The 2025 Safari Awards Winners Announced:  Best Safari Operator in Africa - Jack's Camp ........ Best Safari Experience in Africa -  Sirikoi ..........Best Safari Property Location in Africa - Greystoke Mahale..........Best Family Safari Experience in Africa - Sirikoi ..........Best Marine Safari Experience in Africa - Azura Benguerra ..........Best Safari Guiding Team in Africa - Cottars 1920's Camp .......... Best Safari Cuisine in Africa - Chem Chem .......... Most Romantic safari Property in Africa - Jack's Camp .......... Best Safari Spa in Africa - Royal Malewane .......... Best Riding Safari Operator in Africa - Ride Botswana .......... Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa - Nomad Tanzania Mobile Safaris .......... Best Walking Safari Operator in Africa - Robin Pope Safaris .......... Best Value Safari Property in Africa - Flatdogs .......... Best New Safari Property in Africa - Onguma Camp Kala .......... Best Safari House/Villa in Africa - Mkombe's House Lamai .......... Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property in Africa - Grootbos Garden Lodge & Qorokwe Camp .......... Best Community Focused Safari Property in Africa - Singita Pamushana .......... Best Wildlife Conservation Organisation in Africa - Mara Elephant Project .......... Best African Tourism Board - Rwanda Tourism Development Board .......... 

Kafunta River Lodge

20 Awards

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Kafunta River Lodge

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All you need to know

Intro

Owner-run Kafunta River Lodge is located on the floodplains of the Luangwa River and features 10 chalets with viewing decks, as well as a spectacular lounge and dining area, an infinity pool and a natural hot spring tub. In combination with its little Island Bush Camp or it's luxurious tented camp Three Rivers Camp, you will experience the best of South Luangwas's superb wildlife. The lodge was entirely renovated in 2019. 

Highlights

Luxurious chalets overlooking the floodplains of the Luangwa River, complemented by a beautiful infinity pool to relax in after a sumptuous brunch. Excellent team of professional guides for game drives and bush walks. Access to a most remote bush camp for added authenticity

Need To Know

Anke and Ron, the camp owners, have made South Luangwa their home for over 20 years and are keen to share their passion with you

Safaris

Game drives in open vehicles and bush walks under the guidance of our safari professionals and park rangers. Whether you are a keen photographer, an enthusiast birder or a first timer on safari, our guides will focus on your interests and share with you their extensive knowledge and passion

Wildlife

Kafunta is located on the floodplains of the Luangwa River with a natural waterhole where wildlife thrives at all time of day and night. Wildlife highlights will include lions, leopards, hyenas, buffalo, elephants, many varieties of antelopes and possibly elusive wild dogs. Island Bush Camp and Three Rivers Camp are located in the southern part of South Luangwa in total wilderness with no other operators around. These 2 camps are best for bush walks and total communion with nature

Quick Facts

Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms)
Average Stay

Best of South Luangwa with an 8-night stay combining Kafunta River Lodge, Three Rivers Camp and Island Bush Camp

Average Price

2020 - All inclusive with park fees

Kafunta River Lodge Shoulder Season $465 per person per night / Peak Season $610 per person per night

Island Bush Camp $590 per person per night

Three Rivers Camp $620 per person per night

Discounted rates for a stay of 5 nights and more. 

 

 

Child Policy

We offer between 25% and  50% children discount when sharing with two adults, depending on the child's age.

Accommodation

Kafunta River Lodge: 2 Luxury Suites with en-suite bathroom featuring a stand alone bathtub and separate shower. The very spacious room offers an upstair mezzanine with the option to add one or two single beds. There is also a viewing deck. 8 Standard Rooms with ceiling fans and en-suite bathroom, and a private viewing deck. Rooms were renovated in 2019. Island Bush Camp: 5 open-sided reed chalets built on stilts overlooking the river, with en-suite bathroom featuring a bucket shower. Three Rivers Camp: 5 luxurious semi-open tents with unique individual sleep out platforms connected to the tent. En-suite bathroom with indoo and outdoo showers. 

Accolades

Best value safari property in Zambia! 

Season

Opened from Easter until the New Year, offering the option to see South Luangwa at the peak of the dry season, or during the Emerald season.

Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms)
Best Community Focused Safari Property

Love the way they help and support the community especially the work they do with Project Luangwa

06-04-2025 @ 5:57pm
Best Community Focused Safari Property

Very integrated with the local community, a wonderful synergistic relationship.

04-04-2025 @ 5:15am
Best Community Focused Safari Property

The most wonderful experience, heading for a 3rd visit this year. The levels of Integration with the local community is outstanding . We get to embrace both nature and the animals and the locals.

LW from United Kingdom
02-04-2025 @ 6:27am
Best Safari Property Location

R

09-04-2024 @ 5:28am
Best Value Safari Property

Amazing facilities

08-04-2024 @ 3:36pm
Best Community Focused Safari Property

Supports local villages

08-04-2024 @ 3:36pm
Best Value Safari Property

The most caring teams at Kafunta Lodge did everything to ensure we had the most wonderful and magical family holiday

21-03-2024 @ 10:28pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

very experienced Safari Guides with total Hospitality

14-03-2024 @ 2:50pm
Best Value Safari Property

Best experience ever :)

03-03-2024 @ 4:24pm
Best Value Safari Property

Incre

26-02-2024 @ 6:23pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Very hard working Safari Guide with Total Hospitality

26-02-2024 @ 6:16pm
Best Value Safari Property

Wonderful experiences on every visit and great local staff.

25-02-2024 @ 9:34am
Best Value Safari Property

The best Lodge if Zambi

24-02-2024 @ 7:23pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Best guides

24-02-2024 @ 7:23pm
Best Community Focused Safari Property

Best chefs

24-02-2024 @ 7:23pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Very good eat

24-02-2024 @ 7:23pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

We had the best guide Andrem

24-02-2024 @ 7:23pm
Best Safari Property Location

Best Safari in the Bush Camp and walking

24-02-2024 @ 7:23pm
Best Value Safari Property

????

24-02-2024 @ 7:02pm
Best Safari Cuisine

????

24-02-2024 @ 7:02pm
Best Value Safari Property

Simply, Sincerely THE BEST

23-02-2024 @ 3:19pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Simply, Sincerely THE BEST

23-02-2024 @ 3:19pm
Best Community Focused Safari Property

Simply, Sincerely THE BEST

23-02-2024 @ 3:19pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Simply, Sincerely THE BEST

23-02-2024 @ 3:19pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Simply, Sincerely THE BEST

23-02-2024 @ 3:19pm
Best Safari Property Location

Simply, Sincerely THE BEST

23-02-2024 @ 3:19pm
Best Value Safari Property

Elegant & Beautifully maintained

23-02-2024 @ 2:04pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

John became part of the family and went above and beyond to create fabulous memories.

23-02-2024 @ 2:04pm
Best Safari Property Location

Just outside the park; it was an easy ride to see it all!

23-02-2024 @ 2:04pm
Best Value Safari Property

Such an outstanding lodge that we stayed there twice this season!

22-02-2024 @ 8:59pm
Best Value Safari Property

A wonderful happy holiday - it could not have been better. We were so well taken care of by the staff.

22-02-2024 @ 5:03pm
Best Value Safari Property

All round excellence.

22-02-2024 @ 4:19pm
Best Value Safari Property

After 14 visits to Kafunta we know the place very well

22-02-2024 @ 2:51pm
Best Value Safari Property

alleen positieve reactie op elk vlak wat deze accomodatie te bieden heeft. het ganse team is geweldig, zowel voor als achter de schermen.

V
22-02-2024 @ 12:59pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

eco verantwoorde lodge.

V
22-02-2024 @ 12:59pm
Best Community Focused Safari Property

locatie top , drivers met kennis top..

V
22-02-2024 @ 12:59pm
Best Safari Cuisine

van ontbijt tot lunch sundowners en diner, zeer goede en lekkere keuken.

V
22-02-2024 @ 12:59pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

wij hadden zeker geen klagen over onze driver, sympathiek geduldig en met uitgebreide kennis van fauna en flora, hij maakte er een geweldige safari ervaring van.

V
22-02-2024 @ 12:59pm
Best Safari Property Location

locatie is top ,langs beide zijde van de rivier kan je op safari.

V
22-02-2024 @ 12:59pm
Best Value Safari Property

A very satisfying journey and stay

22-02-2024 @ 12:36pm
Best Safari Cuisine

The food is mouthwatering

22-02-2024 @ 12:36pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Experienced and friendly guides

22-02-2024 @ 12:36pm
Best Safari Property Location

A place and experiences to dream of for a long time

22-02-2024 @ 12:36pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Very knowledgeable and helpful guides

V
22-02-2024 @ 5:50am
Best Safari Property Location

Abundant amount of wildlife and wonderful safari experience

V
22-02-2024 @ 5:50am
Best Value Safari Property

Absolutely amazing experience

V
22-02-2024 @ 5:43am
Best Value Safari Property

Best Safari ever.

22-02-2024 @ 5:35am
Best Value Safari Property

6 star experience at a 3 star cost. Far exceeded our expectations for a comparatively modest cost

LB from Australia
21-02-2024 @ 11:42pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Absolute respect for the environment instilled in all guests

LB from Australia
21-02-2024 @ 11:42pm
Best Community Focused Safari Property

Genuine care for the community and so many projects always in hand to share tourism benefits

LB from Australia
21-02-2024 @ 11:42pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Gourmet food at bush camps from a hole in the ground with hot stones! Amazing!

LB from Australia
21-02-2024 @ 11:42pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Filled us with confidence for our safety, and filled our heads with knowledge and insights.

LB from Australia
21-02-2024 @ 11:42pm
Best Safari Property Location

Wonderful location - isolated, in the wild, but accessible to the community

LB from Australia
21-02-2024 @ 11:42pm
Best Value Safari Property

It has been over 5 years, and still the best vacation we had.

21-02-2024 @ 10:49pm
Best Value Safari Property

Wonderful stay at Kafunta in April 24.

21-02-2024 @ 9:30pm
Best Value Safari Property

Best experience by far of all the places I’ve been in Zambia, Zim and Botswana

21-02-2024 @ 8:41pm
Best Value Safari Property

Fabulous Lodge

V from New Zealand
21-02-2024 @ 8:12pm
Best Value Safari Property

5/5

21-02-2024 @ 6:55pm
Best Value Safari Property

5/5

21-02-2024 @ 6:53pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

5/5

21-02-2024 @ 6:53pm
Best Community Focused Safari Property

5/5

21-02-2024 @ 6:53pm
Best Safari Cuisine

5/5

21-02-2024 @ 6:53pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

5/5

21-02-2024 @ 6:53pm
Best Safari Property Location

5/5

21-02-2024 @ 6:53pm
Best Value Safari Property

We visited in 2012 with friends. That still rates as our best ever travel adventure.

21-02-2024 @ 6:27pm
Best Value Safari Property

Our trip to Kafunta's three lodges was the best holiday we have ever had! Atttentive, fun, knowledgeable staff, excellent food, perfect lodges, wonderfully abundant wildlife, etc, etc.

21-02-2024 @ 5:53pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

The stay at 3 Rivers really showed this both from accommodation and impact on animals.

V
21-02-2024 @ 5:19pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Kafunta and 3 Rivers fabulous food every day

V
21-02-2024 @ 5:19pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Paul at Kafunta and 3 Rivers amazingly knowledgeable, fun and found us everything everything everyday Small vehicles excellent choice

V
21-02-2024 @ 5:19pm
Best Safari Property Location

Kafunta fabulous for south Luanga park but 3 Rivers even more private for safaris

V
21-02-2024 @ 5:19pm
Best Value Safari Property

Kafunta River Lodge

21-02-2024 @ 5:19pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Knowledgeable, good english skills

21-02-2024 @ 4:46pm
Best Safari Property Location

Close to park increased viewing time

21-02-2024 @ 4:46pm
Best Value Safari Property

Stayed at Kufunta and 3 Rivers in Sep 23 faultless

V
21-02-2024 @ 4:27pm
Best Value Safari Property

AMAZING EXPERIENCE

21-02-2024 @ 4:21pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Kafunta River Lodge

V from Portugal
21-02-2024 @ 3:49pm
Best Community Focused Safari Property

Kafunta River Lodge

V from Portugal
21-02-2024 @ 3:49pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Kafunta River Lodge

V from Portugal
21-02-2024 @ 3:49pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Kafunta River Lodge

V from Portugal
21-02-2024 @ 3:49pm
Best Safari Property Location

Kafunta River Lodge

V from Portugal
21-02-2024 @ 3:49pm
Best Value Safari Property

9

21-02-2024 @ 2:56pm
Best Value Safari Property

You get more than you expect.

V from Germany
21-02-2024 @ 2:36pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

In the bush camps you learn to live near nature.

V from Germany
21-02-2024 @ 2:36pm
Best Community Focused Safari Property

Staff members share their knowledge about the community with visitors

V from Germany
21-02-2024 @ 2:36pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Top meals, 5-star dinner in the bush.

V from Germany
21-02-2024 @ 2:36pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Best team ever.

V from Germany
21-02-2024 @ 2:36pm
Best Safari Property Location

Beautiful Locations

V from Germany
21-02-2024 @ 2:36pm
Best Value Safari Property

Comfortable and beautifully maintained

21-02-2024 @ 2:27pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

All guests given a personalised reusable water bottle to eliminate the need for plastic ones.

21-02-2024 @ 2:27pm
Best Community Focused Safari Property

Kafunta has projects set up to benefit the local community

21-02-2024 @ 2:27pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Food is exceptional and locally sourced

21-02-2024 @ 2:27pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

The guide on my last visit, David, was incredibly knowledgeable and excellent at explaining things.

21-02-2024 @ 2:27pm
Best Safari Property Location

Kafunta has stunning views from all the lodges and from the communal area where game can be viewed easily drinking and grazing.

21-02-2024 @ 2:27pm
Best Value Safari Property

I have been twice and best safari property. I have been on 10 safaris.

21-02-2024 @ 2:01pm
Best Value Safari Property

A memorable holiday in a glorious spot filled with wildlife - leopards guaranteed, lions, wild dogs, porcupines and lots more. Fantastic guides, great accommodation and food.

21-02-2024 @ 1:55pm
Best Value Safari Property

Haggai Mposha

21-02-2024 @ 1:48pm
Best Value Safari Property

Extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff and a great cook!

21-02-2024 @ 1:42pm
Best Value Safari Property

Wonderful place with great staff.

21-02-2024 @ 1:24pm
Best Value Safari Property

The staff people are very friendly and the multitudes of animals are amazing.

21-02-2024 @ 1:13pm
Best Value Safari Property

What an exclusive experience to be at Kafuntas locations!

V from Germany
21-02-2024 @ 1:07pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Be a guest among the nature, that's what Kafunta Safari shows you. To visit the bush camps you'll find out what's necessary and what not!

V from Germany
21-02-2024 @ 1:07pm
Best Community Focused Safari Property

Learned a lot about the community from Kafuntas staff members.

V from Germany
21-02-2024 @ 1:07pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Who else can prepare a 5-star dinner in the bush?

V from Germany
21-02-2024 @ 1:07pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Never met a better team!

V from Germany
21-02-2024 @ 1:07pm
Best Safari Property Location

Island Bush Camp, Three River Capm and Kafunta Lodge -you name it! More than 5 stars!

V from Germany
21-02-2024 @ 1:07pm
Best Value Safari Property

The value given is amazing for the price paid.

21-02-2024 @ 1:02pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Their approach to being ecologically integrated is world class

21-02-2024 @ 1:02pm
Best Community Focused Safari Property

They have a dedicated and passionate focus on involving and promoting the local community

21-02-2024 @ 1:02pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Every dish served was like it came from a Michelin starred restaurant

21-02-2024 @ 1:02pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

The insight the guide team had is unmatched. They really went above and beyond to make every tour a cultivated and special experience.

21-02-2024 @ 1:02pm
Best Safari Property Location

Wonderful location with stunning views and convenient access to the park.

21-02-2024 @ 1:02pm
Best Value Safari Property

Best viewing, service, accomodation, guides & passionated owners

21-02-2024 @ 1:01pm
Best Value Safari Property

So good going back in May

V
21-02-2024 @ 12:54pm
Best Value Safari Property

Kafunta River Lodge

V from Portugal
21-02-2024 @ 12:48pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

In harmony with nature

21-02-2024 @ 12:48pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Consistently excellent food crafted by a wonderfully happy team

21-02-2024 @ 12:48pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

All guides were very knowledgeable, capable and proud of their profession, their country and their skills

21-02-2024 @ 12:48pm
Best Safari Property Location

Outstanding!

21-02-2024 @ 12:48pm
Best Value Safari Property

All the staff, accommodation, setting, meals, safari game drives & walking safaris were superb, couldn't ask for anything more.

21-02-2024 @ 12:37pm
Best Value Safari Property

Kafunta Safaris first class food accommodation and guides

V from United Kingdom
21-02-2024 @ 12:22pm
Best Value Safari Property

6

21-02-2024 @ 12:21pm
Best Value Safari Property

Great experience

21-02-2024 @ 12:20pm
Best Value Safari Property

Kafunta Safaris

SH from Germany
21-02-2024 @ 12:13pm
Best Value Safari Property

Kafunta Safari Lodge, Zambia.

V
21-02-2024 @ 12:12pm
Best Safari Property Location

If you a lover of nature and animals best place.

21-02-2024 @ 12:12pm
Best Value Safari Property

Absolutely stunning - nothing compares to holding a chilled G&T while sitting in a hot tub fed by a natural hot spring and watching wallowing hippos just below - sheer safari magic!

V
21-02-2024 @ 12:06pm
Best Value Safari Property

My experience was amazing ????

21-02-2024 @ 11:38am
Best Value Safari Property

I have safari drive

21-02-2024 @ 11:06am
Best Safari Guiding Team

Oh my, we had the best of the best here. Very deep knowledge of fauna and flora from the mightiest to the tiniest.

FT
15-01-2020 @ 4:16am
Best Safari Cuisine

Outstanding food and drinks. Bar included, food like that in a fine restaurant.

FT
15-01-2020 @ 4:14am
Best Community Focused Safari Property

Fully involved in community, including promoting community products and helping educate the local people.

FT
15-01-2020 @ 4:13am
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Natural setting, no need for air conditioning and light use of electricity

FT
15-01-2020 @ 4:12am
Best Value Safari Property

Great rates, all inclusive

FT
15-01-2020 @ 4:11am
Best Safari Property Location

In a wonderful friendly country and a site abounding in wildlife

FT
15-01-2020 @ 4:10am
Additional Comments

we have travelled a lot but never we had the feeling of coming home . This is how we felt there at the moment we arrived and we still feel the same , so we will come back. We also arranged a charity ,repeated

BH from Austria
13-01-2020 @ 6:46am
Best Safari Property Design

everything you need , you will find here the best place to calm down i have ever experienced

BH from Austria
13-01-2020 @ 6:36am
Best Safari Property Location

where human meets animal without border, without fence , in peace and in harmony in untouched nature

BH from Austria
13-01-2020 @ 6:33am
Best Safari Guiding Team

Martin and his spotter were a brilliant team both day and night.

NB
11-01-2020 @ 4:37am
Best Safari Cuisine

The food that gets produced at Kafunta, Island Camp and Three Rivers is amazing. Considering much of it is produced in bush kitchens it is a credit to Ron and Anke and the local chefs.

NB
11-01-2020 @ 4:36am
Best Community Focused Safari Property

Ron and Anke Cowen support the local community by being one of the main sponsors of Project Luangwa, the local Football team in which their son plays in and also by employing local people from Mfuwe.

NB
11-01-2020 @ 4:34am
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Anke and Ron Cowen are trying their hardest to make the least impact on the wildlife yet still provide a memorable experience for their guests.

NB
11-01-2020 @ 4:32am
Best Value Safari Property

Value for money is great as everything is included, and for a full African Safari experience with brilliant accommodation and food it is hard to beat for value.

NB
11-01-2020 @ 4:30am
Best Safari Property Design

The new decking and observation deck where you can have all your meals means that you can still watch game while you are dining.

NB
11-01-2020 @ 4:28am
Best Safari Property Location

As Kafunta is located by the main waterhole on the Luangwa river during the summer you don't have to go looking for game it comes to you !!

NB
11-01-2020 @ 4:27am
Best Safari Guiding Team

Abel found Wild dogs for us!

SF
11-01-2020 @ 3:26am

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