Luxury Lodges · South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Kafunta River Lodge
Overview
Kafunta River Lodge is owned and operated by Anke & Ron Cowan who have made the Luangwa Valley their home for the past 27 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.
Since the end of 2023, the lodge also features a new private tented villa, The Sunset House, with 3 en-suite bedrooms. Perfect for multi-generation families or small groups of friends seeking more privacy and flexibility.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Kafunta Luxury Suite
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...
Kafunta Standard Chalet
The lodge features 8 standard chalets, constructed from thatch and wood to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Each chalet includes a twin-bedded bedroom, en-suite bathroom, minibar fridge, and ceiling fan. A private verandah...
The Sunset House
The Sunset House at Kafunta River Lodge is a 3-bedroom canvas-roofed safari house with a private pool and private services (butler, chef, safari guide). The villa is divided into two units. The main unit...
Offers
Current offers
Long Stay Discount - Kafunta River Lodge
When staying 5 nights or more, the rate will be approximately 10 to 15% lower.
The stay can be a combination of Kafunta River Lodge with Island Bush Camp & Three Rivers Camp (limited season for the bush camps)
Conditions
Valid for 5 nights or more, at one camp or as a combination of camps.
Details
Good to know
Languages spoken
English
Ideal for
Adventure, Birding, Flora, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Property facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Children Friendly, Communal Dining, Credit Card Facilities, Disabled Friendly, Drivers Cabin, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service, Licensed, Mobile Connectivity, Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck, Parking, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian, Wheelchair Access
Accommodation & amenities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Complimentary Wi-Fi, 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, Smoke Alarm, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
On-site activities
Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Nearby activities
Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Safaris
Location
Where you'll be
Video
See the stay
Kafunta River Lodge (FS2025)
Kafunta River Lodge (FS2025)Kafunta Safaris - wildlife and activities
Kafunta Safaris - wildlife and activitiesA short video on South Luangwa's wildlife
Activities
What you can do
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 authorised to participate.
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.
Game Drives (morning, afternoon & evening)
The morning game drive departs at sunrise for approximately 4 hours, including a tea break. The afternoon game drive stops for sundowners and continues into a night drive using spotlights, to find smaller nocturnal animals or predators on the hunt.
Infinity Pool, Natural Hot Tub, Wellness Spa
Kafunta River Lodge features a small, intimate spa with an array of relaxing treatments performed by an on-site therapist. Enjoying the infinity pool and the natural hot tub and booking a massage at the spa is the perfect way to spend the midday hours between game-viewing activities.
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.
Ready to plan your stay?
Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest — flights, transfers and the lodge itself.
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