Description
Originally the home of Norman Carr, pioneer of the walking safari in Zambia, Kapani is a classic lodge situated on a large ox-bow lagoon just outside the South Luangwa National Park. The Lodge provides an ideal and rather luxurious start to a safari in this region. There are four smaller and more remote bush camps which are seasonally erected in the park and owned by Norman Carr Safaris. Guests can combine drives from Kapani with walking safaris from one or two of the bush camps offering a true walking safari from camp to camp. The camps are situated along the course of the Luwi River, within easy walking distance from each other and all in areas renowned for their excellent wildlife. They range from the stylish simplicity of Luwi Bush Camp, one of the most traditional of all Zambia's bush camps, to the elegance and sophistication of Mchenja Camp.
Kapani lodge accommodates a maximum of 18 guests in eight standard suites in spacious brick chalets with thatched roofs and walk-in mosquito nets and a larger lagoon house offering spacious sitting areas and the added privacy of a large terrace overlooking the lagoon, where hippo wallow in the mud. Meals are served either outside on the wooden deck, overlooking the lagoon, or in the cosy library by a roaring log fire.
There is also a secluded swimming pool at the far end of camp where you can cool off in the heat of the day. Superb guiding is central to the Norman Carr philosophy and the team of local Zambian guides will introduce you to the outstanding wildlife viewing that the South Luangwa has to offer.
Accommodation
The lodge comprises eight standard suites in spacious brick chalets with thatched roofs and walk-in mosquito nets. In addition there is lagoon house which is even more spacious with private views and is ideal for honeymooners or a family group looking for a little more space and seclusion.
| Standard Suite | There are 8 standard suites which have a large airy double bedroom with en-suite shower and flush toilet. Each room has a lounge sitting area with bar fridge. There is space for extra child beds if required. |
| Lagoon House | There is one Lagoon House which overlooks Kapani Lagoon and is more secluded than the other suites. There is plenty of room to add additional beds if required. |
Childcare
Norman Carr brought his children up in the bush and Kapani Lodge continues that legacy. As well as treats such as a pool and nannies to baby sit, the camp offers a full Lion Cubs children's programme, so youngsters can learn how to use and protect plants, to track and identify animals, to stargaze and to tell stories around the campfire. Staff will also take them into nearby villages where they can play football, try out local dialects, make clay pots, drum, and even take part in school lessons, should they fancy. Additional nights can be arranged in river camps for children aged 8 to 12, and in remote wilderness walking camps for the over-12s.
Facilities
A thatched building in the centre of this luxury safari lodge houses the lounge and library. It is pleasantly cool in the hot weather and warm and cosy in the cooler months with an open fire. There is a secluded swimming pool to relax around between safaris and a well stocked gift shop with many locally produced crafts.
Activities
Kapani Lodge offers a wide range of activities such as game viewing in vehicles or on foot with expert guides who are longing to share their knowledge with you. There are also cultural trips to a nearby village and the local school which Kapani is heavily involved with. During the 'green season' safaris can be taken by boat on the Luangwa River or guests may tailor trips to suit themselves perhaps combining one or two of the above options.
When to travel
Zambia has a moderate to sub-tropical climate with three distinct seasons: from November to March is the Emerald, or the rainy season, April to July is Zambia's winter, when the weather is cool and dry, and August to October is summer, when the weather is hot and dry. In terms of game-viewing, the dryer months, meaning a higher concentration of game at the permanent water sources, are a superb time to visit. Alternatively come for some superb bird-watching at the end of the rains.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Kapani Lodge is situated on an ox-bow lagoon in the Mfuwe area, just 5 minutes outside the South Luangwa National Park in Eastern Provence, Zambia.
How to get there
10-hour international flight to Lusaka followed by a 1-hour flight to Mfuwe airport. It is then approx 40-minutes by road, in and open game viewing vehicle, to the lodge.
