Minor Hotels has welcomed the arrival of Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River, the brand’s first tented safari camp and a key milestone in Anantara’s 25th anniversary year. The new 13-key camp is located within Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s largest protected areas, supporting the Government and African Parks’ long-term ecological restoration in Zambia.
With access to almost seven metres of river frontage shared only with the resident wildlife, Anantara Kafue is Zambia’s only lodge elevated at least 3.5 metres above the ground, raised on timber platforms to maintain wildlife movement providing uninterrupted views of the Kafue River. Its opening coincides with wildlife restoration initiatives and a steadily recovering wilderness where hippos, elephants, large predators, antelope and over 500 bird species flourish. Guests will experience this transformation through land and water activities such as game drives, river safaris, guided walks, bush picnics and catch-and-release fishing.
Designed by Meg Ralph Spaces and recognised with LIV Hospitality Design Awards, the camp follows a lowimpact, contemporary approach, operating entirely on solar power, using onsite water purification bottling and treatment, and eliminating singleuse plastics from the start. The use of prefabricated structures preserves all existing trees, and soft red lighting is employed at night to minimise disturbance to nocturnal wildlife.
Anantara Kafue’s signature accommodation, the three Horizon Terrace Suites, are the highest suites in Zambia, each suspended 14.3 metres above the ground and accessed by a glass elevator, with upper-level star beds and expansive decks. Guests staying in one of the nine Pool and Bush Villas enjoy private plunge pools and dedicated indoor spa rooms, while the 400-square-metre Presidential Villa is designed to offer elevated river views, exclusive boat access and a private spa zone. All villas are supported by dedicated hosts for dining, activities and wellness arrangements.
Dining is integrated into the stay, with travellers enjoying unlimited flexibility. The camp’s signature floating pontoon on the river hosts dawn breakfasts, afternoon tea and sunset dinners above the water, while Luzuba Harvestry and Twalumba Bar & Lounge offer modern Zambian cuisine, afternoon tea, cocktails and fireside gatherings. Spice Spoons provides handson Zambian cooking classes for further immersion.
In-nature wellness is key to the experience, with the full range of Anantara Spa treatments available in-room, complemented by steam sessions in the privacy of one’s suite or villa, a distinction unique in Zambia. A fully equipped floating Technogym fitness platform anchored in the river offers private training, yoga and openair relaxation, alongside nature-based activities such as birdwatching and stargazing.
“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.”
