South Luangwa National Park is, for many, the premier park in Zambia. Some even rank it as one of the best in all of Africa. Praise indeed.
You’ll get the chance to make up your own mind when you stay at Kafunta, a classic Zambian safari lodge offering great value for money experiences and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.
Located on the edge of a floodplain with the Luangwa River beyond, the lodge is within easy reach of the animal-rich areas of the National Park, so opportunities to tick off sightings of all of the Big 5 bar rhino will be yours.
Biggest of the trio of accommodation types at Kafunta is the 3 bedroom villa called Sunset House (you’ll soon see how the house gets its name, as it glows a brilliant orange at sundown.)
It’s close to the main lodge and available to be exclusively booked by a group of up to 6. Each of the bedrooms has an ensuite bathroom, and there’s a private swimming pool, plus a chef to cook your meals. It makes this ideal for a family or friends looking for a luxurious experience in which they can concentrate on relaxation.
As well as the house, there are 2 split-level luxury suites. Each sleeps 2 with a mezzanine featuring day beds and a balcony. The ensuite bathroom is extra large.
Lastly, 8 luxury chalets, each on raised wooden platforms with thatched roofs and private viewing decks. All of the suites and chalets have sitting areas with help-yourself tea and coffee facilities, plus a small refrigerator full of refreshing drinks.
The camp’s thatched main hub is built around a mango tree and dominated by a large lounge and dining area, both of which offer views of the floodplain. Here’s where you can eat, drink and relax, and gain access to the outdoor viewing deck which overlooks a watering hole – always a major draw for thirsty animals. Wildlife hides dotted around camp – including one located in a treehouse - give photographers an opportunity to get a different angle on goings on in this unfenced camp, and more impressive pictures to ‘send to all’ when they get home.
Speaking of water, there’s a heated swimming pool that’s ideal for dips and exercise whichever time of year you visit. And keeping things liquid-based, next to the pool is the bar serving all kinds of drinks for all of the family.
Relaxation is definitely the watchword around here, evidenced by the shared thermal hot tub and the open but private spa room where you can go for a range of treatments.
Animal viewings in the region peak between June and October. Those months form the dry season, so animals – particularly elephant, lion, hyena and leopard come to Luangwa River to drink. Herbivores are well represented in the area too, with wildebeest, giraffe and zebra among the regular visitors. It’s small wonder that game drives skirt the water in search of sightings, with rangers knowing where and when to look, no matter which time of year you visit.
Night drives give you the chance to learn more about nocturnal activities on the floodplains. Some predators prefer to hunt under the cloak of darkness, and the thrill of seeing leopard prowling for its prey will stay with you if you’re lucky enough to witness it.
The camp offers a guided walking safari too. Yes, the pace is slower, but the rewards in terms of animal sightings equally fulfilling. You’ll focus on spotting plant life and smaller species of insect and animal, remembering to train your eyes on the skies to view the bird species.
Cultural trips are also on the menu, with the camp team offering the chance to visit a local community to experience how they live and learn more about their traditions.
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