Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River Unveils a Lodge in One of Africa’s Last Great Wildernesses in Zambia
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Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River Pool Villa
October 7, 2026: Three years in the making, Anantara unveils Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River, its first safari property in Africa, in the same year it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The intimate 13‑key camp embodies African modernism through clean lines, materials shaped by hand and landscape‑informed design, forming an off‑the‑grid sanctuary on the Kafue River in Zambia’s largest national park. By placing wellness on equal footing with conservation‑focused safari experiences developed in partnership with African Parks, the lodge reshapes expectations of what a modern safari experience can offer.
Travelers are rewarded with absolute seclusion and a slower rhythm on the banks of one of the country’s most vital waterways. The only lodge in Zambia elevated 11.5 feet above the ground, Anantara Kafue is set on rosewood platforms to protect essential wildlife corridors, with private river frontage offering uninterrupted views of a thriving wilderness where hippos, elephants, large predators, antelope and more than 500 bird species flourish.
Africa’s Great Restoration Story: The Rewilding of Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s least explored wildernesses, is entering a new phase of renewal through African Parks’ partnership with the Government of Zambia. Since 2022, strengthened security, rebuilt infrastructure and improved fire management have laid the foundations for wildlife to return across its 8,680-square-mile expanse. These efforts have enabled landmark restoration milestones, from the reintroduction of Kafue lechwe antelope in 2024 to Zambia’s largest wildlife translocation in 2025, which brought wildebeest and zebra back to long quiet grasslands. For Anantara Kafue guests, the park’s transformation into a thriving, resilient ecosystem becomes an essential part of the experience. Experienced Zambian guides lead twice daily game drives into Kafue National Park to follow predators, elephants and antelope across the floodplains, while calm river safaris, bush picnics and catch-and-release fishing offer a different perspective, without any safari crowds.
A New Vision for Luxury Safari Design
Designed by Meg Ralph Spaces and honored with top LIV Hospitality Design Awards, the camp embraces a contemporary, light footprint, running on solar power with on site water purification and minimal single use plastics. Charcoal and canvas exteriors echo the tones of the bush, while sculpted wood and natural textiles reflect Zambia’s beauty and cultural heritage. Structures are built around large riverine trees, such as Marulas and Jackalberries. Spacious suites positioned for horizon wide views and calming interiors are shaped by natural materials and organic curves and colors such as olive green, terracotta and cobalt blue, taken from the landscape.
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The Highest Guestrooms in Zambia
The camp’s signature feature, the three 1,184-square-foot Horizon Terrace Suites, are suspended 47 feet above the ground and accessed by a glass elevator that dissolves into the landscape. The upper deck is dedicated to open‑air living, with a star bed for sleep-outs beneath the night sky. Below, an oversized private terrace extends the experience with uninterrupted sunrise‑to‑sunset views and a personal Green Egg BBQ. With ample room for massages on both floors and a design that elevates outlook, Horizon Terrace Suites marry high‑altitude safari with bespoke wellness.
Nine 1,238-square-foot Pool and Bush Villas rise 11.5 feet above the ground on timber platforms, each one a grand tented sanctuary immersed in the landscape. Heated plunge pools overlook the river, while an indoor massage room with sweeping river views anchors the villa’s wellness focus. At 4,306 square feet, the spacious Presidential Villa is designed for poolside entertaining and relaxation 11.5 feet over the river, complete with a dedicated indoor massage zone, exclusive boat access and mature trees shading a spacious deck. Dedicated villa hosts are on hand for bespoke meals, activities, spa bookings as there is no set schedule here.
One-of-a-Kind Pontoon Dining on the Kafue River
At Anantara Kafue, meals are included as part of the stay, with guests free to dine at the venue that suits their mood. As part of the brand’s signature Designer Dining experience, a floating platform anchored gently into the river hosts intimate breakfasts, afternoon tea and sunset wine tasting. Seating up to four guests who arrive by boat, the slick wooden pontoon sits almost at water level. Its sunken central lounge, reminiscent of a conversation pit, creates a cocooned space for dining, stargazing and unobtrusive wildlife observation as crocodiles and hippos bask along the shores. Other dining experiences celebrate the gastronomic richness of Zambia, from Luzuba Harvestry’s modern classics beneath a canopy of trees to Twalumba Bar & Lounge, where guests return from safari to afternoon tea, signature cocktails and fireside storytelling.
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In-Villa and Floating Wellness Experiences
Wellness, a core part of the Anantara Kafue experience, is shaped by nature, from birdwatching and stargazing to laps in the full size pool. The one-of-a-kind floating Technogym fitness platform is anchored on the river with sliding doors that open directly to the landscape, an outdoor deck for yoga and a wooden swing positioned in a quiet spot facing the water. Anantara Spa treatments, from couples’ rituals and signature massages to local therapies, can be enjoyed in the seclusion of a massage room in each suite or villa, followed by the in room steam shower. It’s a rare distinction that makes Anantara Kafue the only property in Zambia to offer such an experience.
Lead-in rates start from USD 6,300 per room per night, based on two people sharing a suite and inclusive of full board, premium beverages, twice-daily game drives, personalized butler service and one 90-minute spa treatment per person, per stay. For a limited time, guests can also discover a selection of exclusive opening offers. From December through March, the vegetation flourishes and the entire ecosystem comes alive, offering a tranquil escape as migratory bird species arrive and wildlife gathers around abundant water sources. The Green Season offers cooler temperatures, fewer visitors, and incredible photographic opportunities.
Anantara Kafue is located within Kafue National Park, with private charter flights available from Livingstone or Lusaka to Chunga airstrip. The camp can also be reached by short domestic flight from Livingstone to Lusaka. Lusaka International Airport is a four‑hour drive from the property, with private road transfers available.
A luxury hospitality brand for modern travelers, Anantara Hotels & Resorts connects guests to genuine places, people and stories in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. Each Anantara embraces the surroundings and culture of its destination, creating unforgettable memories for every guest since 2001.
From city to sea and desert to jungle, Anantara delivers heartfelt, Thai-inspired hospitality at its over 50 hotels and resorts across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
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Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with more than 640 hotels, resorts and branded residences in operation and committed development across 67 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks, and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.
Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognizes its guests through one unified loyalty program, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.
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