Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp)
Kafunta Safaris is a privately held, family-owned safari operator in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, running four properties (Kafunta River Lodge, Three Rivers Camp, Island Bush Camp, Sunset House) and selling all-inclusive guided safari packages directly and through a global network of more than 20 tour operators to international leisure travelers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1998
- HeadquartersMfuwe, Zambia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) does
Kafunta Safaris is a privately held, family-owned safari operator headquartered in Mfuwe, inside Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, founded in 1998 by Ron and Anke Cowan. The company runs four wholly owned properties: Kafunta River Lodge (a 10-key classic lodge with chalets, luxury suites, infinity pool, photographic hide, spa, and natural hot spring tub), Three Rivers Camp (a 5-tent camp at the confluence of the Luangwa, Kapamba, and Lusangazi rivers with star bed platforms), Island Bush Camp (a 5-chalet rustic bush camp in the remote Lusangazi area with open-fronted chalets), and Sunset House (a private two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage for exclusive use by families or groups of up to five, launched in 2023). Operations are seasonal, with properties generally open from late May to late October.
The core offering combines accommodation with guided safari activities including game drives, walking safaris, night drives, photographic hides, sundowner experiences, sleep-outs under the stars, and cultural village visits. Multi-property packages such as the Best of South Luangwa (5 nights), Extended Best of South Luangwa (8 nights), and Best of Zambia (12 nights across South Luangwa, Kafue via Musekese Camp, and Lower Zambezi via Royal Zambezi Lodge) are sold as all-inclusive itineraries. Access to the park relies on a pontoon crossing system operated by the company. The technology footprint is operational rather than platform-driven, focused on lodge infrastructure, safari vehicles, and the Wetu and ResRequest reservation stack; no AI, API, or proprietary software capability is disclosed.
Revenue is generated through direct bookings via the company website and an indirect channel built on a global network of more than 20 recommended tour operators across the UK, Australia, Africa, North America, Germany, and wider Europe. Customer segments span wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, couples and honeymooners, families and small groups, adventure travelers seeking minimalist bush immersion, and luxury safari enthusiasts buying multi-park itineraries. The founders remain operationally involved on the ground, supported by approximately 19 staff including guides, spotters, watchmen, guest services, and marketing. The business has received no external funding and remains wholly founder-owned.
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp)
- Legal name
- Kafunta Safaris
- Website
- https://kafuntasafaris.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1998
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Kafunta Safaris is a privately held, family-owned safari operator in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, running four properties (Kafunta River Lodge, Three Rivers Camp, Island Bush Camp, Sunset House) and selling all-inclusive guided safari packages directly and through a global network of more than 20 tour operators to international leisure travelers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Safari Lodge Hospitality
- NAICS
- Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214), Tour Operators (561520)
- SIC
- Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Safari Lodges (Big Five/Game Reserves) (THAGAIAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Wilderness & Backcountry Lodges (Remote/Off-Grid) (THAGAIAB), Safari & Wildlife Travel Agencies (THAKAFAG)
Keywords
Where Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mfuwe
- HQ country
- Zambia
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices1 record
Markets served
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Safari Lodge Accommodation: Kafunta Safaris generates revenue primarily through offering accommodation at their three properties: Kafunta River Lodge (10 rooms), Three Rivers Camp (5 tents), and Island Bush Camp (5 chalets). Pricing ranges from mid-range to luxury safari experiences.
- Safari Packages: The company offers pre-designed safari packages combining multiple properties and destinations across Zambia, including 5-night, 8-night, and 12-night itineraries that include accommodation, activities, meals, and park fees.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Kafunta River Lodge - Classic safari lodge with 8 chalets and 2 luxury suites overlooking floodplains |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Three Rivers Camp - Tented camp with star bed platforms at confluence of three rivers |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Island Bush Camp - Rustic bush camp with open-fronted chalets in remote area |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Safari Packages - 5 to 12 night multi-destination itineraries |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels9 records
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kafunta Safaris operates four distinct safari accommodation properties in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park — Kafunta River Lodge (8 chalets + 2 luxury suites), Three Rivers Camp (5 tents with star beds), Island Bush Camp (5 open-fronted chalets), and Sunset House (private 2-bedroom cottage for up to 5 guests). The company sells accommodation bundled with guided game drives, walking safaris, night drives, photographic hides, and multi-property safari packages (5-night, 8-night, and 12-night itineraries covering Kafue, South Luangwa, and Lower Zambezi) to individual leisure travelers, primarily through its website and a global network of specialist tour operators.
Product overview
Kafunta Safaris is a multi-property safari operator in South Luangwa, Zambia, offering a portfolio of four distinct accommodation experiences: Kafunta River Lodge (a classic 10-room safari lodge with chalets and suites on the floodplains), Three Rivers Camp (a tented camp at the confluence of three rivers with star beds), Island Bush Camp (a rustic 5-chalet camp in a remote riverside setting), and Sunset House (a private two-bedroom cottage with its own pool for exclusive group use). These properties are sold individually or combined into multi-camp itineraries and are supplemented by a range of optional add-on activities including game drives, walking safaris, night drives, photographic hides, cultural village visits, sundowner experiences, and spa treatments. The company also designs extended safari packages spanning multiple national parks across Zambia.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Kafunta River Lodge Classic safari lodge overlooking the floodplains of the Luangwa River and South Luangwa National Park, offering 8 private chalets and 2 luxury suites, game drives, night drives, walking safaris, a photographic hide, an infinity pool, natural hot spring tub, spa treatments, and dining. Targeted at individual leisure travelers and small groups seeking a mid-range to luxury safari experience.
- Three Rivers Camp Tented camp at the confluence of the Luangwa, Kapamba, and Lusangazi Rivers offering 5 decorated tents, each with its own star bed platform for sleeping under the stars, alongside bush walks and game drives. Targeted at travelers seeking an adventurous wilderness and sleep-out experience.
- Island Bush Camp Rustic bush camp on the banks of the Luangwa River in the remote Lusangazi area of South Luangwa, with 5 open-fronted bush chalets offering 180-degree river views. Activities focus on bush walks complemented by game drives. Targeted at adventure travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-grid bush experience with no electricity, wifi, or cell service.
- Sunset House Private two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage with its own pool, offering exclusive use for families or groups of up to 5 guests, with private dining and activities and sunset views over the Luangwa floodplains. Targeted at families, friend groups, and couples seeking a private luxury safari stay.
- Best of South Luangwa Safari (5 nights) 5-night pre-designed safari package combining Kafunta's South Luangwa properties, including accommodation, activities, meals, and park fees. Available May 25 to October 31. Targeted at travelers wanting a short multi-property South Luangwa experience.
- Extended Best of South Luangwa Safari (8 nights) 8-night pre-designed safari package combining multiple Kafunta South Luangwa properties, including accommodation, activities, meals, and park fees. Available May 25 to October 31. Targeted at travelers seeking a deeper South Luangwa experience.
- Best of Zambia Safari (12 nights) 12-night pre-designed safari package covering Kafue, South Luangwa, and Lower Zambezi, combining Kafunta properties with partner camps (Musekese Camp in Kafue, Royal Zambezi Lodge in Lower Zambezi), including accommodation, activities, meals, and park fees. Available May 25 to October 31. Targeted at luxury safari enthusiasts wanting a comprehensive Zambia itinerary.
Quantifiable outcome
- South Luangwa is recognized as one of Africa's finest wildlife destinations with one of the highest leopard densities
Companies that use Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp)
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- WetuminorListed as a proud member/supporter on the website. Wetu is a platform for safari and tour marketing materials.
- AirlinkminorListed as a proud member/supporter. Airlink is a regional airline serving Southern Africa.
- UK Tour Operators NetworkcoreOver 15 recommended UK-based tour operators who specialize in African safaris and can assist with booking Kafunta properties. Includes Africa Travel Resource, Expert Africa, Scott Dunn, Yellow Zebra, and others.
- European Tour Operators NetworkcoreRecommended tour operators across Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Norway, and Austria who can assist with bookings.
- Project LuangwacoreCommunity and conservation initiative that Kafunta supports. 23 students graduated from the Foundation Programme funded by Project Luangwa's Big Give Christmas Challenge. Kafunta participates in cultural visits and community engagement.
- Musekese CampminorPartner camp in Kafue National Park featured in the Best of Zambia 12-night safari package. Small owner-run camp on spectacular lagoon.
- Royal Zambezi LodgeminorPartner property in Lower Zambezi featured in multi-destination safari packages. Upscale tented camp on Zambezi River banks.
- Waterberry Zambezi LodgeminorRecommended accommodation partner near Victoria Falls for safari extensions. Boutique lodge on Zambezi River banks with sunset cruises and wildlife activities.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights2 records
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Singita: Ultra-luxury African safari group with properties across multiple countries. Operates as a benchmark for the high-end safari segment that Kafunta's Kafunta River Lodge and Three Rivers Camp compete within, but at substantially larger scale.
- &Beyond: Large multi-country luxury safari and travel brand with properties across Africa and South Asia. Represents the broad incumbent that Kafunta's tour operator partners and guests often compare against; competes for the same high-end travel agency shelf space.
- Wilderness Safaris: Large multi-country African safari operator with camps across southern Africa. Comparable product (game drives, walking safaris, multi-property itineraries) but at corporate scale with broader geographic and operational footprint than Kafunta.
- African Bush Camps: Multi-country African safari operator with small luxury camps in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and other destinations. Comparable tier (small luxury tented camps) and multi-park itinerary model, but with broader geographic reach and more aggressive expansion.
Direct peers
- Musekese Camp: Small owner-run safari camp in Kafue National Park featured in Kafunta's Best of Zambia package. Comparable size and owner-run operating model in a complementary Zambian park.
- Royal Zambezi Lodge: Upscale tented camp on the Zambezi River, featured as a Kafunta package partner in the 12-night Best of Zambia itinerary. Direct peer for multi-park Zambia safari itineraries and similar owner-operated positioning.
- Norman Carr Safaris: Historic South Luangwa safari operator (pioneered walking safaris) with multiple bush camps in the park. Directly competes in the South Luangwa walking-safari niche that Kafunta's Island Bush Camp and Three Rivers Camp occupy.
- Time + Tide (Cape Maclear, South Luangwa, Liuwa, Lower Zambezi properties): Multi-property Zambia safari operator with camps in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi offering luxury tented and villa experiences. Highly comparable as a Zambia-based multi-camp brand selling packaged multi-park itineraries to international clientele.
- Robin Pope Safaris: Long-established Zambia safari operator with properties in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, including walking safari camps and mobile safaris. Comparable owner-run multi-property business with similar South Luangwa focus and walking safari heritage.
- Shenton Safaris (Mwamba Bush Camp & Kaingo Camp): Owner-operated South Luangwa operator with photographic hides and bush camps. Comparable size, owner-run ethos, and emphasis on wildlife photography, a key Kafunta customer segment.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) social profiles
Digital presenceKafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp)
What does Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) do?
Kafunta Safaris operates four distinct safari accommodation properties in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park — Kafunta River Lodge (8 chalets + 2 luxury suites), Three Rivers Camp (5 tents with star beds), Island Bush Camp (5 open-fronted chalets), and Sunset House (private 2-bedroom cottage for up to 5 guests). The company sells accommodation bundled with guided game drives, walking safaris, night drives, photographic hides, and multi-property safari packages (5-night, 8-night, and 12-night itineraries covering Kafue, South Luangwa, and Lower Zambezi) to individual leisure travelers, primarily through its website and a global network of specialist tour operators.
Is Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) a public or private company?
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) founded?
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) was founded in 1998. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) based?
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) is headquartered in Mfuwe, Zambia, in the Africa region.
How does Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Safari Lodge Accommodation is the primary driver. The others are safari Packages.
Who are Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp)'s main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Singita, &Beyond, Wilderness Safaris and African Bush Camps. Direct peers are Musekese Camp, Royal Zambezi Lodge, Norman Carr Safaris, Time + Tide (Cape Maclear, South Luangwa, Liuwa, Lower Zambezi properties), Robin Pope Safaris and Shenton Safaris (Mwamba Bush Camp & Kaingo Camp).
Does Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp).
What industry is Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp) in?
Kafunta Safaris (Kafunta River Lodge, Sunset House, Three Rivers Camp & Island Bush Camp)'s product category is Safari Lodge Hospitality. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAGAIAA, Safari Lodges (Big Five/Game Reserves), with a secondary code of THAGAIAB, Wilderness & Backcountry Lodges (Remote/Off-Grid). Its NAICS code is 721214 and its SIC code is 7000.