They are saying nothing price having comes simple, and that might actually apply to attending to Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River in Zambia. After an 11-hour flight, adopted by one other two-hour hop by airplane, and a five-hour automobile journey (the resort will quickly get its personal personal airstrip), our 4×4 slowly rolled into camp after the solar had set, leaving it wrapped in darkness. Fortunately, glowing lights illuminated the pathway to a non-public villa, the place we’d keep for 2 days.
Within the morning, mild touched the encompassing panorama, proudly revealing the place we had landed up and the tranquillity of the gently flowing Kafue River close by. The camp itself, which had been beneath development for 3 years earlier than opening in September 2026, is elevated three metres above the bottom on a sequence of stilts, its numerous components related by winding walkways. Forward lies a slice of the 1,576km river, the place elephants, hippos and crocodiles cool off.
With monkeys enjoying outdoors, eagles and kingfishers calling, and a mom elephant and her calf casually grazing on the entrance to the camp, the journey was nicely definitely worth the effort.
Wallpaper* checks in at Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River
What’s in your doorstep?
Luxurious lodge group Anantara, finest recognized in Zambia for Anantara The Royal Livingstone at Victoria Falls, launched the tented camp as a method of making a extra sustainable safari expertise. Nevertheless, the thread that runs by means of all the keep is its adaptability. That is achieved predominantly by means of a villa host – a devoted member of the staff who ensures friends’ itinerary runs easily, from bringing early-morning cappuccinos to escorting you to the safari space.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Anantara)
Begin the day simply after daybreak with a 4×4 safari by means of Kafue Nationwide Park. The rangers, charming and educated, establish and level out camouflaged wildlife, from uncommon birds and leopards to elephants and warthogs. Get pleasure from espresso and selfmade biscuits alongside the way in which, earlier than returning to the camp for breakfast. Should you favor being on the water, a river safari is an extremely calming strategy to begin or finish the day. Right here, recognizing a hippo within the Kafue River is as simple as seeing a cow within the English countryside. Resist any urge to take a dip, nonetheless, because the native wildlife shouldn’t be accommodating of the informal swimmer.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River)
One notice: pack lengthy trousers and long-sleeved tops to assist forestall insect bites, and keep away from blue and black – the pesky tsetse fly’s favorite colors.
Who’s behind the design?
The interiors of the villas, suites and primary reception and eating space are tactile, vibrant and playful. Meg Ralph, founding father of her namesake design studio primarily based in South Africa, spearheaded the design and steered away from any clichéd game-park interiors – assume animal prints and British colonial touches.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Anantara)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Anantara)
As an alternative, she targeted on the summary. Wall hangings that resemble a recognisable giraffe print are shaped from clusters of geometric shapes; fringed items dangle from the partitions, totally integrating ornament into the inside; and enormous tables show fastidiously chosen books that spotlight the area’s craftsmanship. Curved wicker lights anchor the house, performing as each sculptural and useful components.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Anantara)
The room to guide
The camp contains ten Kafue Pool Villas and three Horizon Terrace Suites. The previous are set alongside a winding walkway, every named after a local tree. On the entrance, there may be house for sneakers, umbrellas and blankets, in addition to an Instax Mini digicam, free to make use of throughout your keep. Inside, the house really unfolds. Glass sliding doorways kind the façade going through the river, providing uninterrupted views. The residing space to the precise is beneficiant, with a fridge and a espresso machine stocked and prepared. To the left are a big mattress, a walk-in wardrobe and a desk.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River)
Additional into the villa, there’s a dressing desk, and a built-in spa suite for remedies from the consolation of your room. The lavatory options a big central tub, whereas double sinks overlook the terrace outdoors. The bathe doubles as a sauna and steam room, preferrred for unwinding. Exterior, you will see an outside bathe, a plunge pool, a seating space and a kitchen, giving friends the choice to dine at their villa at any time.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River)
The Horizon Terrace Suite looks like staying amid the tree cover. Elevated 14.3 metres above the bottom, it’s accessed through a glass carry and affords 360-degree views of the river and park – a perspective hardly ever present in a safari camp.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Anantara)
Staying for drinks and dinner?
The meals is impressed by the setting, however might be tailored to your preferences. There’s the primary eating space, Luzuba Harvestry, or you possibly can take pleasure in meals within the consolation of your villa. Much less standard are a sunken pontoon floating in the course of the river, for a extra intimate expertise, and the prospect to sip a mojito or a gin and tonic made with native 1964 Gin out within the bush.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Anantara)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Anantara)
The place to change off
The riverside location is embraced all through the design of the camp and even feeds into the gymnasium. Absolutely geared up with Technogym tools, the health suite floats on the water, overlooking the encompassing wildlife – the primary of its variety in Africa.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Anantara)
The suites, with their personal spa areas, are excellent for having fun with a therapeutic massage or facial therapy and really unwinding. Nevertheless, a spotlight of the journey was having fun with a refreshing mocktail on the finish of the day, sitting in deep chairs round three big fireplace pits in the primary resort space. It’s an attractive strategy to share tales and get to know fellow travellers.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Anantara)
The decision
Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River goals to set a benchmark for eco-tourism, with the setting on the forefront of its design. What holds the camp collectively, although, is the hospitality – care and attentiveness sit at its coronary heart, whereas kindness radiates all through.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Anantara)
Stays begin from £5,500 per room per evening primarily based on two individuals sharing a set on full board, premium drinks, recreation drives and therapeutic massage remedies. anantara.com
