Kafunta River Lodge is set in riverside forest on the banks of the Luangwa River, with South Luangwa National Park at the other side of the river. Kafunta River Lodge is a safari lodge offering all the creature comforts in a wildlife environment, along with a high standard of personal service and great attention to detail.
The eight ensuite (with shower) private chalets are built on raised wooden under a high thatched roof. Each has a private verandah with stunning views. There are also two larger 'suite' rooms (not on stilts) which have an upper viewing deck and can be converted into triples for families. These have larger bathrooms with shower and bath. All rooms have a mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities and electric fans.
In the centre of Kafunta River Lodge is the spacious bar and dining area with a large deck. Built around a semi-evergreen wild mango tree and thatched in the traditional style, it offers panoramic views over the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park.
Great game viewing and bird watching from the lodge is pretty well guaranteed. The park is home to over 420 species of birds and over 60 species of mammals. It is renowned for its high population of leopards, elephants, hippos and crocodiles.
Adjacent to the bar is the small pool and the only natural hot spring tub in the Luangwa valley! The unique hot spring tub owes its existence to the fact that Kafunta River Lodge was built on top of a natural hot spring offering a constant temperature of 38 degrees which coincidentally offers stunning views over the flood plains and the Luangwa River.
Five minutes from the Lodge is a pontoon giving access to the more remote areas of South Luangwa National Park over the water (in use from early May to mid-November. At other, wetter times, the main park gate is used).
Kafunta is one of the few owner run places in South Luangwa. Ron and Anke Cowan and their son live here most of the year. They also have a great team working with them, headed by Mario Vos, the charming and friendly manager.
We find that Kafunta offers great value for money, and you can also consider using their Island Bush Camp for a more remote experience after a few nights here.
