Anantara opens its first African safari camp on Zambia’s Kafue River

Set within Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s least explored wildernesses, the 13-key camp sits on rosewood platforms 3.5 metres above the Kafue River and boasts rates inclusive of game drives, full board, butler service and spa treatments

Anantara has opened its first safari property in Africa – a 13-key tented camp on the banks of the Kafue River in Kafue National Park, Zambia‘s largest national park and one of the continent’s least explored wilderness areas.

The camp is the only lodge in Zambia built elevated above the ground, set on rosewood platforms 3.5 metres over the river to protect wildlife corridors running beneath. Structures are built around existing riverine trees, with charcoal and canvas exteriors designed by Meg Ralph Spaces, recognised with a LIV Hospitality Design Award. Interiors are composed of natural materials, organic curves and a palette drawn from the landscape: olive green, terracotta and cobalt blue. Solar power, on-site water purification and minimal single-use plastics keep the camp’s footprint light.

Suites

The three Horizon Terrace Suites are the camp’s signature accommodation, suspended 14.3 metres above the ground – the highest guestrooms in Zambia – and accessed by a glass elevator. Each 110-square-metre suite has an open-air upper deck with a star bed for overnight sleepouts, and a private terrace below with uninterrupted sunrise-to-sunset views and a personal Green Egg BBQ.

The nine Pool and Bush Villas sit 3.5 metres above the ground on timber platforms, each spanning 115 square metres with a heated plunge pool overlooking the river and an indoor massage room. The Presidential Villa covers 400 square metres with dedicated boat access, exclusive villa hosts and poolside entertaining space over the river.

Every suite and villa includes an in-room massage room, making the lodge the only one in Zambia offering in-suite spa treatments as standard. A floating Technogym fitness platform anchored on the river has sliding doors opening directly to the water, an outdoor deck for yoga and a riverside swing.

Dining

Dining is also included in the rate. The camp’s signature experience is a floating wooden pontoon anchored on the Kafue River, seating up to four guests who arrive by boat. Its sunken conversation pit sits almost at water level for an unobstructed view of the river’s crocodiles and hippos. Luzuba Harvestry serves modern classics beneath a canopy of trees; Twalumba Bar & Lounge hosts afternoon tea, cocktails and fireside storytelling after game drives.

Safari

Wildlife access is organised around twice-daily game drives into the national park, along with river safaris, bush picnics and catch-and-release fishing. The surrounding park is undergoing a significant rewilding program in partnership with African Parks and the Government of Zambia: since 2022, restored security and infrastructure have supported the reintroduction of Kafue lechwe antelope in 2024 and Zambia’s largest wildlife translocation in 2025, returning wildebeest and zebra to grasslands across the park’s 22,480-square-kilometre expanse.

The details

Rates start from US$6,300 per room per night for two guests, inclusive of full board, premium beverages, twice-daily game drives, butler service and one 90-minute spa treatment per person per stay. The camp is accessed by private charter flight from Livingstone or Lusaka to Chunga airstrip. anantara.com