Anantara's New Elevated Safari Camp Brings Immersive Wilderness Luxury to Zambia

A New Chapter in Zambia’s Safari Experience

Set to open its doors in April 2026, Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp inaugurates a unique approach to luxury safari lodging by offering an elevated, tented sanctuary perched above the wilderness along the vital Kafue River. Embedded within Kafue National Park—Zambia’s largest and oldest wildlife reserve—this innovative camp promises to merge high-end comfort with close contact to one of Africa’s richest ecosystems.

Rising 3.5 meters above the ground on rosewood timber platforms, the camp respects the delicate rhythms of the environment. This design allows seasonal water flows and wildlife movement beneath, reflecting a harmonious coexistence with nature rather than intrusion.

Exclusive Eco-Chic Accommodation in the Tree Canopy

The camp features just ten luxurious villas and three Horizon Terrace Suites, each crafted to immerse guests in the sights and sounds of the African savannah. These suites are linked by lantern-lit paths and oriented for panoramic river views. With sliding walls, outdoor showers, and open layouts, guests experience intimate connections to their surroundings while enjoying the attentiveness of dedicated butlers.

Designed by South Africa’s MRS studio, interiors reflect cultural authenticity blended with contemporary elegance—locally sourced materials and organic textures interplay with mid-century accents inspired by the river's natural palette. The three Horizon Terrace Suites elevate 14 meters above the forest floor, offering open-air daybeds and private terraces for an unparalleled sunrise and wildlife viewing experience.

The nine Pool Villas span 115 square meters, essentially open-air playgrounds designed for relaxation with a private deck and pool, perfect for cooling off after afternoon game drives. At the pinnacle of exclusivity, the Presidential Villa offers 400 square meters of space, privacy, and comfort, including sweeping river vistas, a private boat dock, and an oversized plunge pool. Optionally, it can be combined with a neighboring villa to create a lavish Two Bedroom Presidential Villa of 515 square meters.

Flavors of Zambia Served with a View

Dining at the camp is steeped in Afro-centric tradition, showcasing the richness of local ingredients sourced sustainably from the river and plains. The main restaurant, set beneath a leafy canopy, treats guests to oven-fresh pastries and local fruits, paired with hearty breakfast options that open the day with river views.

As the sun sets, menus evolve into contemporary takes on African classics, with fresh-caught fish and game at the core of evening fare. Smart cocktail selections accompany the riverside bar experience. Beyond meals, the camp offers a cozy lounge for tea or cigars and a fireside traditional African boma space that invites storytelling, music, and community bonding under the stars. For an unforgettable touch, guests can arrange private bush dinners beneath the open sky.

Wellness and Stillness Amid Untamed Beauty

The wellness philosophy here embraces the surrounding wilderness. With the clear, unpolluted night sky illuminating constellations, evening stargazing becomes its own serenity ritual. Spa treatments are offered with privacy in mind, featuring dedicated wellness areas in the Pool and Presidential Villas designed to soothe and recharge. Activities like guided yoga sessions, full-size swimming pool laps, and gym workouts blend tranquility with vitality, all while tuned to the gentle lapping of the river below.

Tailored Safari Adventures in Kafue National Park

The camp opens a gateway to Kafue National Park’s vast landscapes, allowing expert trackers to customize every safari based on season and guest interests. From night drives to riverbank picnics and luxury camping, the experiences can be as adventurous or as leisurely as desired.

Water-based explorations utilize private riverboats on the Kafue River, drifting past crocodile-basking sandbanks, playful otters, and surfacing hippos. Canoeing and fishing deepen guests’ connection to this vibrant aquatic ecosystem.

On land, guided game drives traverse varied terrain in search of antelope, buffalo, lions, and other iconic species. Birdwatchers delight as more than 500 bird species inhabit the park, including soaring dark chanting goshawks and the nimble African jacana, all visible from private decks or out in the field.

Location and Accessibility

Located deep within Kafue National Park, the camp is accessible via the nearby town of Livingstone by road or short flight, with Lusaka International Airport approximately a three-hour drive away.

Prices and Inclusions

Background: The Importance of Kafue National Park in African Safari Tourism

Kafue National Park holds a distinguished place as one of Africa’s largest and most pristine wildlife reserves. Its diverse landscapes of wetlands, woodlands, and savannas support significant biodiversity, making it a jewel of Zambia’s natural heritage. Historically, the park has been a cornerstone for sustainable wildlife conservation and eco-tourism in the region, offering visitors a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur and the rhythms of wild Africa.

Safari tourism here evolved from traditional big-game hunts to conservation-oriented wildlife viewing, offering education and recreation while supporting local economies. The expansion of exclusive lodges and eco-friendly camps like this new tented sanctuary reflects a growing global appetite for authentic wilderness experiences paired with exceptional luxury.

A Look Ahead: The Role of Inspired Eco-Luxury in International Tourism

In an era when travelers increasingly seek meaningful connections with nature—and demand sustainable, culturally sensitive experiences—the launch of elevated safari camps represents a significant trend in global tourism. Integrating eco-conscious architecture, immersive wildlife encounters, and wellness-focused services, such ventures aim to enrich guest experience while preserving fragile environments.

Such developments can invigorate regional tourism economies and promote responsible stewardship of natural resources, setting new benchmarks for blending luxury with ecological mindfulness. As interest in adventure, cultural authenticity, and nature-based tourism continues to grow worldwide, destinations like Kafue stand to gain prominence on the international stage.

Discover More on Water and Wilderness Adventures

For those enchanted by the prospect of African safaris intertwined with the serenity of river vistas and the thrill of wildlife viewing, this new tented camp sets an inspiring precedent. Combining exclusive accommodations, rich culinary traditions, wellness retreats, and bespoke safari activities, it encapsulates the essence of modern luxury in the wild.

For travelers dreaming of chartering a yacht or sailing boat in nearby waters or exploring clearwaters and marinas after a day on safari, platforms like GetBoat.com offer access to an international marketplace for renting sailing yachts and boats—catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets and perfectly complementing land-based adventures with sea-bound exploration. Whether it’s casting a line for fishing or cruising the coastal gulf, the dual experiences of land and water promise unforgettable memories in some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.