Zambia’s Wilderness to Host New Environmentally Conscious Safari Retreat
In April 2026, Anantara Hotels & Resorts will open its first safari hotel, Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp, located above the Kafue River in western Zambia. Nestled inside Kafue National Park, the lodge sits amid one of Zambia’s vastest and most historically significant conservation regions. The project seeks to reduce its ecological footprint through elevated wooden platforms that let water and wildlife move freely below, maintaining the natural harmony of the surrounding ecosystem.
The camp will feature a limited number of villas and suites built from locally sourced materials to reduce its ecological footprint and support nearby communities. Each villa will have an open-plan design, complete with outdoor showers and terraces overlooking the river. These features are designed to bring guests closer to nature while still providing the comfort they need. Guided tours and safaris will be included in the overall service package.
Kafue National Park is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife, hosting elephants, lions, leopards, and more than 500 bird species. With its blend of forests, wetlands, and savannas, the park provides opportunities for wildlife spotting all year round. Guests can experience the park by jeep, boat, or canoe, guided by certified professionals who provide both safety and valuable insights about the surroundings. Although the park is in a remote area, it can be reached from Lusaka or Livingstone, with air and road links that continue to improve for visitors.
Travellers visiting Kafue can also explore nearby attractions such as Victoria Falls, which is reachable within several hours by road or air. In the wider area, you can go on river cruises, fish, and visit conservation areas run by local groups. Zambia is working to establish sustainable tourism facilities across its network of national parks. These initiatives aim to strike a balance between tourism development, environmental preservation, and community well-being.
The Kafue River Tented Camp is a sign of a larger trend toward responsible tourism in southern Africa. Instead of building big resorts, operators are working on smaller projects that put conservation and environmental awareness first. For travelers, this provides a chance to visit genuine safari destinations responsibly, helping conserve wildlife while discovering Africa’s rich and varied natural landscapes.