KaingU Safari Lodge
KaingU Safari Lodge is in the Namwala Game Management Area, on a remote stretch of the Kafue River, and just opposite Kafue National Park.
Accommodation at KaingU Safari Lodge is in 4 Meru-style tents with en-suite bathrooms, indoor showers and an open-air shower or bath. The tents' additional thatched roof provides extra shade. In addition there is Finfoot family house - 2 bedrooms (one queen, one twin), 2 en-suite bathrooms plus outside shower. There is also a central living area open onto a private deck which overlooks the River.
The focal point at KaingU is the thatched central area with a lounge, dining area and bar. Attached to the Boma is a deck built over the River and under the forest’s canopy. Guests enjoy a beautiful and serene setting for dining, sundowners or just relaxing. At night a fire is lit in the purpose-built pit on the deck. Solar-lit paths provide easy access between the chalets and the Boma.
The large granite boulders which can be found around KaingU add interesting features to nature walks. From here one can experience the vastness of Zambia and the Kafue Park, and Mpamba Rock is one of the favourite places from which to enjoy a glorious African sunset.
Accommodation at KaingU Safari Lodge is in 4 Meru-style tents with en-suite bathrooms, indoor showers and an open-air shower or bath. The tents' additional thatched roof provides extra shade. In addition there is Finfoot family house - 2 bedrooms (one queen, one twin), 2 en-suite bathrooms plus outside shower. There is also a central living area open onto a private deck which overlooks the River.
The focal point at KaingU is the thatched central area with a lounge, dining area and bar. Attached to the Boma is a deck built over the River and under the forest’s canopy. Guests enjoy a beautiful and serene setting for dining, sundowners or just relaxing. At night a fire is lit in the purpose-built pit on the deck. Solar-lit paths provide easy access between the chalets and the Boma.
The large granite boulders which can be found around KaingU add interesting features to nature walks. From here one can experience the vastness of Zambia and the Kafue Park, and Mpamba Rock is one of the favourite places from which to enjoy a glorious African sunset.
The Kafue River, with its myriad channels, rapids and islands lends itself to a range of exciting river based activities, including boat cruises, fishing, birding, canoeing and river trails. Situated on a plateau some 1 030 metres above sea level, KaingU enjoys a moderate climate (coldest in July, hottest in October), year-round.
Canoe trails are available from half day to 3 days, and overnights are at the Lodge or bush camps in the National Park. The trails start north of the Lodge, travel with the current and finish where the river opens into large flood plains south of the Lodge. The scenery is varied and the pace of the trail can be set to suit individual guests. Pods of hippos, crocodiles and elephant are regularly encountered as well as a wide variety of bird-life and antelope species. Guests are picked up and driven back to the Lodge at the end of the trail.
The majority of the game drives are within the National Park - a ten minute boat ride from the lodge. With short and longer loops available as well as the entire length of the (all weather) spinal road game drives are tailored to individual guest wishes/ interests. Drives on the Game Management Area side of the river are also conducted, but tend to be short night drives back to the lodge after a walk and sundowners.
At KaingU the wide and steady flowing river stretches out and flows around countless granite boulders, rapids, grassy sandbanks and islands, some so big that even leopards live on them. Guests get to enjoy this wonderful stretch of River on a comfortable boat cruise, which is ideal for birding as well as seeing hippos, crocodiles, elephants or drinking leopards. The boats have comfortable seating. The Lodge also has smaller boats which are used for even more adventurous exploration of smaller channels or getting into tight fishing spots. Rods and lures are available at the lodge and the guides are keen and experienced fishermen.
A bush breakfast set up on an island or a lantern-lit dinner by the river when coming back from an activity is a wonderful way to enjoy the area. You get to interact with the staff while the food is prepared and get a taste of the local cuisine. Traditional songs accompanied by dancing are a highlight of the evening.
KaingU Safari Lodge sponsored the building and funding the local school, and cultural trips can be arranged. The interaction with the students gives a unique insight into Zambian life and the challenges and joys that these young people face.
