Kaingu Safari Lodge

CEDARBERG RATING

Premier

Overview

  • Idyllic setting by the Kafue River
  • Variety of activities including scenic canoe trails
  • Children of all ages are welcome at KaingU Safari Lodge

Kaingu Safari Lodge has a gorgeous setting on an enviable remote stretch of the Kafue River. At KaingU, it's all about the picturesque river location with it's myriad channels, islands and granite boulders. A large part of the lodge is traditionally constructed using bush poles and thatch, both of which are renewable resources.

Accommodation

Kaingu Safari Lodge has six ensuite tented chalets and one Family house. The boutique tented chalets are Meru style with thatched roof, set on raised decks overlooking the Kafue River and have both indoor and outdoor showers. The honeymoon chalet has an additional outdoor bath.

The Finfoot Family House is perfect for both families or a small group as it has two bedrooms (one double and one twin) and two ensuite bathrooms with outdoor showers. The central main area opens out onto a private deck overlooking the river.

Get closer to nature by sleeping out in the unique Tonga Basket tree houses, made from local Muchinga in one of nearby islands. The first Tonga tree basket was installed at the Finfoot Family House and following their trial in 2018, they have proved to be such a hit that Kaingu will be offering these overnight sleep outs at other scenic islands nearby. Note that a stay in the Tonga tree basket is at an additional cost.

Activities

Kaingu is ideal if you want to be more active on your safari as you will find hiking, boating, fishing, walking safaris on offer as it makes the most of its scenic surroundings. Keen birders may be lucky enough to enjoy viewing Meyer Parrots mud feeding in the peak season months, and the Bee Eaters nesting with their expert guides.

You can also try their out of camp dining experience. From a simple meal on an island to a full lodge service below the river rapids, the choice is yours.

Keen canoeists will be spoilt for choice here with canoe trails ranging from an hour or you can choose to extend this to spend a night or two in the island sleep-outs in beautiful locations. The varied scenic setting of the Kafue River allows the camp to individually tailor the canoeing as you can choose to canoe in calmer waters or rapids, some only accessible by inflatable canoes. This is a memorable way to enjoy some beautiful scenery and you may encounter elephant, antelope, hippos and crocs, not forgetting the excellent birdlife that Kafue is known for.

Walks are varied here too as you can take part in scenic walks over the granite boulders, perhaps strolling up to Mpamba Rock to watch the African sunset or have a more traditional walking safari in the National Park which is just a 10 minute boat ride away.

Families

Children of all ages are welcome at KaingU Safari Lodge. There are exclusive activities for children but they can also participate in many of the main activities, boat cruises being a popular one. KaingU will tailor-make daily programmes to suit children's interests and designed so it does not disturb other guests. Children can learn all about reading the spoor of animals, identify insects and birds, and discover which plants are useful for survival in the wild. For something more hands on, kids can have a go at making their own bow and arrows from tree-fibre and practice their new found shooting skills on the resident straw antelope, protecting it from 'poachers'! For children who are more more comfortable in the kitchen, the chef welcomes the assistance of little hands to make some tasty hippo rolls.

At A Glance

  • Off the beaten track
  • Birding hotspot
  • Recommended for families
  • Beautiful Landscapes
  • Walking Safari
  • Wildlife

Kaingu Safari Lodge on the map

Rooms

Luxury Meru-style tents

The six tents comprise custom designed meru style tents which have stone built bathrooms each also with an external shower under the stars. Each tent has a thatched roof to reduce the heat and each one also has a spacious deck with easy chairs and a small hammock. Every tent is located with great views of the stunning river.