Sleeping over the winding Kafue River, Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp redefines what it means to escape into nature in April 2026
Opening in April 2026, this intimate Zambian retreat isn’t just another safari lodge. It’s a meditation on space, silence, and connection. Set within Kafue National Park, the country’s oldest and largest reserve, the camp hovers 3.5 metres above ground on rosewood timber platforms, allowing wildlife to roam freely below and the river’s rhythm to flow uninterrupted.
Every detail honours the land, from the eco-conscious elevation to the way the morning mist curls through its open corridors. Here, the wilderness doesn’t whisper; it hums, sings, and breathes around you.
Living Among the Treetops
With only ten villas and three Horizon Terrace Suites, exclusivity feels effortless. Each suite opens to sweeping river views, lantern-lit paths, and the untamed beauty of Zambia’s landscape. South Africa’s MRS studio brings a design language of balance — combining mid-century accents, organic materials, and local craftsmanship. The result is a tranquil blend of modern design and cultural authenticity .
Guests wake to the gentle sounds of lions calling in the distance or elephants moving quietly past the deck. Outdoor showers, sliding walls, and open-air layouts blur the line between wilderness and luxury. And for those seeking something even more private, the 400-square-metre Presidential Villa offers a sanctuary within a sanctuary — complete with its own boat dock, plunge pool, and the quiet drama of the Zambian sky.
Flavours from the River and Beyond
At the heart of the experience lies Anantara’s culinary philosophy — one that celebrates abundance, sustainability, and local tradition. Dining here is as theatrical as it is soulful. Mornings bring oven-fresh pastries and tropical fruit, while evenings unfold with African-inspired dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Think grilled river fish, game meats, and cocktails infused with botanicals foraged from nearby plains.
As dusk descends, guests gather by the fire for stories and stargazing, the air filled with the scent of woodsmoke and the sound of drums. The traditional African boma experience — a circle of warmth and laughter beneath an infinite sky — captures the very essence of connection and culture .
Wellness, Wild Hearts, and the Open Sky
Wellness at Kafue River isn’t confined to a spa room. It lives in the stillness of dawn yoga, the hush of the forest, and the stars mirrored in the river at night. Treatments draw inspiration from nature’s rhythm, while private spa spaces in each villa promise solitude and serenity.
Adventure seekers will find equal magic in the park’s wild expanse. Expert trackers guide guests through game drives, river safaris, and canoe excursions. Watch hippos rise at sunset, crocodiles bask on the banks, and eagles trace the horizon — each moment an intimate encounter with Africa’s oldest heartbeat.
The Art of Conscious Travel
Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp isn’t about checking out from reality — it’s about checking in with it. It’s a place that celebrates slowness, presence, and preservation. By lifting its structure above the floodplain, Anantara has achieved something extraordinary: a luxurious retreat that gives back to the land, both aesthetically and ecologically.
This is luxury untamed — raw yet refined, wild yet deeply human. Click here to explore more.
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