Kafunta River Lodge

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. 

Kafunta Standard Chalet

(8 ROOMS)

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.

Kafunta Luxury Suite

(2 ROOMS)

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.

Morning and Afternoon Game Drives

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.

Night Game Drives

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.

Bush Walks

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 authorized to participate.

Photographic Hide

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.

Cultural Visits

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.

Infinity Pool, Natural Hot Tub, Wellness Spa, Gym

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.

For more about the lodge, click HERE