Dear all!
The last weeks and months have just passed so quickly for us here at Kafunta, so busy that we were with the renovation of the lodge, and the preparation for opening. The new 2019 season is now here and it is time for our first newsletter!
Since early January, and in just 3 months, a team of over 100 workers braved the rains and floods to turn Kafunta River Lodge around, bringing it to new and higher standards! Under the thorough supervision of Ron and Anke, Levy, TJ and Anelle, the renovation works went very smoothly and we’re delighted with the results! We think it is the very best Kafunta has ever looked. We reopened the lodge on 02 April, and can’t wait to receive feedback from new and return guests alike.
We’re waiting for the professional photos taken shortly after Easter by Patrick Bentley, but in the meantime we’re sharing here a few of our own photos to give you an idea of the major changes.
The layout of the lodge and floorpans of the rooms remain the same. Instead we worked on the details, the walls, the floors, the style and the overall feel to bring a fresher look and more up to date design, especially in the bar & lounge where everything has changed except for the warm and laid-back atmosphere that is characteristic of Kafunta. The lounge is larger, with more seating, new floors, new bar counter, new lights and furniture. All the guest rooms also have a new fresh look and upgraded bathrooms.
We want to say a heartfelt thank you to Gillie Lightfoot of Lightfoot Zambia for her artistic vision and for her instrumental assistance in advising, decorating and sourcing furniture and ornaments. Gillie’s distinctive and creative touch and style are definitely what makes the lodge so beautiful today.
Warm. Simple. Organic. Fresh. Soft. Comfy.
We thanked our staff with a small party and more recently we had a little get-together with our friends and neighbors of the Luangwa Valley. But now we look forward to welcoming each and every one of our guests and hope to see happy smiles on their faces in appreciation of the new décor.
Visiting friends
Back during the rains, and over the summer holidays in Australia, Luke was able to join Anke and Ron for a longer stay at Kafunta. He brought along two close friends from Perth, to show them what is "Africa" home was like and have them experience the wild surroundings he grew up in.
For Tara & Lauren, it was a first trip to the African continent, and although used to the outbacks of Australia, it was a whole new experience of wilderness. One that they thoroughly enjoyed as part of the Cowan family, with the full effect of the green season in Luangwa.
After their stay at Kafunta River Lodge, they all travelled to Blue Zebra Island Lodge on Nankoma Island, off the shores of Lake Malawi, for a few days of boating and snorkelling.
Less than 2 hours from Lilongwe, the island is part of a small archipelago and is surrounded by clear waters. The lodge is the only property on the island, meaning exclusive use of all the paths and coves.
They also spent time with the local community, and the girls went back to Australia with lots of special memories and with plans to return very soon!
Various sightings in and around the lodge
Of course there is no such thing as a safari season for the animals, and they have been roaming the area as usual, whether the lodge was closed or open!
We’ve seen lions, leopards, giraffes, elephants… and even a resident chameleon.
The first game drives have been very good as well, and thanks to the heavy rains that we’ve had until early April the bush is still green and lush at the moment.
The Luangwa River is full, but we are now happy to see its level come down, so that we can work on the installation of the pontoon, which hopefully should be operational by mid-May.
Shadow of the Kafunta vehicle crossing the bridge over the Luangwa River
Crocodile Watch
Recently on a game drive we had an unusual sighting of a crocodile on land. They can actually cover quite long distances on land to move between lagoons, ponds and the river.
This one was on its way to a waterhole frequented by a large herd of impalas. We held are breath while watching its progress under the inquisitive eyes of the impalas, until it disappeared under the Nile cabbage covering the surface of the water.
Take a walk on the wild side
South Luangwa is renown worldwide for its walking safaris. Back in the late 1950’s Norman Carr pioneered a new way of experiencing the African bush by taking guests on walks under the escort of knowledgeable guides and armed park rangers.
Norman Carr once said “To view the bush from a vehicle is simply to be an observer, but to get out on foot is to become a part of your surroundings"
Bush walks as we call them are exhilarating and allow you to enjoy the wildness of the South Luangwa National Park on a different level.
Our bush camps, Three Rivers Campand Island Bush Camp are perfect for these activities as they are located in more remote areas, away from vehicles and other operators, and where natural animal behaviour can still be observed.
When on foot, that sense of belonging and the connection with nature is unique. While meandering amongst the untouched bush, alongside dry river beds, in the shade of giant fig trees and sausage trees or across open grasslands, we stop to identify birdsongs or other intriguing bush sounds, learn the intricacies of termite dynasties, track spoors of lions and interpret their progress and try to approach giraffes and various browsing antelopes. It is all about learning the laws of nature and how everything is indeed connected.
If you do combine Three Rivers Camps and Island Bush Camps, you can also choose to walk between the 2 camps as a mean of transfer. It will be a full morning’s walk, and will likely include crossing the Luangwa River either by boat or on foot, depending on the water level.
Our camps are in the south of the national park. But if you want to experience isolated walks in the northern bordersof the park, we can only recommend the newly established Mapazi Camp (Surefoot Safaris). Deb Tittle, one of Luangwa’s most experienced guides, will personally lead you to explore an undisturbed corner of South Luangwa. – on foot only! Mapazi Camp has only 3 walk-in tents nestled under mature trees on the banks of the Luagnwa River, it is an intimate experience available only between July and October.
Contact us if you have any question about our bush camps or Mapazi Camp
New Season – New Roles – New Staff
We’re seeing new faces at Kafunta Safaris this year. Anelle Dessels who managed the main lodge last year has been promoted to Operations Manager while TJ (Theuns) Kruger was promoted from Three Rivers Camp Manager to Kafunta River Lodge Manager.
Soon Stephan Joubert & Dave Pugh will join us from South Africa as Bush Camp Managers for Three Rivers & Island.
In the meantime we have already welcomed Courtney Hoffman to the Kafunta team. Canadian by passport, Courtney was born in Zambia and has a vast knowledge and love for her country. She lived and travelled across Africa (and the world) before settling down
once again in the South Luangwa bush. Having studied Hospitality and Tourism, and with extensive experience in Guest Relations in 5-Star Resorts in Canada and New Zealand, Courtney will attentively look after our guests as the lodge’s Hospitality Manager.
As for me, I’m about to head back to my Belgian office after spending 2 months here at Kafunta.
In the next newsletter I’ll make sure to share Patrick’s beautiful photos of the lodge and more news about what is happening here in South Luangwa, with many photos collected from our visiting guests.
Stay tuned on Facebookin the meantime! Or contact me should you have any question.
Cheers,
Izzy
Kafunta Safaris
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Kafunta Safaris
Mfuwe, South Luangwa, Zambia
