Zambia's South Luangwa National Park (Mammals)

Just as described in the brochure, Kafunta River Lodge was right in the middle of the action! Wildlife viewing was no effort with the lodge being situated on a natural spring where animals and birds came to drink. The lodge was amazing, the chalets, the communal areas, the grounds, the food and all the staff were wonderful. And the guides who took us out on safari were extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the local wildlife. Naturetrek holidays always exceed expectations. They choose fantastic locations and accommodation and always ensure that you see as much as you can during your holiday.

J.E. West Midlands, Nov 22

What I enjoyed most was seeing ALL the animals we were fortunate enough to see and get good photos of. I especially loved the giraffes. And as something different, a dung beetle trying to roll its ball and 'wife' up a slope, and a chameleon. Very good guide, Joseph, and joined in the evening by Daniel. Both pleasant and very good at spotting.

M.A. London, Dec 19

Travelling in the green season meant fewer people. In turn this meant more space in the jeeps and more relaxed (but still very professional) service in the lodge. Trip leader- excellent, very knowledgeable and personable. Really superb.    

J.K. Fife, Dec 19

I liked the fact that the focus was the wildlife, and when we came across anything incredible, we were able to stay and watch, rather than rush back to the lodge for a meal. The variety of wildlife was well beyond my expectations, and Joseph, our guide, was an extremely patient and knowledgeable. The drives into the bush were the best part of the trip (as they should be!), with our expert guide and amazing spotter, Joseph & Daniel. I also liked the fact that there were only 5 of us in the jeep - any more would have been too many, and we would not have had the excellent photo opportunities that we did. The staff at the lodge were very kind and helpful - they were always smiling and upbeat. A lovely bunch of guys! It was also good that there were so few of us staying at the lodge, and that we were all 'wildlife' geeks - we picked up lots of ideas for future trips, and were also able to advise others on trips we've taken in the past.

C.K. Fife, Dec 19

A wonderful wildlife trip to the South Luangwa National Park with Naturetrek. Away from the crowds of people often found in other National Parks, this was a truly memorable experience, with great views of all the iconic African species. We were based in the Kafunta River Lodge, right in amongst elephants and hippos, antelopes, giraffes, leopards, lions, water buffalo and lots of birds, both large and small. The Lodge itself is comfortable and well maintained with friendly and helpful staff and great food.

V.K. Nottinghamshire, Nov 18

The sheer variety of wildlife was amazing. Due to it being in the dry season many animals were clearly seen in and around any remaining water. The guides/drivers were exceptionally knowledgeable and made sure everyone saw all the wildlife. We also had plenty of time to just sit and watch the animal interactions.

Mr & Mrs F - Nottinghamshire, Nov 18

I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed and benefited from this trip. In every way it was more than I ever expected, in terms of organization, information, value for money, preparation; and when I got there, it was just out of this world. Delightful, efficient guides, superb birdwatching, excellent service and accommodation, good transport, enviable local knowledge of wildlife, birds, fauna and flora, warm send-offs and welcomes-back, individual attention, complimentary laundry, good library/reference/experts available and outstanding food and hospitality. I am booking up to go back as soon as I can! Naturetrek - you are wonderful!

R.E. Cornwall

A wonderful holiday, excellent location, lovely group of people, brilliant Safari guides, fantastic wildlife, nice and quiet. I highly recommend it.

P.H. Hertfordshire

The local guides were brilliant...we more or less covered the mammal list, I saw leopards every day - the only thing I missed was the porcupine! Thank you for another lovely holiday.

S.H. Cheshire

An excellent tour, well run, good company, super lodge, excellent food, and the birds and mammals full lived up to expectation.

B.P. Kent

The accommodation at Kapani was excellent and greatly exceeded my expectations. The food was wonderful and the setting of the lodge is perfect. Rose, who runs the lodge, was efficient, friendly and a lovely person, and all the staff did a great job. Our guide, Sam, showed us lots of wonderful animals, including a pack of hunting dogs, a leopard and an African wild cat...I cannot fault his skill or his love for the park.

Anon.

A short and very reasonably-priced holiday beside the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Safari trips by vehicle with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide for excellent viewing of most of the famous African mammals and exotic birds. Equally possible to view many from the relaxing terraces of a luxury safari lodge, which overlooks the flood plain of the river bordering the Park. Unforgettable close but safe encounters with deepest Africa...

M.A. Norfolk

I travelled alone but joined 10 others for one of the best safari holidays I've ever had. The Kafunta Lodge we stayed in was excellent, the food was great, the staff friendly and welcoming and we saw some really good wildlife, as our naturalist guides were brilliant spotters. I knew that we stood a good chance of seeing leopards, but I didn't know we'd see as many as 6 in 6 days. One was in the classic leopard pose lying along a dead log. It was one of the highlights of the holiday for me.

R.I. Surrey

It fulfilled all my dreams. Kafunta Lodge where we stayed, could no have been bettered. The care of the guests never faltered and there were wonderful touches, such as a "sundowner" break in the evening safari where we all quaffed gin and tonics and nibbled tasty snacks while looking at amazing views. We ate in different dining areas in the lodge, and once in a treetop dining room - superb. The guides could not have been more delightful and knowledgeable and I saw all the animals I had hoped to see. How they spotted some of the smaller ones I shall never know. The food at the lodge (breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner!!) was of a high standard and the chefs were happy to provide vegetarian or gluten free options. The manageress (Lisa) was always hand and the little touches, like flannels to wipe our sticky hands on return from a safari are most welcome. Not to be faulted.

G.D. London

I could not believe my eyes when we arrived at the lodge. The wildlife was there in front of us. We were warmly welcomed and looked after extremely well for the whole of our stay. Our daily game drives in the mornings really came up with the animals and birds. The afternoon drives after more animals were punctuated with sundowners and then lamping on the way back when we saw everything from leopard on the hunt right down to elephant shrews. Our local guides were extremely knowledgeable and answered any awkward questions with ease. Though not in the national park we had elephants through the lodge and signs of lion on the footpaths.

V.V.D. Essex

My first trip with Naturetrek exceeded my expectations. I had already been impressed with the booking experience and I have friends who recommended the company to me. The Kafunta River Lodge in Zambia is an excellent location, even in the early green season. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere with staff who care passionately about the environment, wildlife and the customer. Wildlife viewings were amazing, our party of 7 were transported in 2 open-sided trucks so we all had excellent viewing options. The rooms at the lodge were very good with verandas overlooking many birds, baboons, antelope and hippos. Animals, including lions, roamed around the lodge, All in all a great way to spend Christmas.

D.K. Devon

Excellent holiday and location, the local guides were very good and helpful. Great value for money excellent views of all the animals, with four excellent leopard sightings.

P.B. Sussex

Excellent value for money, we had great animal sightings every day, plenty to keep a big cat enthusiast happy.

C.B. Sussex

This was an excellent trip with a great group of people. The lodge is very pleasant and the little pool very inviting. Food was consistently good, especially brunch which we shared with the squirrels most days. Staff lovely and very helpful. A great way to spend a week. Staying in one place meant we began to know the area and its wildlife in a bit more depth. The thunder storms were spectacular! Thanks again for a great trip.

J.B. Northumberland

It was an amazing trip. The guides were fantastic…all the staff were brilliant and we had an awesome (or should I say pawsome) time!

N.F. Essex

A wonderful trip - a return visit to a place I have never forgotten.

A.L. London

On the whole the holiday was one big 'wow'. Thank you so much to all the staff, I found them extremely helpful, friendly, caring and nothing too much for them to do for us, which helped toward the enjoyment.

B.W. East Yorkshire

Accommodation and food very good. Staff all very friendly and helpful. The local guides (Andrew and Martin) were excellent and always willing to move the jeep a few feet to the left, right, back a bit, forward a bit to get the best view of an animal or bird! Very knowledgeable and approachable. We went to see Leopards, and were not disappointed. Lions seen on first day. Lodges comfortable and cleaned twice a day. Sit on your veranda and watch Giraffe, elephants, Warthogs, Bush Buck, Puku, gibbons, monkeys and numerous birds pass by. Fantastic experience.

L.H. Clwyd

This was an excellent trip in which I saw and learnt a great deal. Our guide, Martin, went out of his way to find as much for us to see as was possible, including excellent tea and sundown stops on each safari. His knowledge was inspiring and use of the English language exceptional. At this time of year the mammals are more difficult to find as the park is lush, but this didn't prevent us from seeing almost everything. In fact it was good to see the mammals/birds looking so well with plenty of food and water available. The accommodation was also excellent with good facilities, which we didn't have time to put to good use. The food was of a high standard and plentiful and the staff couldn't do enough for us throughout our stay. I would highly recommend this holiday and hope to travel with Naturetrek in the future.

L.B. Vale of Glamorgan

A very memorable trip - one of the best we have been on. We saw an amazing array of birds and mammals, with highlights including the many sighting of leopards (stalking puku, being chased by baboons, in a tree eating impala), lions with cubs playing, wild dogs resting and eating, the giraffes, elephants, hippos, baboons.. too many to list them all! And we loved the sun-downer drinks in the night safari. The lodge was excellent, with wonderful food - even had turkey on Christmas day!

D. W. London

Kafunta is in a really beautiful location and it was lovely to be able to watch the animals and birds from the lodges, terraces and the hide. The richness and diversity of wildlife far exceeded my expectations - it must be the best place in Africa for viewing leopards - and I was amazed that the animals were so relaxed, unafraid and they provided endless photo opportunities. The vehicles were comfortable and very well designed to maximise viewing for everyone on board. The staff were wonderful - friendly, obviously well trained and clearly enjoying their work. The food and general comfort were excellent.

A.R. London