Kafunta River Lodge

Rooms

There are eight private chalets and two suites. Each is a thatched, square wooden chalet, built about 1 m (3 ft) off the ground on stilts. Reed mats are dotted around the wooden floors, and in the corner of each is an en suite tiled bathroom with a shower and basin. Under a walk-in mosquito net are the double or twin beds, and every room has a fridge, a coffee maker, and a ceiling fan powered by mains electricity. Each chalet also has a veranda overlooking the river.

Location

The camp is positioned at the edge of the Luangwa floodplain where scores of animals gather around the watering hole daily. It’s approximately 10 km (6 miles) south of the main park gate in a private wildlife management area, offering direct access to the park via a private pontoon when water levels are high enough.

Food and drink

Before the morning safari, a light continental breakfast, which typically includes freshly baked bread, pastries, cereals, yoghurt, and fresh fruit, is offered. Lunch is served buffet-style with a variety of cooked dishes, fresh salads, homemade rolls, and dessert upon your return. A choice of savoury snacks and sweet treats is served before you set off on your afternoon activity. The day ends with a four-course dinner under the stars.

Facilities and activities

Central to the chalets is the spacious bar and dining area. The sofas near the wild mango tree, the seats around the fireplace, and the sunbeds by the infinity pool all make excellent places to relax while not out exploring the park. Next to the infinity pool is a natural hot tub fed by a geothermal source. Underneath the shade of a fig tree is the camp’s spa, offering a variety of massages and spa treatments.

Activities from Kafunta focus on safari drives, night drives, and walking safaris. Kafunta is only about 1.5 km (1 mile) from the Nkwali Pontoon, an entrance to the park for safari operators' vehicles only, which makes access to the area south of Mfuwe both easy and quick. A photographic hide has been built facing the floodplain and watering hole directly in front of the lodge.