Read 33 traveller reviews of Kapani Lodge

Kapani, which means “the place of the Mopane trees”, is situated on the banks of a permanent ox-bow lagoon, just outside South Luangwa National Park. Set under mature trees, Kapani is a cool, calm and solidly reassuring place to relax at the start or end of your safari.

We first visited Kapani in 1995, when its founder, Norman Carr, was still alive – and whilst it has evolved and improved in comfort terms since then, it's basic feel and hasn't changed much. (This is a good thing in our view!)

Kapani is laid out over open lawns, overlooking the lagoon, and its rooms are arranged either side of the camp's main lounge area– from where steps lead down to the main deck, which houses the bar, a comfortable seating area and the main dining area. The bar is a popular meeting place for pre-dinner drinks, and the deck is huge, with uninterrupted views of the ox-bow lagoon and the floodplain beyond.

On top of the bank, a little away from the deck, Kapani has a separate lounge and library which has recently been refurbished – and now is very smart with leather armchairs and sofas around a fireplace, which looks like it would be cosy for chilly winter evenings. Next door to this is a well-stocked curio shop, with local merchandise from Tribal Textiles, as well as some wood and stone carvings.

The accommodation at the lodge consists of:

- Eight semi-detached standard rooms, all of which have a very comfortable sitting area within the large bedroom, as well as an en-suite bathroom.

- Two detached lagoon houses, which are much larger than the standard rooms, and perfect for honeymooners or families. These relatively recent additions to the lodge were added in 2000.

We visited Kapani most recently in June 2007, and enjoyed our brief stay. The guided safari activities were very good; Kapani is in the central area of the park – which means that the game is very relaxed and prolific, but you'll see quite a few other vehicles when you're driving around. Kapani's activities are usually game drives (day and night), although walking safaris can usually be arranged on request.

Kapani is an ideal lodge for a night or two either on arrival in the Luangwa Valley, or at the end of your stay, due to its proximity to Mfuwe airport. It's a substantial and very reassuring camp – which works very well as an introduction to the Luangwa, and also for travellers who want a lodge that's solidly built – in contrast to the often flimsy constructions used for the smaller bushcamps.

Kapani works well on its own, and combines best with a walking safari encompassing its sister-bushcamps, Luwi Bushcamp, Nsolo Bushcamp, Kakuli Bushcamp and Mchenja Camp.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 10 rooms

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: In the Zambia's dry season, the most popular choice of trip with Norman Carr safaris is to start at Kapani for 2-3 nights, and then head into the bush to Luwi, Nsolo, Kakuli and Mchenja bushcamps. However, during the Zambia's green season, Kapani makes an excellent base for a stay of a week or more. To check if Kapani has space for the dates that you are looking for, click on the 'Live availability' link on the right-side of this page.

Geographics

Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Directions: 45 minutes drive from Mfuwe airport

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Norman Carr Safaris

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: The food here was very good when we visited in June 2007. There is no choice of main course so special meals must be noted before arrival in the camp to ensure vegetarians are not served meat!

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: No

Drinks included: Yes - soft drinks, house wine and local spirits are included in the rates. Note that other wines, champagne and imported spirits and liqueurs, are charged as extras.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome

Activities: Child minding is available in the evenings

Equipment: There are a few cots and high chairs available

Generally recommended for children: Children are accepted with the proviso that the camp in unfenced, and does have dangerous game wandering through it regularly; hence children always need to be closely supervised by their parents.

Notes: It is up to the guide's discretion as to the age of children allowed on a game drive – however children are not allowed on vehicles with other guests.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: Telephone, fax and email. There are no phones in the rooms.

TV & radio: No TVs or radios – this is the bush, although in emergency the camp has very good communications facilities.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: Nearest doctor is at the local clinic, typically 30 minutes' drive away. For more serious cases you would be airlifted to Lusaka or Joburg.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: There are unarmed guards at night to escort you to and from your room.

Fire safety: There are no fire extinguishers in the rooms but there are in the bar, kitchen and workshop. There are also fire blankets in the kitchen.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: A complementary laundry service is included

Money: There are safety deposit boxes in the rooms.

Accepted payment: The only credit cards accepted here are Visa cards, and these attract a 5% commission. Kapani also accepts Travellers cheques' and cash in the form of US dollars, UK pounds, euros and South African rand.

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