Three years in the making, Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River marks the brand’s first safari property in Africa, pairing contemporary design and immersive wellness with the conservation story unfolding in one of the continent’s great wildernesses.
In Zambia’s Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s largest and least explored protected wildernesses, a new safari retreat is redefining the relationship between luxury and the natural world. Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River, the hospitality brand’s first safari property in Africa, has opened on the banks of the Kafue River, introducing an intimate 13-suite-and-villa escape shaped by its surroundings.
Unveiled in the year Anantara celebrates its 25th anniversary, the camp brings together African modernism, considered architecture and conservation-led experiences. Elevated above the ground to protect wildlife corridors, its structures sit lightly within the landscape, offering guests a front-row perspective on the rhythms of the bush without compromising the environment that makes the experience possible.
A wilderness in recovery
The story of Kafue National Park extends well beyond its remarkable scale. Spanning 22,480 square kilometres, the park is undergoing a significant restoration effort through a partnership between African Parks and the Government of Zambia.
Since 2022, strengthened security, renewed infrastructure and improved fire management have helped establish the conditions for wildlife to flourish. Recent milestones include the reintroduction of Kafue lechwe antelope in 2024 and a major wildlife translocation in 2025, which returned wildebeest and zebra to grasslands where they had long been absent.
For guests, this evolving conservation story adds another dimension to the safari experience. Twice-daily game drives with experienced Zambian guides venture into the park in search of elephants, antelope and large predators, while river safaris, bush picnics and catch-and-release fishing offer alternative ways to experience the ecosystem. With its remote setting and an absence of the crowds found at more established safari destinations, Kafue invites a slower, more considered encounter with the wild.
Architecture that looks to the landscape
Designed by Meg Ralph Spaces, the camp takes a contemporary approach to safari architecture, balancing sculptural interiors with a deliberately light environmental footprint. Solar power, on-site water purification and reduced reliance on single-use plastics reflect a commitment to more responsible hospitality.
Charcoal and canvas exteriors echo the colours of the bush, while sculpted timber, natural textiles and organic forms bring the surrounding landscape indoors. Buildings have been positioned around established riverine trees, including marulas and jackalberries, allowing the natural setting to inform the design rather than simply frame it.
Accommodation ranges from elevated Pool and Bush Villas to the more expansive Horizon Terrace Suites. The three Horizon Terrace Suites, each measuring 110 square metres, sit 14.3 metres above the ground and are reached by a glass elevator. Their upper decks feature star beds for sleeping beneath the African night sky, while private terraces offer uninterrupted views from sunrise to sunset. A personal Green Egg barbecue and space for in-suite wellness treatments add to the sense of privacy.
Nine Pool and Bush Villas, each measuring 115 square metres, feature heated plunge pools overlooking the river and private massage rooms. At 400 square metres, the Presidential Villa offers a more expansive retreat, complete with exclusive boat access, mature trees and a generous deck designed for entertaining. Dedicated villa hosts can arrange personalised meals, activities and spa treatments, allowing each stay to unfold at its own pace.
Dining with the river as a backdrop
Dining at Anantara Kafue is as closely connected to the landscape as its architecture. Included meals allow guests to move between settings according to their preferences, with the camp’s signature Designer Dining experience offering one of its most distinctive options.
A wooden pontoon, anchored on the Kafue River and reached by boat, creates an intimate setting for breakfast, afternoon tea or sunset wine tasting. Its sunken central lounge brings guests close to the water, with the surrounding riverbanks providing a natural backdrop for observing the wildlife that gathers along the shore.
On land, Luzuba Harvestry serves contemporary interpretations of local and international classics beneath a canopy of trees. Twalumba Bar & Lounge offers a place to return to after a day in the bush, with afternoon tea, signature cocktails and fireside storytelling rounding out the experience.
Wellness, elevated by nature
Wellness is central to the camp’s approach, extending beyond the traditional safari itinerary. Guests can enjoy Anantara Spa treatments in the privacy of their accommodation, from signature massages to couples’ rituals and locally inspired therapies. In-suite steam showers provide a restorative finish, while the elevated setting brings the sights and sounds of the river into the experience.
A floating Technogym fitness platform offers another unusual way to connect with the surroundings. Anchored on the river, it features sliding doors that open towards the landscape, alongside an outdoor yoga deck and a wooden swing positioned to face the water. Birdwatching, stargazing and time spent beside the camp’s full-size swimming pool offer quieter alternatives for those looking to slow down.
The result is a safari experience that places restoration and relaxation alongside exploration, with the natural world shaping both the setting and the pace of each day.
Planning a stay
Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River is located within Kafue National Park in Zambia, with private charter flights available from Livingstone or Lusaka to Chunga airstrip. Road transfers from Lusaka International Airport are also possible, taking approximately four hours.
Lead-in rates start from US$6,300 per room per night, based on two people sharing a suite. Rates include full board, premium beverages, twice-daily game drives, personalised butler service and one 90-minute spa treatment per person, per stay. A selection of opening offers is also available.
The green season, from December through March, brings lush vegetation, migratory birdlife and abundant water sources, creating compelling opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. For travellers seeking a safari that combines thoughtful design with a deeper connection to conservation, Anantara Kafue offers a fresh perspective on Zambia’s extraordinary wilderness.
