Anantara opens a stilted safari camp along Zambia’s Kafue River
Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River opened in September 2026 after three years of construction. The property is elevated on stilts above the riverbank, where guests can see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, and birds. It offers 4x4 safaris in Kafue National Park and assigns each villa a host to coordinate itineraries and services.
Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River opened in September 2026 after three years of building. Its villas and shared spaces sit three metres up from the bank on supports, joined by curving paths. The camp overlooks part of the 1,576km Kafue River, where elephants, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys and birds are often visible.
Guests can join 4x4 drives in Kafue National Park or gentler river outings. A dedicated villa host organises schedules and services, from morning coffee to safari transfers. South African designer Meg Ralph created the interiors, steering away from typical game-lodge motifs. Visitors are advised to wear long sleeves and trousers, and avoid blue or black, which attract tsetse flies.
The opening may bring more international visitors and jobs to a remote Zambian region, affecting local communities, guides, hospitality workers, and conservation efforts. It could also increase pressure on Kafue’s ecosystems if visitor numbers rise, making responsible management important. Travellers seeking luxury nature experiences may benefit, while nearby residents may see economic opportunities and changing land use.