Minor Hotels has officially opened reservations for the Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River. The launch marks the first tented safari camp for the brand. It serves as a key milestone during the 25th anniversary year for Anantara.

The new 13-key boutique camp sits inside Kafue National Park, which is one of the largest protected conservation areas in Africa. The property operates in partnership with the local government and African Parks to support long-term ecological restoration across the wilderness.

Built along nearly seven metres of direct river frontage, the lodge is unique to Zambia because every structure is elevated at least 3.5 metres above the ground. Meg Ralph Spaces designed the low-impact resort using prefabricated structures on timber platforms. This choice preserves existing trees and allows resident wildlife to move naturally beneath the resort. It runs completely on solar power, utilises on-site water purification and treatment, and completely bans single-use plastics. Soft red lighting is used after dark to protect nocturnal animals.

The opening takes place during a steady recovery for local wildlife populations. Visitors can observe hippos, elephants, large predators, antelope and more than 500 bird species. The resort offers various land and water activities, including game drives, guided bush walks, river safaris, bush picnics and catch-and-release fishing.

Accommodation includes nine Pool and Bush Villas that feature private plunge pools and indoor spa rooms. A 400-square-metre Presidential Villa offers elevated views of the river, dedicated boat access and its own spa zone. The property also features three Horizon Terrace Suites. These are the highest suites in Zambia, suspended 14.3 metres in the air. Guests reach them via a glass elevator to access upper-level star beds and large decks. Dedicated hosts manage wellness, dining and activities for all villa guests.

Dining options focus on flexibility. A signature floating pontoon on the river hosts dawn breakfasts, afternoon tea and sunset dinners. Guests can also visit Luzuba Harvestry and the Twalumba Bar & Lounge for modern Zambian cuisine and fireside gatherings. Interactive Zambian cooking classes are available through the Spice Spoons programme.

Wellness facilities include in-room Anantara Spa treatments and private in-suite steam sessions. A fully equipped, floating Technogym fitness platform is anchored directly in the river for private training, yoga and open-air relaxation.

“Three years in the making, Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River is a significant step in our expansion across Africa and reflects the shared vision of the Government of Zambia, African Parks and Anantara,” said Nico Vivier, Regional Director of Operations and Development for Minor Hotels in Africa. “Its location within a major conservation landscape allows us to introduce a new standard of low-impact luxury in Zambia while contributing to the long-term restoration of Kafue National Park.”

Travelers can reach the property via private charter flights from Livingstone or Lusaka to the nearby Chunga airstrip. Short domestic commercial flights are also available from Livingstone. For motorists, Lusaka International Airport sits a four-hour drive away from the camp.