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Kafunta River Lodge

South Luangwa, Zambia

Official rating: 3 out of 5 stars, graded by Zambia Tourism AgencyLodge
Mid-range · How we rate: Explore Africa level, based on the typical lowest nightly rate per person sharing: Value under A$400, Mid-range A$400 to A$899, Luxury A$900 to A$1,799, Ultra-luxury A$1,800 or more.
How we rate

Explore Africa level, based on the typical lowest nightly rate per person sharing: Value under A$400, Mid-range A$400 to A$899, Luxury A$900 to A$1,799, Ultra-luxury A$1,800 or more.

Photo: Kafunta Safaris · Source ↗

All inclusive (AI)

Meals and snacks, Standard drinks and 3 more

10 rooms

Standard Rooms, Luxury Suites

Children 6 and over

Family rooms available

By air

45 min from Mfuwe International Airport

Wi-Fi in rooms

Solar power

From about A$760

per person / night, sharing

Overview

About Kafunta River Lodge

Kafunta River Lodge looks across a wildlife-rich floodplain beside South Luangwa National Park. Eight thatched standard rooms and two larger suites share a lounge, dining decks, an infinity pool and a natural hot tub. Morning game drives and afternoon outings that continue after dark shape the day, with walking safaris arranged for guests aged 12 and over. Between outings, the photographic hide offers another way to watch the waterhole. The suites have loft sleeping space for children. Meals, standard drinks, laundry and airport transfers are included in the standard rate.

“We love the combination of a wildlife-facing hide, day and night drives, and a natural hot tub between outings. It suits travellers who want a comfortable safari base with plenty to watch without leaving the lodge.”
Why we love it · Explore Africa

Best for

PhotographersBirdersFamiliesHoneymooners

Known for

What you can expect to see

ElephantGiraffeLeopardWild dogBirdlife

Floodplain and waterhole views bring elephants, giraffes and birdlife into the lodge experience, with a photographic hide beside the main area.

Your stay

What's included

Board: All inclusive (AI)

Included

  • Meals and snacks
  • Standard drinks
  • Two game-viewing activities per day
  • Laundry
  • Mfuwe airport transfers
  • Game drives
  • Night drives
  • Walking safaris

Not included

  • Park fees

Park fees, bed levies and the Luangwa Conservation and Community Fund levy are charged separately. Together these cost USD 60 per person per night for the 2026 season ending 5 January 2027.

Optional extras (at a cost)

Spa treatments cost extra and require a reservation.

Facilities

Comforts and facilities

At the property

  • Swimming pool
  • Spa
  • Photographic hide
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Viewing deck
  • Wheelchair accessible

In your room

  • Wi-Fi in your room
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Mini bar
  • Tea/coffee station
  • Safe

Rooms

Where you sleep

  • Standard Rooms8 at the property · sleeps 1 child · A small single bed can be added for one child · En-suite bathroom, Private patio, Walk-in mosquito net, Mini-fridge, Tea and coffee facilities, Safe or lock box
  • Luxury Suites2 at the property · sleeps 2 children · One or two optional single beds in the upper loft · En-suite bathroom, Bathtub, Private ground-floor patio, Upstairs balcony, Walk-in mosquito net, Mini-fridge, Tea and coffee facilities, Safe or lock box

Activities

Things to do

Getting there

How you'll arrive

  1. Mfuwe International Airport
  2. 45 min transfer
  3. Kafunta River Lodge
How you arrive
By air · 45 min from Mfuwe International Airport
Transfers
Mfuwe International Airport is a 45-minute drive from the lodge, and airport transfers are included. For self-drive arrivals, the lodge is signposted from Chipata.

Good to know

Before you book

Check-in
From 14:00
Check-out
By 11:00
Children
Ages 6 and over. Family rooms available
Single travellers
A single supplement applies
Dietary needs
Special diets catered for
Power
Solar power
Malaria
Seasonal malaria risk. Ask your doctor about prevention.

When to go

Best time to visit

  1. January: Green season
  2. February: Closed
  3. March: Closed
  4. April: Green season
  5. May: Good
  6. June: Dry season, best game viewing
  7. July: Dry season, best game viewing
  8. August: Dry season, best game viewing
  9. September: Dry season, best game viewing
  10. October: Dry season, best game viewing
  11. November: Green season
  12. December: Green season
  • Dry season, best game viewing
  • Good
  • Green season
  • Closed
Month-by-month notes

Jan

Green season

Wildlife: Open until 5 January, then closed for the remainder of the month during the rains.

Open until 5 January, then closed for the remainder of the month during the rains.

Feb

Closed

Closed for the rainy season.

Mar

Closed

Closed for the rainy season.

Apr

Green season

Wildlife: Reopens on 1 April with green scenery and lingering rain.

Reopens on 1 April with green scenery and lingering rain.

May

Good

Wildlife: Cooler conditions and green scenery; thick bush makes predators harder to spot.

Cooler conditions and green scenery; thick bush makes predators harder to spot.

Jun

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: The peak safari period begins as the bush thins and wildlife gathers around water.

The peak safari period begins as the bush thins and wildlife gathers around water.

Jul

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Peak game viewing season.

Peak game viewing season.

Aug

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Peak game viewing season.

Peak game viewing season.

Sep

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Dry conditions concentrate wildlife around water sources.

Dry conditions concentrate wildlife around water sources.

Oct

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Best time for big-game viewing.

Best time for big-game viewing.

Nov

Green season

Wildlife: The wet season begins and animals disperse as water becomes widely available.

The wet season begins and animals disperse as water becomes widely available.

Dec

Green season

Wildlife: Warm, wet conditions and lush vegetation.

Warm, wet conditions and lush vegetation.

How we judge each month
  • Dry season, best game viewingAmong this property's strongest months for conditions, access and key experiences.
  • GoodVery favourable conditions for this property and its key experiences.A generally good time to stay, with some normal seasonal compromises.
  • Green seasonWorkable for specific priorities, with notable seasonal compromises.The property operates, but seasonal conditions bring substantial trade-offs.
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Details checked November 2026. Rates and availability are confirmed when you enquire.