Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River has opened in Zambia’s Kafue National Park as the luxury hotel brand’s first tented safari camp.
Set beside the Kafue River between two islands, the intimate property has 13 elevated suites and villas, with timber platforms designed to let wildlife continue moving beneath the camp. Solar power, water purified and bottled on site, and the removal of single-use plastics shape its approach to low-impact hospitality.
The July 2026 opening brings Anantara’s private-pool accommodation, dining and wellness style into one of Africa’s largest national parks. Guests can explore by boat or private 4×4, then return for spa treatments, dinner over the river or an evening beneath the stars.
A new safari camp for Anantara
Operated by Minor Hotels, Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River took three years to develop and marks a new direction for the Anantara brand in Africa. Meg Ralph Spaces designed the camp, which has received recognition from the LIV Hospitality Design Awards.
“Three years in the making, Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River is a significant step in our expansion across Africa and reflects the shared vision of the Government of Zambia, African Parks and Anantara,” Nico Vivier, Regional Director of Operations and Development for Minor Hotels in Africa, said in the opening announcement.
He said that being located within a major conservation landscape would let the company bring low-impact luxury to Zambia while also helping with the park’s long-term restoration.
Elevated above the Kafue River
The camp is built on timber platforms that sit at least 3.5 metres above ground level, leaving open passage for animals below the accommodation and communal areas. Prefabricated structures helped the development team keep existing trees in place, while soft red lighting at night is meant to reduce disturbance to nocturnal wildlife.
Villas sit among river foliage, while the highest suites rise into the treetops with private decks and upper-level star beds. Selected accommodation is reached by boat, keeping the Kafue River at the centre of the arrival experience.
Suites, villas and private pools
The nine Pool Villas at Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River offer private plunge pools and indoor spa rooms, giving couples secluded space for treatments and quiet afternoons between safari activities. Dedicated hosts can arrange dining, wellness sessions and excursions throughout each stay.
The camp’s three Horizon Terrace Suites are 46-square-metre treetop retreats suspended 14.3 metres above the ground and reached by glass elevator. Minor Hotels describes them as the highest suites in Zambia. Expansive decks and open-air star beds make these the strongest choice for travellers who value height and wide views over private pools.
The 400-square-metre Presidential Villa is the camp’s biggest residence, offering elevated views over the river together with private boat access and its own spa area. The villa is suited to longer celebrations or guests seeking a more self-contained safari stay.
The camp welcomes guests aged over 12.
Safari by land and water
Kafue National Park covers 22,400 square kilometres in western Zambia and was proclaimed in 1950, making it the country’s oldest national park. According to African Parks, its wildlife includes elephants, wild dogs, cheetahs, lions, numerous antelope species and more than 500 recorded bird species.
Anantara’s safari programme has four Land Cruisers and four boats, so itineraries can shift between woodland, plains and the river. Guests can choose from private game drives, safaris on the river, guided walks, bush picnics, catch-and-release fishing, birdwatching and stargazing.
Land and water activities allow guests to experience different parts of the park. Morning game drives can be followed by an afternoon boat journey, while guided walks offer a slower look at the park’s plants, tracks and smaller wildlife.
Dining over the river and private wellness
A floating pontoon on the Kafue River offers dawn breakfasts, afternoon tea and sunset dinners on the water. Luzuba Harvestry, the camp’s main restaurant, serves modern Zambian cuisine, while Twalumba Bar & Lounge offers cocktails, afternoon tea and fireside gatherings.
Guests can learn regional recipes through Spice Spoons cooking classes or eat around a traditional African boma. Private Designer Dining experiences can also be arranged in secluded settings around the camp.
Anantara Spa treatments are delivered in the suites and villas, including private steam sessions. For a more active start to the day, a floating Technogym platform anchored in the river provides space for personal training, yoga and open-air exercise. The property also has a swimming pool, while deck yoga and river cruises offer gentler alternatives.
Solar power and Kafue’s wildlife recovery
Anantara says the camp runs entirely on solar power. Water is purified, treated and bottled on site, and single-use plastics have been eliminated since opening. These operational measures go alongside the raised platforms, retained trees and wildlife-conscious night lighting.
The opening takes place during a wider restoration programme in Kafue National Park. The Government of Zambia and African Parks began a 20-year management partnership in July 2022, focused on biodiversity recovery, community development and tourism.
Approximately 400 Kafue lechwe were reintroduced to the park’s southern sector in 2024, with early monitoring recording successful breeding. In August 2025, wildebeest and zebra were also moved from Liuwa Plain National Park to Kafue as part of efforts to rebuild wildlife populations and restore ecological connections.
Access and opening offers
Guests can reach Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River by private charter from Lusaka or Livingstone to Chunga airstrip, followed by a short transfer or game drive. Anantara can also arrange a charter from Lusaka International Airport, while the overland journey from Lusaka takes about four hours.
Anantara’s current opening offer provides a complimentary fourth night when three nights are booked. It includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, selected premium drinks, two private game drives each day, a 90-minute spa treatment per person and a dedicated Villa Host or Suite Host. Dates, availability and full terms should be checked directly before booking.
