Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp has opened for reservations in Zambia’s Kafue National Park, marking Anantara’s first crack at a tented safari camp. There are just 13 keys, spread along a private 7km stretch of the Kafue River, with the whole place raised 3.5m off the ground so the local wildlife can continue doin’ its thang underneath.
But have you ever heard of a Horizen Terrace Suite? These three tree-high digs sit 14.3m above terra firma (making them Zambia’s highest suites, apparently) and are reached by a glass elevator. Upstairs you’ll find an open-air star bed, which means counting sheep has been replaced by staring into the African night and listening for whatever’s making that noise in the bushes.
Down at ground-ish level, nine Pool and Bush Villas come with private plunge pools and indoor spa rooms, while the 400sqm Presidential Villa adds its own boat access and private spa zone.
But you’re in Kafue, so staying put would be a spectacular waste of everyone’s time.
The national park is home to elephants, hippos, large predators, antelope and more than 500 bird species. Days can be spent on game drives, guided walks, catch-and-release fishing and river safaris, with a floating pontoon commandeered for breakfasts, afternoon tea and sunset dinners.
RELATED ⟶ NOW THIS IS A SAFARI
The camp also runs entirely on solar power, purifies and bottles its own water and has ditched single-use plastics. Its elevated, prefabricated construction was designed to leave existing trees intact and keep seasonal water and animals moving beneath it.
Turns out, the penthouse isn’t always in the city…
Why It Exists
To prove you can plonk a seriously fancy safari camp in the Zambian bush without asking the bush to move out first.
The Vibe
Treetop safari with the dial turned up: canvas, river views, private pools and a whole lotta wilderness happening underneath.
Your Bed Tonight
Go big with a Horizon Terrace Suite, perched 14.3m above the ground with a glass elevator and an open-air star bed for when sleeping indoors feels lame.
The Thing You’ll Brag About Later
Sleeping 14m above Kafue National Park while the wildlife gets right of way below. Zambia’s highest hotel suite isn’t exactly keeping a low profile.
Eat / Drink This
Dinner on a floating pontoon as it drifts along the Kafue River. Sundowner strongly encouraged; keeping an eye out for hippos even more so.
Steal This Local Move
Swap four wheels for a boat and take your safari onto the Kafue River. Elephants, hippos and more than 500 bird species all frequent the neighbourhood.
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