Anantara opens first African safari property in Zambia

Anantara has opened its first safari property in Africa, a 13-key tented camp on the Kafue River in Zambia’s largest national park. Announced on 12 October 2026, Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River follows three years of development and opens during the brand’s 25th anniversary year.

The off-grid property combines safari activities developed with African Parks and wellness facilities within its accommodation. The opening extends Anantara into African safari hospitality with a package that brings together accommodation, dining, guided wildlife excursions and spa treatments.

Opening rates start at USD 6,289 per room per night, based on two people sharing a suite. According to the company, the package includes full board, premium beverages, twice-daily game drives, personalised butler service and one 90-minute spa treatment per person, per stay.

Off-grid design and elevated accommodation

Designed by Meg Ralph Spaces, the camp operates on solar power, purifies water on site and limits single-use plastics, Anantara said. Its buildings sit among existing riverine trees, while raised rosewood platforms are intended to preserve wildlife corridors.

The accommodation includes three Horizon Terrace Suites, each measuring 110 square metres and positioned 14.3 metres above ground. Accessed by a glass elevator, they have an upper deck with an outdoor bed for overnight stays under the sky, alongside a private terrace and personal Green Egg BBQ.

Nine Pool and Bush Villas measure 115 square metres each and stand 3.5 metres above ground on timber platforms. They include heated plunge pools overlooking the river and indoor massage rooms.

The Presidential Villa measures 400 square metres and includes a dedicated indoor massage area, private boat access and a deck shaded by mature trees. Villa hosts arrange meals, activities and spa appointments around guests’ preferences rather than a fixed timetable.

Safari programme linked to Kafue restoration

The camp’s safari offering draws on restoration work undertaken through African Parks’ partnership with the Government of Zambia. Anantara said improvements to security, infrastructure and fire management since 2022 have supported wildlife recovery across Kafue National Park’s 22,480 km².

The company cited the reintroduction of Kafue lechwe antelope in 2024 and a wildlife translocation in 2025 that returned wildebeest and zebra to grassland areas. It described the latter as Zambia’s largest wildlife translocation.

Zambian guides conduct twice-daily game drives, with river safaris, bush picnics and catch-and-release fishing also available. According to Anantara, the surrounding habitat supports hippos, elephants, large predators, antelope and more than 500 bird species.

Dining, wellness and access

Meals are included in the stay, with venues including Luzuba Harvestry and Twalumba Bar & Lounge. The brand’s Designer Dining programme also uses a river pontoon accommodating up to four guests, who arrive by boat for options including breakfast, afternoon tea and sunset wine tasting.

Wellness facilities include a floating Technogym fitness platform with an outdoor yoga deck, as well as a full-size swimming pool. Anantara Spa treatments are available within suites and villas, with steam showers also provided in the accommodation.

The camp is promoting the December through March Green Season, when it says migratory birds arrive and visitor numbers are lower. Access options include private charter flights from Livingstone or Lusaka to Chunga airstrip, while Lusaka International Airport is a four-hour drive from the property, with private road transfers available.