d through thoughtful design and a close relationship with nature.
Designed by Meg Ralph Spaces, the camp has received recognition from the LIV Hospitality Design Awards. Its contemporary approach includes solar power, on-site water purification and minimal single-use plastics.
Charcoal and canvas exteriors draw inspiration from the colours of the bush. Inside, sculpted wood and natural textiles reflect Zambia’s beauty and cultural heritage.
The structures are also designed around large riverine trees, including marulas and jackalberries, allowing the existing landscape to influence the layout.
Across the spacious suites, natural materials, organic curves and calming colours create a sense of connection to the environment. Olive green, terracotta and cobalt blue bring elements of the surrounding landscape into the interiors, while wide views keep the wilderness firmly in focus.
Sleeping above the landscape
The camp’s accommodation takes elevated living to another level, with three distinctive Horizon Terrace Suites suspended 14.3 metres above the ground.
Each suite measures 110 square metres and is accessed by a glass elevator designed to blend into the landscape.
The upper deck is dedicated to open-air living. Here, a star bed offers the opportunity to sleep beneath the night sky. Below, an oversized private terrace provides uninterrupted views from sunrise to sunset, along with a personal Green Egg BBQ.
Both levels offer space for massages, bringing the suite’s elevated setting together with the camp’s focus on personalised wellness.
The nine Pool and Bush Villas offer another form of retreat. Each measures 115 square metres and sits 3.5 metres above the ground on a timber platform. Heated plunge pools overlook the river, while indoor massage rooms provide sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
For guests seeking additional space, the 400-square-metre Presidential Villa is designed for relaxation and poolside entertaining. Elevated 3.5 metres above the river, it includes a dedicated indoor massage area, exclusive boat access and mature trees that shade its spacious deck.
Dedicated villa hosts help arrange bespoke meals, activities and spa bookings. Rather than following a fixed schedule, guests can shape their stay around their own preferences.
Dining on the Kafue River
Dining is another defining part of the Anantara Kafue experience. Meals are included in the stay, and guests can choose the setting that best suits their mood.
One of the camp’s most distinctive experiences is its floating dining platform, part of Anantara’s signature Designer Dining offering.
Anchored gently into the river, the wooden pontoon accommodates up to four guests arriving by boat. Its sunken central lounge creates an intimate setting for breakfast, afternoon tea or sunset wine tasting, with the water and surrounding wilderness close at hand.
The platform also offers a place for stargazing and observing wildlife along the shoreline, where crocodiles and hippos bask.
On land, Luzuba Harvestry serves modern classics beneath a canopy of trees. Twalumba Bar & Lounge provides a welcoming place to return to after a day on safari, with afternoon tea, signature cocktails and fireside storytelling.
Together, these spaces give guests different ways to enjoy the camp, from quiet moments beside the river to relaxed evenings after exploring the park.
Wellness shaped by nature
Wellness is central to the Anantara Kafue concept, extending beyond traditional spa treatments into the surrounding environment.
Guests can enjoy birdwatching, stargazing and swimming in the full-size pool. A floating Technogym fitness platform adds another unusual feature to the property, with sliding doors that open directly towards the landscape.
An outdoor deck provides space for yoga, while a wooden swing sits in a quiet position facing the water.
The Anantara Spa experience can be enjoyed in the privacy of each suite or villa. Options include couples’ rituals, signature massages and local therapies, followed by the comfort of an in-room steam shower.
According to the supplied announcement, this combination of private in-room spa facilities and wellness experiences makes Anantara Kafue the only property in Zambia to offer this distinction.
The emphasis is on flexibility, privacy and the opportunity to enjoy wellness without stepping away from the natural setting.
Rates, opening offers and the Green Season
Lead-in rates start from USD 6,300 per room per night, based on two people sharing a suite.
The rate includes full board, premium beverages, twice-daily game drives, personalised butler service and one 90-minute spa treatment per person, per stay. A selection of exclusive opening offers is also available for a limited time.
From December through March, the Green Season brings flourishing vegetation and an ecosystem that comes alive as migratory bird species arrive and wildlife gathers around abundant water sources.
The period offers cooler temperatures, fewer visitors and photographic opportunities for travellers looking to experience the park during a different season.
Getting to Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River
The camp is located within Kafue National Park in Zambia.
Private charter flights are available from Livingstone or Lusaka to Chunga airstrip. Travellers can also take a short domestic flight from Livingstone to Lusaka. Lusaka International Airport is approximately a four-hour drive from the property, with private road transfers available.
For enquiries and bookings, contact +27 10 003 8979 or email cro.jnb@minorhotels.com.
Further information is available through Anantara Hotels & Resorts.
A new perspective on the African safari
Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River brings together several elements of contemporary luxury travel: distinctive architecture, private accommodation, tailored wellness and access to a landscape undergoing meaningful conservation work.
Its elevated suites and villas offer privacy above the river, while game drives and water-based experiences introduce guests to the wildlife of Kafue National Park. Dining and wellness are woven into the setting, rather than treated as separate from it.
For Anantara, the opening also marks a milestone in its 25-year history, establishing its first safari property on the African continent.
In Kafue, the experience is built around a simple idea: luxury can mean having the space to slow down, look out across the river and experience the wild on its own terms.
About Anantara Hotels & Resorts
Anantara Hotels & Resorts is a luxury hospitality brand that connects travellers with local places, people and stories. Established in 2001, the brand offers Thai-inspired hospitality across more than 50 hotels and resorts in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
Anantara is part of Minor Hotels and participates in Minor DISCOVERY, the unified loyalty programme within GHA DISCOVERY. Visit anantara.com for more information.
About Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group with more than 640 hotels, resorts and branded residences in operation and committed development across 67 countries. Its portfolio includes brands such as Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks and iStay, alongside restaurants, bars, travel experiences and spa and wellness brands.
Minor Hotels is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance. Discover more at minorhotels.com.
