Highlights
- Game viewing from lodge
- Pool and natural hot tub
- Private access to South Luangwa
- Kafunta Safaris Portfolio
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Kafunta River Lodge is a comfortable, good-value property situated near the Luangwa River, just beyond the busy main Mfuwe gate of the South Luangwa National Park, eastern Zambia. The lodge is well positioned for access to some of the more remote areas of this popular National Park, and boasts a wealth of recently refurbished facilities, while retaining a friendly and down-to-earth atmosphere, albeit with a more commercial feel than it’s more remote sister property, Island Bush Camp. There’s a pool, spa, geothermal hot tub, and two hides to enjoy, along with exceptional game viewing and bird watching. Sightings of elephants, lions, and leopards are common on game drives, and endless buffalo, antelope, and hippo can be admired from the lodge's elevated position above the floodplains. Open for a relatively long stretch from mid-May to mid-January, the lodge offers great value for money when compared to other camps in the area, and is only a 45-minute drive from Mfuwe airport.
The simple and stylish open-air main area is built around a wild mango tree and houses a lounge and dining space. However, in good weather, evening meals are served communally under the stars on the substantial decking area which overlooks the vast plains and a floodlit waterhole. The camp’s two separate hides allow guests the privilege of ‘up-close’ wildlife viewing, and there’s a fire pit in the centre of a circular, cushioned seating area. Next to the bar is a unique, natural hot tub fed by underground geothermal sources and an infinity pool, spa, and small gym hut are also available. WiFi is accessible throughout.
The accommodation comprises eight standard chalets raised on wooden platforms beneath thatched roofs. Refurbished in 2014, each chalet includes African-inspired décor, twin beds, an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, and a private veranda with views across the floodplains. Beds are covered with walk-in mosquito nets, and ceiling fans go some way to alleviate the intense heat of October and November. A mini-bar, safe, and in-room tea and coffee facilities are also available. In addition, there are two more spacious luxury suites, each featuring double or twin beds and an en-suite bathroom with both shower and stand-alone bath. Both suites boast exclusive viewing decks overlooking the surrounding landscape and its resident wildlife, with the option to sleep out beneath the stars.
Morning activities include game drives into South Luangwa via a river crossing from the lodge's own pontoon, providing access to more remote areas of the park during peak season, and the main gate to the game-rich Mfuwe sector is only a short drive away. Game drives are also offered in the evenings, and while walking safaris are available, these feature more heavily at Kafunta’s more remote sister property, Island Bush Camp. Note that safari activities are shared, and a visit during the rainy season of November to January will limit some wildlife viewing.
Children of 6 years and over are welcome at Kafunta, with the babysitting service and pool making it a considerably more inviting option for families than Island Bush Camp. Note that wildlife is free to roam, and although it is rare for animals to approach humans, parental supervision is essential at all times.
It really was absolutely amazing. Faisal was wonderful (our driver for the majority of the trip) – such a lovely person and made everything feel so easy and relaxed. The whole experience was incredibly well put together and completely seamless from start to finish. The Sahara Desert was definitely the highlight for me – truly unforgettable – but honestly every part of the trip was special.
Mandy S
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 05 May 2026
I just wanted to say thank you so much for organising such an amazing holiday.
We absolutely loved it, even though Jessica was ready to give up walking for good ????
Our guide, Mustafa, was great. Really helpful, friendly and informative.
We loved all the accommodation, and especially the first night and the Riad.
All of the staff at every location were so friendly and helpful.
Thanks again for organising such a great trip.
Rebecca H
reviewing Marrakech & Mountains Family Holiday
on 09 April 2026
Nicola and I had a brilliant time - the weather made it pretty
challenging at times, but Mustafa and Mohammed looked after us
superbly. We loved the variety of scenery and places - as you mention,
the only downside is the rubbish in the villages, such a shame. The
meals that Mohammed drummed up on the hillside tracks were amazing - I
am glad we knew that our mule would eat the leftovers because there was
no way we could finish them! The standard of the breakfasts were far in
excess of the bread and jam you mentioned, even in the basic gite which
was freezing - we were warm once in bed, but the temperature in the
living room was a bit depressing after a very windy descent, sitting
wrapped in coats, hats and blankets while we waited for our dinner! The
sleeping bags provided were excellent and we were toasty with our fleece
liners and an extra blanket. We were very grateful that Mustafa's boss
upgraded us to the eco lodge the next night (don't know whether this was
because of the gale force winds on our descent the day before...) - it
was lovely.We were incredibly lucky with precipitation - although we were walking
in a few inches of snow on day one and it absolutely poured that night,
we experienced no rain during the day until we were lining up for our
farewell photo at our pickup point, when the heavens opened!Due to the weather, I think I'd describe the terrain slightly
differently - a few good paths, but often we were on very stony ground,
slippery wet mud (oh, that clay does stick to one's boots!), slidy thin
gravel or else just making our way down a hill after rain had washed the
original route away. Occasionally we walked short distances on roads,
which Mustafa was apologetic about, but it was hardly the M6! We took
our time and never felt unsafe, but people with dodgy knees or hips
might need to be careful. Mustafa looked after us very carefully in the
high wind gusts (as a sailor, I reckon at least Force 9 - over 50 mph on
a bare hillside), promising Nicola that he wouldn't let her mother blow
away!Although we needed to be back in Marrakech on the fourth night, I think
if I were going again, I would prefer to trek for four days and spend 3
in Marrakech, which I found a bit overwhelming, but this is just
personal taste!Our room in Daar Housnia was lovely, and we appreciated the heating -
the rest of the building is definitely built for summer! There seemed
to be some confusion over our arrival - the manager said we had
originally been booked into the downstairs suite with double bed and
bath in the middle of the room, but that he thought it was more suitable
"for two ladies, not a couple" to upgrade us to exactly the room you had
shown us photos of! The breakfasts were delicious. The wifi was fine
for Nicola's meetings.
Monica S
reviewing Morocco Trek & Marrakech Holiday
on 16 February 2026
It really was absolutely amazing. Faisal was wonderful (our driver for the majority of the trip) – such a lovely person and made everything feel so easy and relaxed. The whole experience was incredibly well put together and completely seamless from start to finish. The Sahara Desert was definitely the highlight for me – truly unforgettable – but honestly every part of the trip was special.
Mandy S
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 05 May 2026
I just wanted to say thank you so much for organising such an amazing holiday.
We absolutely loved it, even though Jessica was ready to give up walking for good ????
Our guide, Mustafa, was great. Really helpful, friendly and informative.
We loved all the accommodation, and especially the first night and the Riad.
All of the staff at every location were so friendly and helpful.
Thanks again for organising such a great trip.
Rebecca H
reviewing Marrakech & Mountains Family Holiday
on 09 April 2026
Nicola and I had a brilliant time - the weather made it pretty
challenging at times, but Mustafa and Mohammed looked after us
superbly. We loved the variety of scenery and places - as you mention,
the only downside is the rubbish in the villages, such a shame. The
meals that Mohammed drummed up on the hillside tracks were amazing - I
am glad we knew that our mule would eat the leftovers because there was
no way we could finish them! The standard of the breakfasts were far in
excess of the bread and jam you mentioned, even in the basic gite which
was freezing - we were warm once in bed, but the temperature in the
living room was a bit depressing after a very windy descent, sitting
wrapped in coats, hats and blankets while we waited for our dinner! The
sleeping bags provided were excellent and we were toasty with our fleece
liners and an extra blanket. We were very grateful that Mustafa's boss
upgraded us to the eco lodge the next night (don't know whether this was
because of the gale force winds on our descent the day before...) - it
was lovely.We were incredibly lucky with precipitation - although we were walking
in a few inches of snow on day one and it absolutely poured that night,
we experienced no rain during the day until we were lining up for our
farewell photo at our pickup point, when the heavens opened!Due to the weather, I think I'd describe the terrain slightly
differently - a few good paths, but often we were on very stony ground,
slippery wet mud (oh, that clay does stick to one's boots!), slidy thin
gravel or else just making our way down a hill after rain had washed the
original route away. Occasionally we walked short distances on roads,
which Mustafa was apologetic about, but it was hardly the M6! We took
our time and never felt unsafe, but people with dodgy knees or hips
might need to be careful. Mustafa looked after us very carefully in the
high wind gusts (as a sailor, I reckon at least Force 9 - over 50 mph on
a bare hillside), promising Nicola that he wouldn't let her mother blow
away!Although we needed to be back in Marrakech on the fourth night, I think
if I were going again, I would prefer to trek for four days and spend 3
in Marrakech, which I found a bit overwhelming, but this is just
personal taste!Our room in Daar Housnia was lovely, and we appreciated the heating -
the rest of the building is definitely built for summer! There seemed
to be some confusion over our arrival - the manager said we had
originally been booked into the downstairs suite with double bed and
bath in the middle of the room, but that he thought it was more suitable
"for two ladies, not a couple" to upgrade us to exactly the room you had
shown us photos of! The breakfasts were delicious. The wifi was fine
for Nicola's meetings.
Monica S
reviewing Morocco Trek & Marrakech Holiday
on 16 February 2026
We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!
The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.
I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.
The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.
All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).
From my seven-year-old son:
I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.
In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.
Henry O
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 05 June 2025
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 2024
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 01 March 2024
Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”
Lars B
reviewing Best of South Africa for Families
on 01 March 2024
We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.
Claudia L
reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday
on 11 January 2024
