The camp at Konkamoya is simply stunning. The main lapa is perfectly positioned on the shore of Lake Itezhi – Tezhi, in the southern area of the unspoilt Kafue National Park. In the language of Nianja, Konkamoya translates to 'Follow the wind,' and with the lovely breeze that blows off the lake here, a stay at Konkamoya is all about embracing nature.
There are just four tents, resulting in guests being guaranteed an intimate and exclusive safari experience.
The area's lakeside location, as well as teak and mopane woodland, means that birding here is simply incredible. Land and water mix into one, providing the soundtrack for the day, accompanied by fishermen and a variety of wildlife that awaits.
Transfers from Lusaka, Livingstone and other lodges in the Kafue National Park can be arranged by car or with a private aircraft (8 seats plus the pilots). The Ngoma Airstripe is only 20 minutes driving from the lodge. Rates from 400 USD, full board and full activities, included bed levy and park fees.
Konkamoya is the only lodge on the Itezhi Tezhi Lake in the South Kafue National Park. Guests don't even have to leave camp to see some wonderful wildlife. Puku, Impala, Bush buck, Mongooses, Vervet Monkeys and Elephants are all frequent visitors. Thanks to the backgrounds of the proprietors the menu includes Italian cooking. Not to be missed our famous Aardvark Expedition (after dinner) and a visit to the nearby Elephant Orphanage of the David Shepard's Foundation.
The lodge is in a remote and truly wild area of the park. During the safaris it's very rare to meet other vehicles. It's normally to drive off the beaten tracks and enjoy night drives to spot the elusive nocturnal like Aardvarks and carnivores.
Konkamoya Lodge - Itezhi Tezhi, South Kafue National Park Zambia
GPS S15°52'054" E25°52'980"
(tel. +260 0962841364 www.konkamoya.com – info@konkamoya.com)
www.facebook.com/Konkamoya-Lodge-155597847843270
Transfers from Lusaka, Livingstone and other lodges in the Kafue National Park can be arranged by car or with a private aircraft (8 seats plus the pilots). The Ngoma Airstripe is only 20 minutes driving from the lodge.
Activities are conducted by a certificated guide on a brand new and confortable, open top vehicle. Game and night drives, walking safaris, hot springs and aardvark expedition, Elephant Orphange experience, flying camps on request.
BBC Wildlife Magazine has published their ‘5 best safari destinations’, which includes Kafue National Park, Zambia. According to Wildlife Magazine, in Kafue, ‘night drives bag leopard sightings galore, and lions here are renowned for their tree-climbing prowess. Elsewhere, rivers are lumpy with hippos and crocs, while the forests around them host Pel’s fishing owls.’
Pristine wilderness
In north west Zambia, The Kafue National Park is understated by so many, but now, tourists are starting to see what the fuss is all about and justifiably so. Kafue is vast, covering around 22,000kmsq making it one of the largest parks in Africa; but unlike many tourist destinations, Kafue is still untouched with its pristine wilderness and stunning landscapes teeming with game and a diversity of bird species.
Epic diversity
The flora and fauna of Kafue is incredibly diverse. There is such a wide variety of game, plants, birds, trees and fish all to be found in one National Park. Boasting 500 different species of bird including bee eaters, kingfishers, wattled cranes, saddle billed stalks, Pel’s fishing owl, African fin-foot, goliath heron, hornbills, vultures and eagles, which pleasingly makes your bird list become quite extensive! With 500 species to look out for it will be difficult to put your binoculars down!
There are also 20 different species of antelope in the park ranging from puku, bushbuck and impala to sable, roan, sitatunga, blue duiker, reedbuck and oribi. With all these antelope on offer, of course there is also big game such as lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dogs as well as the more elusive hunters, genets, servals and honey badgers. The list goes on, and to top off these sightings is the fact that the landscapes are equally stunning with huge open plains at Nanzhila combined with dambos, teak and Miombo forests, and Lake Itehi Tezhi.
The Kafue River and the Itezhi Tezhi Lake
The Kafue River follows a course of approximately 960 kilometres and plays a large role in Zambia’s eco- system, supporting the wildlife of the national park, as well as being a source of water for farmers, irrigation and hydroelectric power. The river’s source is in the Congo and it is the largest and longest river lying entirely within Zambia. The Kafue is a major tributary to the Zambezi River, which it joins in Chirundu at the Zambia Zimbabwe border.
Just like it’s National Park, the Kafue river is also very diverse with areas that are fast flowing, mighty and gentle rapids and slower, more mild sections with sandy banks where you can find nesting bee eaters, pods of hippos, basking crocodiles as well as monitors and otters. Fish eagles call and soar overhead, whilst kingfishers and herons make the most of the abundance of fish in the water.
Exclusivity
Wherever you go in Kafue National Park, you feel as though you are the only people there. The remote nature of the lodges combined with the vastness of the park allow you to feel completely at one with nature and privileged to be enjoying such wilderness. Every part of the park boasts secluded areas for that exclusive safari experience.
