Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River: Off-Grid, On-Cloud 9 Floating Wellness & Elevated Suites
Three years in the making, Anantara has opened its first dedicated tented camp in Africa on the banks of the Kafue River. Distinct from the brand’s established Royal Livingstone and Mozambique island resorts, this 13-key sanctuary features architecture suspended above wildlife corridors, floating wellness platforms, and immersive conservation experiences—marking a new chapter for the brand as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The air on the Kafue River does not just smell of water and wild grass; it smells of time returning. For decades, this vast expanse of Zambia’s largest national park was a quiet giant, largely overlooked by global tourism while its ecosystems faced pressure. Today, it is waking up. And at the heart of this renaissance stands Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River, a sanctuary that refuses to choose between luxury and landscape, instead letting one elevate the other.
A Sanctuary Built on Rosewood and Respect
To call Anantara Kafue “elevated” is an understatement. It is the only lodge in Zambia raised entirely off the ground. Perched three meters above the earth on rosewood platforms, the camp is designed with a light footprint that respects the wildlife corridors below. This architectural humility allows elephants, hippos, and antelope to move freely beneath the guest suites, creating a sense of coexistence rather than intrusion.
The design, crafted by Meg Ralph Spaces and honored with top LIV Hospitality Design Awards, embodies “African modernism.” Charcoal canvas exteriors blend seamlessly into the bush tones, while sculpted wood and natural textiles echo Zambian heritage. There are no harsh angles here; structures curve around ancient Marula and Jackalberry trees, their branches threading through decks like living pillars. Interiors breathe with organic colors—olive green, terracotta, and cobalt blue—pulled directly from the surrounding floodplains.
The Highest Guestrooms in Zambia
If the main camp floats, the signature Horizon Terrace Suites soar. These three 110-square-meter sanctuaries hang 14.3 meters above the ground, accessible via a glass elevator that seems to dissolve into the sky.
Inside, the experience is split between two worlds. The upper deck is dedicated to open-air living, featuring a star bed for sleepouts under some of the clearest night skies in Africa. Below, an oversized private terrace offers uninterrupted sunrise-to-sunset views, complete with a personal Green Egg BBQ. It is high-altitude safari living, where the horizon is not just seen but inhabited.
For those who prefer immersion over elevation, the nine Pool and Bush Villas offer a different intimacy. Rising 3.5 meters on timber platforms, each 115-square-meter villa features heated plunge pools overlooking the river and indoor massage rooms with sweeping water views. At the pinnacle sits the 400-square-meter Presidential Villa, a sprawling retreat over the river with exclusive boat access and mature trees shading its deck. Here, there is no schedule—only villa hosts ready to curate meals, spa rituals, and adventures at the guest’s whim.
Dining on the Water’s Edge
At Anantara Kafue, meals are not just included; they are destinations. The standout is the floating pontoon dining platform, anchored gently into the river current. Reached by boat, this slick wooden structure sits almost at water level, featuring a sunken central lounge reminiscent of a conversation pit.
Imagine sipping sunset wine tastings or sharing intimate breakfasts while crocodiles bask on nearby shores and hippos grunt in the distance. The experience is cocooned yet utterly exposed to nature. Back on land, Luzuba Harvestry serves modern classics beneath a tree canopy, while Twalumba Bar & Lounge invites guests back from safari for fireside storytelling and signature cocktails.
Wellness That Flows With the River
Wellness here is not confined to a spa building. It is on the water. Anantara Kafue boasts a unique floating Technogym fitness platform, its sliding doors opening directly onto the river landscape. Yoga flows onto outdoor decks, and a wooden swing hangs in quiet spots facing the water.
In-villa treatments are standard, with every suite and villa featuring a dedicated massage room and steam shower—a rare distinction in Zambia. Whether it is couples’ rituals or local therapies, the spa experience is shaped by the rhythm of the river, reinforcing the camp’s philosophy that true luxury is unhurried.
The Rewilding of a Giant
The lodge’s location is its greatest asset. Kafue National Park, spanning 22,480 km², is undergoing one of Africa’s great restoration stories. Through a partnership between African Parks and the Government of Zambia, security has been strengthened, infrastructure rebuilt, and fire management improved.
The results are visible. In 2024, Kafue lechwe antelope were reintroduced. In 2025, Zambia’s largest wildlife translocation brought wildebeest and zebra back to long-quiet grasslands. Guests at Anantara Kafue witness this renewal firsthand. Twice-daily game drives led by experienced Zambian guides track predators and elephants across the floodplains, while calm river safaris and catch-and-release fishing offer perspectives free from safari crowds.
Planning Your Journey
Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River is accessible via private charter flights from Livingstone or Lusaka to Chunga airstrip, or by a four-hour road transfer from Lusaka International Airport.
Lead-in rates start from USD 6,300 per room per night, inclusive of full board, premium beverages, twice-daily game drives, personalized butler service, and one 90-minute spa treatment per person, per stay. Exclusive opening offers are available for a limited time.
From December through March, the Green Season transforms the park. Vegetation flourishes, migratory birds arrive, and wildlife gathers around abundant water sources. It is cooler, quieter, and arguably the most photogenic time to visit.
For Anantara, marking its 25th anniversary, this camp is more than a hotel. It is a statement that the future of African luxury lies in seclusion, sustainability, and the profound privilege of watching a wilderness heal.
