Zambia > Safaris > Kheper’s Return to the Wild
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Kapani Safari Lodge
Kapani – meaning place of mopane trees - is an exclusive, privately owned lodge situated on the banks of a large lagoon beside the Luangwa River on the border of South Luangwa National Park.
Accommodating only 20 guests, the ten brick chalets have thatched roofs, luxurious interiors and walk-in mosquito nets. The rooms are designed for the warmer weather with high ceilings, overhead fans and large gauzed windows.
Standard suite
Each of the eight standard suites has an en-suite bathroom and a lounge with bar-fridge and room safe. Two private and spacious Lagoon Houses overlook the Kapani Lagoon and are perfect for honeymooners.
A thatched building in the centre of the camp 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. The bar and dining area overlooks the beautiful Kapani Lagoon, with its plentiful hippos and crocs. There is a telescope on the deck for guests to spot the countless species of birds and animals. A secluded swimming pool is situated at the far end of camp.
Lagoon Suite
According to the season, dining is al fresco with dinner taken on the terrace, on the spacious deck overlooking the lagoon, by the swimming pool or in the lounge. Romantic, private candlelit dinners can also be arranged.
Gameviewing activities are tailored to the guests in camp but usually small parties are taken into the park twice daily in open vehicles. Night drives with a spotlight are one of the highlights of the Luangwa Valley giving the chance to see nocturnal animals, particularly leopard, for which the area is now famous.
The Luangwa Valley is regarded as the home of walking safaris and during the dry months of June to October those with a sense of adventure can set out on foot with a guide and armed scout for morning walks from the lodge. During the Green Season - between November and May - the bush bursts into life as the rivers and lagoons fill. Many species of migratory birds arrive and the clarity of the air and stunning skyscapes make the valley fabulous for photographers. Game is still seen in abundance and it is possible to take boat trips on the Luangwa to explore the nesting colonies and secret tributaries of the river.
The legendary Norman Carr built Kapani in 1986 and made it his home until his death in 1997. He had been in the Valley for over 50 years. In this time he earned the reputation across the continent as a tireless conservationist and was the founding father of photographic walking safaris and the concept of “eco-tourism”. He wrote several books about the local area and the people and wildlife who live here. His legacy now continues to live through his family and dedicated staff.
Kapani Safari Lodge is an ideal place for guests to spend their first night in Africa. The lodge has mains electricity and offers most modern facilities.
Images supplied courtesy of Norman Carr Safaris
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