Kafunta River Lodge
Kafunta River Lodge overlooks a lagoon off the main Luangwa River, just outside the central Mfuwe sector of South Luangwa National Park.
Kafunta is a well-run property that offers good value for money with access to the game-rich Mfuwe region of the park. The lodge feels very established and is not adventurous, but has lovely views out over a seasonal lagoon and water hole where birds and animals congregate. Kafunta is a great place to begin a Luangwa safari, and we often recommend it in combination with a more exclusive experience deeper into the bush. Management and staff are very friendly and efficient and the atmosphere in camp is relaxed.
Rooms
The lodge accommodates a maximum of 26 guests in eight twin bedded chalets (twin beds can be converted to a double) and two suites. The chalets are built on raised wooden platforms under a thatched roof, with cool stone floors, en suite facilities (include double vanity and shower) and a small private balcony. The suites are larger with an upstairs lounge area (which can be converted into a sleeping area for a child) leading on to a viewing deck where a sleepout can be set up. Suites also have larger bathrooms with a bathtub as well as shower. Both suites have been made wheel-chair friendly.
Central Areas
The central areas consist of a spacious bar and dining area, built around a semi-evergreen wild mango tree. Next to the bar area is a swimming pool and unique natural hot tub built on the site of a natural hot spring. There is also a small massage centre, gym and a treehouse viewing platform a short distance from camp, where lunches may be served.
Sunset House
The latest addition to Kafunta is Sunset House – an exclusive use house ideal for families and friends. The property comprises two separate units built of stone walls with gauze mesh windows and canvas roof. The main unit has two large en suite bedrooms sharing a central lounge, while the second adjacent unit houses a third en suite bedroom. Each bedroom has a sitting area with a day bed that can be converted to a third bed if required, taking the capacity for Sunset House to a maximum of nine guests. The house has its own private pool and extensive deck with outdoor relaxing and dining areas and a sunken fire pit and comes with a private guide and vehicle.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for charging – Yes
Swimming pool – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
The Luangwa Valley is one of Africa’s most scenic and game-rich National Parks. Forming part of the southern end of the Great Rift Valley, the wide valley floor is about 1,000ft lower than the surrounding plateau and through the centre flows the Luangwa River which is fed by dozens of sand rivers during the rainy season, causing it to become a raging torrent. It frequently alters its course from season to season, causing many ox-bow lakes to form. These lakes are very important to the ecology of the valley and account for the high carrying capacity of the park.
Elephant, although slightly smaller than their southern African savannah counterparts, are plentiful, as are buffalo (in huge herds), kudu, waterbuck, puku, impala, bushbuck, warthog, and reedbuck. Thornicrofts giraffe (endemic to the region) are commonly seen and the Cookson’s wildebeest can be seen in the northern sector of the park. Along the river hippo can be seen in their hundreds, in the late dry season packed into ever decreasing water pools, whilst huge crocs laze on the many sand banks. However, the park is perhaps best known for its predator populations, in particular lion and leopard, the latter of which are seen regularly by day and at night. Wild dogs have made a good comeback in the park in recent years and are often sighted.
Night drives can also be very productive, with nocturnal species such as civet, genet, honey badger, white-tailed mongoose, African wild cat, spotted hyaena and porcupine regularly seen in addition to the many superb leopard sightings.
The birdlife of the Luangwa is equally exceptional, with over half of the total Zambia species (around 700) being recorded here. Commonly sighted species include crowned crane, carmine- and white-fronted bee-eaters (which nest in the banks of the river from late August onwards), Lilian’s lovebird, purple-crested turaco, paradise whydah, striped kingfisher and the impressive saddlebill storks. Pel’s fishing are also regularly seen.
Activities
Game viewing activities include both day and night game drives by open four-wheel drive vehicles. Kafunta has its own pontoon 5 minutes from the lodge and this adventurous river crossing takes you into the South Luangwa National Park for game viewing activities (usually available mid_may through to early November when water levels are lower). Guided walks are also available but, as this is dependent on the availability of a scout, it cannot always be arranged at short notice. There is also a photographic wildlife hide underneath the deck at the main guest area. A visit to the local village or various local community projects may also be arranged.
Seasons
Kafunta is open from April to early January though game viewing will be best from July to October.
Kafunta River Lodge accepts children from six years old and is generally very suitable for families. The main lodge has a swimming pool and while there are no dedicated two-bedroomed family accommodation options, children are accommodated on extra beds within standard rooms and suites. Sunset House is a fabulous option for families wanting exclusive space and offers flexible accommodation and includes private activities.
Kafunta is a founding member of Project Luangwa which is a local charity formed by the safari operators of South Luangwa as a part of their commitment to responsible tourism. The aim is to ensure that tourism in the area benefits the nearby communities, helping them improve their economic prospects and education programmes whilst avoiding a negative impact on their natural environment. They offer both financial and practical support. Through the daily Luangwa Conservation and Community Fund (LCCF) levy, which is charged to each booking, guests are also supporting their efforts.
They also support Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) who focus on human and wildlife conflict and anti poaching through the LCCF levy, grading roads for the team to access remote areas as well as assistance with fuel and camp lodgings when needed. Staff members also take part in the CSL annual 10 kilometre conservation fun run and sports day which promotes conservation within the Mfuwe community.
They are heavily involved in the Mfuwe sport association, a football league which has grown to involve various other sports involving hundreds of boys and girls. As well as organising tournaments, they have assisted with the building of a football field and its facilities. One of their managers, Wilson Malambo, assists in the operation of the sport league.
Like many today, Kafunta do what they can to establish a cleaner environment and support local initiatives which recycle/upcycle glass and plastic. Plastics are taken to Mfuwe EcoBricks who collect waste plastic to make the bricks which may then be used in the building basic structures. The glass goes to The Glass Recycling Workshop which gathers used glass bottles from nearby lodges and residents to produce various products, anything from drinking glasses and platters to jewellery. Guests staying at Kafunta River Lodge are able to visit Tribe and Tribal Textiles who sell the glassware and give 10% of the profit from sales to the Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust (CWET) who teach children about conservation.
