wardrobe space, minibars, and coffee makers. En-suite bathrooms include twin washbasins, showers with hot and cold water, and flushing toilets. Two deluxe family chalets are larger, two-storey stone structures with spacious bathrooms featuring free-standing baths, and upper-level verandas with daybeds and wildlife viewing platforms, where mosquito nets can be used for overnight stays.

Activities from Kafunta focus on 4WD day and night game drives and walking safaris, all led by expert guides. The lodge benefits from access to the park via the nearby Nkwali pontoon, allowing guests to bypass the busy main gate. Most drives explore the Mfuwe area, renowned for excellent wildlife sightings, particularly from June to October, though the area can be busier with other vehicles. For a more secluded experience, guests can combine their stay with Kafunta’s remote sister camps, Island Bush Camp or Three Rivers Camp, in the southern part of the park. With its combination of well-located accommodation, upgraded facilities, attentive long-standing staff, good food, and excellent guiding, Kafunta River Lodge offers a comfortable, affordable, and rewarding safari experience.

Our quotes and rates  include camp transfers, all meals, local drinks, park fees and conservation levies

Three Rivers Camp is an intimate, stylish bush camp set at the remote confluence of the Luangwa, Kapamba and Lusangazi rivers in South Luangwa National Park. Its location gives it a wonderfully wild atmosphere, with wildlife frequently wandering through the open surroundings and wide riverbanks. The camp features just five spacious tents raised on wooden platforms, each with a shaded verandah and a private “star bed” on an elevated deck where guests can sleep under the night sky. Inside, the tents blend natural materials with contemporary comforts, offering en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, solar lighting and gauzed windows that let the breeze flow through. Shared areas include a relaxed lounge and dining space overlooking the river, a central firepit and a small waterhole that attracts animals throughout the day.

Activities focus on walking safaris and game drives, complemented by the thrill of short night drives and peaceful time in camp watching the wilderness unfold around you. Conservation Safari Company recommends this lodge and our guests have described their stays as magical, praising the warm, attentive staff and calling the star beds an unforgettable highlight, with several noting how special it felt to watch sunrise with wildlife all around the camp.

Our quotes and rates  include camp transfers, all meals, local drinks, park fees and conservation levies

Opened in 2015, Amanzi lies on the banks of the Ngwenya Channel, looking across to the main Zambezi River in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. As the easternmost camp in the park, it feels very remote, set in a quiet area between mopane forest and a winterthorn grove. The camp is small and luxurious, yet with a rustic feel, and offers a range of activities.

The smaller sister camp of Anabezi, Amanzi is for the most part set on a low ridge above the Ntwenya Channel, looking out to the main river and several of its islands.

With just four tented rooms, it’s a peaceful and intimate camp. The tents are spacious, their canvas roofs topping substantial structures of wood and canvas, with reed walls at the back and huge gauze windows in front. Each is raised on a wooden deck along the ridge, with views across the river.

Inside, the tents are furnished with either a king-size bed or two doubles, all within a large walk-in mosquito net. Mattresses are comfortable and extra blankets are provided for the cooler winter months. Dark wood complements the cream furnishings, and African textiles add a dash of earthen colour to the room.

At the furthest end of the tent is a large indoor bathroom, in cool cream concrete, with similar dark wood and cream furnishing elements. Separate shower and toilet cubicles are set behind a sink and vanity unit, with a variety of toiletries supplied. Wooden units house hanging and shelving space, kitted out with dressing gowns and slippers, and a small safe.

To the other end of the tent is a sitting area with comfortable armchairs, which overlook the surrounding countryside through the mesh sides of the tent. You’ll also find a minibar, a tea and coffee station plus kettle, and a desk with a multi-socket (UK and US) charging point. An outside deck has sturdy rattan chairs and a small table, we particularly liked the cushioned hammock chairs that face the river.

Two of the tented rooms are set up individually, while the other two are connected at the back by a short walkway. Once the connecting doors are unlocked, these two tents can form a two-bedroom unit for families or small groups.

The tents are connected to the main area by a raised walkway which is lit at night, offering a bit more security to walk around (though you will be escorted to and from your tent at night by a member of staff).

The open-sided main area, incorporating a bar, dining area, and large deck, also overlooks the river. Along with rustic furniture and comfortable sofas, there is a tea and coffee station, complete with coffee machine and a jar of home-made rusks.

Steps from the main area lead down to river level, where you’ll find Amanzi’s infinity pool, along with an area of lawn (with relevant warnings about the resident hippos and crocodiles!) and a firepit with surrounding chairs.

The range of safari activities at Amanzi includes walking safaris, boat trips, fishing, canoeing and birding. Day and night drives are offered, too, and Amanzi does its best to have no more than four guests in one vehicle. There is also the opportunity to do a day trip through the Mpata Gorge. Viewing in the area is very productive, especially later into the dry season.

Amanzi is a stylish, yet rustic, comfortable camp in a game-rich area of the park. For those wanting a more intimate camp with great food, service and guiding, yet in a remote location, Amanzi is an excellent choice.

Rates include safari activities, meals, drinks, laundry and airstrip transfers.