Anantara is heading deeper into the African wilderness with the arrival of Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River, the brand’s first tented safari camp and its first property of this kind in Zambia.
Now open for reservations, the 13-key camp sits within Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s largest protected areas, at a time when long-term efforts by the Government of Zambia and African Parks are helping to restore its ecosystems and wildlife populations.
The Kafue River is central to the experience. The camp has access to almost seven metres of river frontage shared only with the wildlife, while its buildings have been raised on timber platforms at least 3.5 metres above ground. This allows animals to continue moving through the landscape while giving guests clear views across the river.
Wildlife in the park includes hippos, elephants, large predators and antelope, alongside more than 500 recorded bird species. Guests can explore the area on traditional game drives as well as from the water, with river safaris, guided walks, bush picnics and catch-and-release fishing among the activities offered.
Designed by Meg Ralph Spaces, the camp has already been recognised by the LIV Hospitality Design Awards. Its construction and operation place an emphasis on reducing its impact on the surrounding environment. Prefabricated structures allowed existing trees to remain in place, while the property runs entirely on solar power and uses on-site water purification, bottling and treatment. Single-use plastics have been eliminated from the outset, and soft red lighting is used after dark to limit disruption to nocturnal wildlife.
The accommodation ranges from villas with private pools to three rather unusual suites suspended high above the landscape. The Horizon Terrace Suites sit 14.3 metres above ground, making them the highest suites in Zambia, and are reached by glass elevator. Each has an upper-level star bed and a large private deck.
Nine Pool and Bush Villas come with private plunge pools and indoor spa rooms, while the 400-square-metre Presidential Villa adds elevated river views, exclusive boat access and its own private spa zone. Dedicated hosts are on hand across all villa categories to arrange dining, activities and wellness experiences.
Meals are designed to move beyond the confines of a conventional restaurant. A floating pontoon on the Kafue River can be used for dawn breakfasts, afternoon tea and sunset dinners, putting guests directly above the water. Elsewhere, Luzuba Harvestry and Twalumba Bar & Lounge serve modern Zambian cuisine alongside afternoon tea, cocktails and fireside gatherings.
Those keen to learn more about local food can also take part in Spice Spoons, Anantara’s hands-on cooking experience, with classes focused on Zambian cuisine.
Wellness has similarly been worked into the setting rather than confined to a traditional spa building. Anantara Spa treatments can be arranged in guests’ rooms, while private steam sessions are available within the suites and villas—something the hotel describes as unique in Zambia.
Even the gym takes to the water. A floating Technogym fitness platform anchored in the river provides space for private training sessions, yoga and open-air relaxation. Birdwatching and stargazing offer quieter ways to spend time outdoors.
“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,” said Nico Vivier, Regional Director of Operations and Development for Minor Hotels in Africa. “Its location within a major conservation landscape allows us to introduce a new standard of low-impact luxury in Zambia while contributing to the long-term restoration of Kafue National Park.”
Reaching the camp is part of the journey. Private charter flights operate from Livingstone or Lusaka to Chunga airstrip, while guests can also take a short domestic flight from Livingstone. Lusaka International Airport is around four hours away by road.
For Anantara, the camp also marks a significant addition during the hotel brand’s 25th anniversary year. More importantly, its arrival places guests within a vast Zambian wilderness that is undergoing its own gradual recovery—with much of the experience shaped by the river, wildlife and changing landscape around it.
To find out more about Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River, visit the website, call +260 572 960 028 or email kafue@anantara.com