Anantara Opens Its First African Safari Camp on Zambia's Kafue River

Anantara has opened Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River, its first safari property in Africa, on the banks of the Kafue River inside Zambia's largest national park. The 13-key camp, three years in the making and timed with Anantara's 25th anniversary, sits elevated on rosewood platforms to keep wildlife corridors open. Lead-in rates start from USD 6,300 per room per night for two guests, inclusive of full board, premium drinks, twice-daily game drives, butler service and one 90-minute spa treatment per person per stay.

What makes the rooms different?

Nine Pool and Bush Villas of about 115 square metres sit 3.5 metres above the ground with heated plunge pools and indoor massage rooms facing the river. Three Horizon Terrace Suites of about 110 square metres hang 14.3 metres up, reached by a glass elevator, with a star bed for sleepouts and a private Green Egg BBQ on the lower terrace. The Presidential Villa stretches to about 400 square metres with boat access and a large entertaining deck. Anantara says the camp is the only lodge in Zambia elevated 3.5 metres for corridor protection, and that the Horizon suites are the highest guestrooms in the country.

How does the safari and dining work?

Zambian guides lead twice-daily game drives into Kafue National Park, where African Parks has partnered with the government since 2022 on security, fire management and wildlife returns, including Kafue lechwe in 2024 and a large wildebeest and zebra translocation in 2025. River safaris, bush picnics and catch-and-release fishing are on the menu without the crowd pressure of more famous parks. Designer Dining puts a floating pontoon on the river for breakfasts, afternoon tea and sunset wine for up to four guests arriving by boat. Luzuba Harvestry covers modern Zambian classics under the trees; Twalumba Bar & Lounge handles afternoon tea and fireside drinks after the drive.

Where does wellness fit?

Every suite and villa has an indoor massage room, and Anantara Spa treatments run in-room rather than in a shared spa block. A floating Technogym platform sits on the river with sliding doors, an outdoor yoga deck and a swing facing the water. The full-size pool, birdwatching and stargazing round out a stay that treats recovery as seriously as the game drive. Design is by Meg Ralph Spaces, with solar power, on-site water purification and a light footprint that earned LIV Hospitality Design Awards recognition.

How do you get there, and when should you go?

Private charters fly from Livingstone or Lusaka to Chunga airstrip; Lusaka International Airport is about a four-hour drive with private transfers available. December through March is the green season, cooler and quieter, with migratory birds and wildlife drawn to water. Guests who already know Anantara's Asian wilderness style from Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort get a first African chapter here: fewer keys, higher rates, and a park still early in its rewilding story. Book Horizon if the height and star bed are the point; book a Pool Villa if you want the plunge pool closer to the riverbank.