#Zambia Tourism News from #KafuntaSafaris

(Posted 03rd June 2024)

Already two months into our safari season

Dear Kafunta Friend!

The weeks are flying by, and it’s already time for another newsletter.

I’m thrilled to be back at Kafunta for a few weeks. Sitting at breakfast with Anke and Ron, jotting down notes for the newsletter, I can’t help

but cherish these moments when we’re all together. This week is especially special with Ritta from reservations joining us, stepping away from her usual desk in Lusaka. It’s wonderful that we can all catch up with everyone present.

Earlier in the month, I had another fantastic “get-together” experience at the Indaba trade show in Durban, one of the largest Africa-focused events on the calendar. It’s so lovely to connect with other safari specialists and fellow operators in a cheerful atmosphere.

It was a great show, and once again, the Zambian Tourism Agency hosted a beautiful stand, the biggest ever, with 38 exhibitors. Thank you to all who attended the event!

Life at Kafunta River Lodge is certainly busy!!

While TJ, Martin, and Levy tackled the latest camp-building challenges to get Three Rivers Camp and Island Bush Camp ready, Anke, Ron, and Sam were scrambling to grade the roads with some particularly temperamental machinery. But now, both camps are up and running, already bustling with their first guests of the season.

Well done team! Hardwork always pays off! I’ll be heading down for a quick night at each camp next week, before saying goodbye again and flying back to my remote office in the countryside of Belgium.

Here’s a special one: a rare photo capturing all three of us ladies from the commercial team, elegantly crossing the Luangwa River on the pontoon. From left: Ritta (Reservations), me Izzy (Marketing) and Anke (Owner).

Talking about the pontoon, it’s been open since early May, facilitating access to the park and offering our guides alternatives for their game drives. The morning crossing is absolutely stunning just as the sun rises.

Watch this video and hop on Solomon’s vehicle to experience the pontoon crossing yourself.

Watch Video

Latest Enhancements

As you already know, our new Sunset House is now in full operations, and regularly booked by families and friends.

I’ve been keeping up with the updates from afar, getting photos from Anke and the team. But seeing it in person was a whole different experience. Wow!

It’s absolutely stunning and super spacious. The perfect treat for a private safari in South Luangwa.

We also have a brand-new Tree Deck where we host some of our lunches. It is now located on the dry lagoon behind Kafunta. It’s perfectly shaded and was also recently used for yoga sessions!

Wildlife Moments

Time to check out some wildlife pics! Here are some images for you to enjoy and imagine what the game viewing has been like lately. And hey, if you’ve got any favorite photos from your stay with us, don’t hold back—send them my way!

Photos by Stefanie Vuilsteke, Jonas Strahberger and myself

Community and Conservation Updates

Project Luangwa

Over the past few weeks, Project Luangwa has managed to expand its Digilearn program into 3 more schools. We now cover 8 classes from grade 5 to 7, among 5 schools for a total of 238 tablets distributed. Learn more…

Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust

The ACL (Aspiring Conservation Leaders) program of CWET is very successful. It involves older student who wish to pursue their education in conservation. The program invites volunteers to help students enhance their career prospects and expand their knowledge by teaching specific skills sets such as project planning, communication, organization and teamwork. Learn more…

Conservation South Luangwa

You have a few more weeks left to enter the photo competition organized by CSL in celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the K9 Unit. Do you want to make a difference in the fight against wildlife crime in South Luangwa? Why not sponsor one of the five hardworking dogs of the K9 Unit. Read more about Gene, Cassi, Ody, Earl and Tygee, and their 9 handlers.

Till next month!

As I wrap up, I couldn’t resist leaving you with a glimpse “from the lodge”. It’s become almost routine to spot giraffes and elephants passing through on the plains, including one particularly laid-back old bull who’s practically a regular at our dining room!

With that, it’s time to sign off for now. I’ll be back at the end of June with more exciting updates and stories from our slice of paradise.

Izzy and the Kafunta Safaris team