#Zambia Tourism – #KafuntaSafaris News

(Posted 28th October 2023)

Dear ATCNews Readers!

October is almost over; I cannot believe it. And the end of October means (intense heat, yes, but that wasn’t what I had in mind) the end of our peak safari season and the closing of our two remote camps, Three Rivers and Island Bush Camps. It’s unbelievable that we’re already at that time.

About the heat… with the thermometer often reaching 40 degrees Celsius or 100 Fahrenheit, it’s no understatement to say that it’s scorching. But the first bits of rain have arrived, and we hope more will follow soon to give South Luangwa some respite.

Luke and Tara arrived at Kafunta in early September, and it’s lovely for the Cowan family to reunite here for such a long time. There is a lot to catch up on after months of travelling around the world, and before the end of their gap year brings them back to Australia.

And it’s great to have Luke and Tara mingle with guests and visit the bush camps, too.

Busy Promoting Zambia

Zeitgeist Zambia

In September, I was delighted to be one of the few Zambian safari operators invited to Austria by Voss DMC, Classic Zambia and Pinto Africa. We had an incredible three-day gathering with 20 top travel agents and tour operators from Germany, Switzerland and Holland.

In addition to soaking in the stunning landscape, perfect weather, and early morning hikes, we showcased what makes Zambia truly unique. It was a fresh take on business networking, giving us ample quality time with everyone, all this in the relaxed atmosphere of the family-owned Tirolerhof in Ehrwald.

Africa’s Eden & Zambia Reconnect

At about the same time, Ritta was busy representing Kafunta Safaris at Africa’s Eden regional show held in Lusaka – where she met with local Zambian travel agents and tour operators.

In late November, Anke will be in Livingstone at the annual Africa’s Eden trade show, expecting to have one-on-one meetings with 40 worldwide African specialists, while I will head to the UK for the first edition of our Zambia Reconnect roadshow. I will be joined by Zambian Ground Handlers and a fine selection of independent safari operators from Zambia’s top destinations.

Wrapping Up Camps

So yes, in only a few days, both Three Rivers and Island will close after another fantastic season. The feedback from our guests has been excellent, and the game viewing up to par. Here are two Trip Advisor posts that just came in! Our mission is to create unforgettable experiences, and guest feedback inspires us to continue raising the bar. So, thank you to all of you who have taken the time to write in our guest books or post on platforms such as Trip Advisor or Google (and if you haven’t yet, please do so ?).

I’ll take this opportunity to thank our fantastic staff (not just at the camps, but to the entire Kafunta team). Your hard work, dedication, and passion for what you do are the driving forces behind these outstanding reviews. Together, you make dreams come true for our guests!

Island Bush Camp

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Three Rivers Camp

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Wildlife At Our Doorstep

We know that South Luangwa abounds with wildlife and a great diversity of it too. But what is even more remarkable is that this magnificent wildlife can roam freely in and out of the park – there are no fences surrounding national parks in Zambia. As a result, you’re very likely to encounter wild animals right at the lodge or camp! And we love that!

I started the newsletter with a photo of guests watching a group of elephants from Kafunta’s pool. And there’s more…

Below, at the lodge: lions on a kill in front of a chalet, and giraffes often come to drink

Elephants and wild dogs at the lodge, and elephants at Three Rivers

Leopard at Three Rivers, and a bit down the road a beautiful male lion.

Community & Conservation News

20th Anniversary Online Auction

Conservation South Luangwa is wrapping up its big anniversary celebrations with a bang!

You have until the 5th of November to seize the opportunity to bid on over 25 amazing auction lots in this original online auction jointly hosted by CSL and Dazzle Africa.

Why not try this out?

The goal is to place a winning bid on the auction items that catch your eye. You’ll receive a notification if another bidder surpasses you, and you’ll only be charged if your bid prevails. It’s a fantastic way to help CSL continue their work of protecting the wildlife and habitats of South Luangwa.

Among the auction items are stays at Kafunta River Lodge and a variety of other lodges and camps, as well as smaller artisanal and photographic items.

Check out the auction lots and start bidding

Design a House Competition

Project Luangwa is looking for your help! If you are a designer, an architect or simply the creative type, this is for you with a chance to win a safari stay at Mfuwe Lodge & Flatdogs Camp.

PL is busy with the newly started construction of Mfuwe’s JK Centre of Excellence & Sports. This centre will include teacher housing, and this is where your creativity and engineering skills are needed: create a design to turn four shipping containers into a 2 x bedroom/bathroom accommodation with an open-plan kitchen and an ‘as large-as-possible’ living area. Contact Project Luangwa for containers & stipulation details and to submit your design (deadline Nov 15).

Bupe’s Gifted Recovery

Little Bupe is thriving after 2 weeks in the care of Chipembele’s Animal Rehabilitation facility, under the watchful eye of his keeper Matthew from Game Rangers International.

Bupe was found alone, thin, scared and injured, with no sign of his herd. He was rescued by CSL’s team and brought to CWET until his condition is stable. He will then be transferred to GRI’s Elephant Nursery in Lusaka.

Learn more about Chipembele and Game Rangers International if you would like to know how you can support this important work and help provide care for vulnerable animals in the Luangwa Valley.

Here are more photos, courtesy of Steve Tolan (CWET), of Bupe’s rescue on 9th October. Bupe means gift, and his rescue is a joint effort by the Department of National Parks & Wildlife, CSL, CWET and Lion Camp (who spotted the elephant), and Game Rangers International. We are extremely lucky to have such dedicated and experienced teams in Zambia who can make this happen. They all need your support!

Guest Safari Snapshots

I can’t end a newsletter, even a long one, without featuring a few of our guests’ photos. So, let me make room for these and enjoy some awe-inspiring moments.

Thanks for tuning in to this newsletter. I hope I didn’t take up too much of your time.

While our bush camps are winding down, our season isn’t over just yet! The Sunset House will be ready to host its first guests in a couple of weeks and will remain open, alongside the main lodge, until January 5th.

If you’re eyeing a festive season safari, we still have a few spots available. Or if you’re planning for a 2024 vacation, it’s time to contact Ritta and book your slot.

Till next time,

Izzy and the Kafunta Safaris team

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Betty’s Global Fame

From Kafunta to Australia, read how Betty finds her smiling face on the front cover a global newspaper.

Meet our Safari Guides

We recently had a series of posts on social called “Introducing Kafunta’s Staff”. We thought you may enjoy watching this particular capsule with our safari guides. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more like these.

Watch here

NEW – The Sunset House

The Sunset House welcomes its first guests in a couple of weeks. Discover the latest on our new family & friends exclusive accommodation, promising a tailored safari experience with private services and activities.

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#Zambia Tourism – #KafuntaSafaris News

Like this:

Jinja / Uganda airfield to be closed until October 2025

Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) urges African leaders and the international community to fulfill their commitments to climate justice

TravelComments.com – SANParks: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park adjusts shop hours for stocktaking in late November 2024!

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#Zambia Tourism – #KafuntaSafaris News

Share this:

Like this:

Jinja / Uganda airfield to be closed until October 2025

Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) urges African leaders and the international community to fulfill their commitments to climate justice

TravelComments.com – SANParks: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park adjusts shop hours for stocktaking in late November 2024!

TravelComments.com – Zambia: Proflight Zambia signed its first interline ticketing agreement with a European airline partner!

Subscribe to this blog via email