Kafue River Lodge is your reward at the end of your journey into the North-Eastern Kafue. The stretch of the Kafue River where the lodge is located is varied, gentle and favoured by wildlife. The 4 ensuite chalets overlook the river and the sounds of hippo carry clearly across the grounds with the miombo woodland behind camp also playing home to a steady stream of game and birds.
Three reasons to visit Kafue River Lodge:
range of activities & WILDLIFE
Experience the full range of safari activities that provides something for everyone.
BEST GUIDING TEAM IN THE KAFUE
The guiding and management team of Kafue River Lodge are known amongst the best birders and guides in Zambia.
PAIRS WELL WITH THE BUSANGA
Combines seamlessly with our the other camp in the heart of the Busanga Plains
What to expect at Kafue River Lodge
Kafue River Lodge has 4 ensuite chalets and 2 central areas – an open, riverside “fire pit” for starlit dining and early morning coffee and the beautiful main lapa area which is built on a deck over the river offering cool shade and 180 degree river views.
when are open?
1 March – 31 December
NUMBER OF COTTAGES
4 en-ensuite cottages
lodge capacity
Max 4 ppl per cottage
Children policy
All ages
Accommodation: Chalet features & amenities
The Kafue River Lodge cottages have been designed in a way that allows you to settle into this little piece of paradise for an extended stay. Each of the four ensuite chalets consists of two queen beds, a fireplace, freestanding bath, outdoor shower and teak decking. The entire lodge is run on solar power and so there are plugs in the chalets for charging equipment.
Kafue River activities: How you will spend your days
Our game drives take place in the Lunga Luswishi, Kafue National Park and Mushingashi Conservancy. The advantage to the game drives is that one can cover a lot of ground whilst searching for those special sightings. We have good road networks around us which allow a far reach for the drives and covers the diversity of vegetation in our area. Of course, sundowners and coffee stops are mandatory and you may just be surprised with a bush breakfast after the drive has finished.
We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off or end your stay at Kafue River Lodge than a gentle boat cruise. At the beginning of the season, this tends to be more focused on birding and botany but as we move further into winter and the river becomes the primary water source, we do start to have better mammal sightings along the banks of the Kafue. Come September / October, we have experienced some great cat sightings and occasional elephant crossings as many animals go there to escape the heat of the day by the cool water under the foliage of the waterberry trees.
The Kafue offers outstanding fishing for a wide variety of bream species, pike and yellowfish. The stretch of river that we offer is considered by many to be one of the finest along the entire Kafue and anglers of all skill levels can have incredible fun targeting the rapids, rocks and flooded timber with lures, spinners and bait for the numerous fish species on offer.
Our walking safaris typically take place in the Lunga Luswishi. After an early breakfast, we depart from the fire pit on a walking safari. Often we have heard the calls of animals during the night, we follow up on those calls whilst engaging our guests on the smaller wonders of the bush. Walking safaris are very educational, a great opportunity for the guests to really immerse themselves in the bush. The walking safaris are less of a forced march, more of a comfortable, enriching stroll through the bush. We have a tea break along the way and either return to the lodge for brunch or have a surprise feast somewhere in the bush.
Sometimes we begin the cycling trips from the lodge. We also do drop off the guests in the park or to locations around the game management area to embark on their trips. There is a beautiful hot water spring that we often visit where the bush is open – a large dambo surrounded by miombo woodland which creates excellent cycle “territory.” We use fat tyre bicycles and they are very comfortable, especially in the more sandy areas. The cycling is a great opportunity for the guests to indulge in a little physical activity and get the blood going – a welcome change from the sometimes sedentary traditional safari approach!
Where else can you sit in ankle deep water on a sandbar in the Kafue River and enjoy a fabulous lunch watching the incredible birdlife? Or what about a bush dinner – arriving after a game drive at a roaring bonfire with tables lit by candles for you to enjoy a delicious 3 course meal paired with a warm smoky red wine and listen to the animals and birds creating the night ambience. They are not just meals – they are memories and Kafue River Lodge loves mixing up the dining experience for guests.
Travel Logistics: Getting to Kafue River Lodge
Kafue River Lodge is located inside the Lunga Luswishi Game Management Area bordering Kafue National Park (View on google Maps: 14°29,841’S 26°31.206’E). The easiest way of getting to us is to fly to Lusaka, we will then meet you and drive you into camp. Your 2nd option will be more expensive but shorter on travel time – you will fly via charter plane to Hippo Airstrip where we willmeet you and transfer you into camp.
Prefer to drive? Download driving directions for Kafue River Lodge HERE.
See Frequently asked logisticical questions about getting to the Kafue below:
1. Which Airlines currently fly to Zambia?
Emirates via Dubai, Ethiopian Airlines, Airlink, Kenya Airways and Air Tanzania.
2. COVID entry requirements for entry into Zambia?
Simply a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours.
3. COVID exit formalities for Zambia?
Various Lusaka hotels offer overnight testing services to supply you with test results and certificates if needed.
Rates, Inclusions & Exclusions
Fully Inclusive Nightly Rate: From USD 360 pppn
Fully inclusive rate includes:
Park fees, accommodation, all meals, all local drinks, safari activities, bed levies and laundry
Excludes:
Gratuities and external transfers.
