Reviews of Kapani Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
78 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kapani Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
"kick off"
My guide on this stage was Rose,and she proved excellent at interpreting the things we saw, and was good company at mealtimes." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"First stop Kapani Lodge"
food was spectacular and we are in awe that such superb food can be created in such settings.
Elephants right outside the lodge only added to such a wonderful beginning." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"This was a superb place to begin the safari -"
Some wonderful night safaris - our guide (Widdy or Willy?)was brilliant. Definitely an ideal place to go if like us you had never been on safari. later realised how much the guides went out of their way to avoid the 'crowds'." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"A great basecamp in South Luangwa"
The accommodation is older at Kapani, but totally charming, and the location magical. The swimming pool is a lovely bonus (though a bit cold for us in the Zambian winter!). In addition to Innocent and Rose, we were very well looked-after by Diane, a visiting manager from New Zealand." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"Kapani Lodge review"
However on the downside the convention of having the guide eat with the guests at every single meal we thought was misguided (if there are just two of you to chat with your guide this can become wearing after a while - is it necessary to spend all day in the company of one's guide?).
The camp had also just bought a new game-viewing vehicle from India - it was without doubt the most uncomfortable one i have ever sat in. The game-viewing - though good - is also very crowded at this end of the park. At times it can feel like you are one of ten land rovers pursuing the same leopard!" See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
Dining arrangements vary, but Kapani appreciates the point – and comments that in future, they will ensure that clients are made more aware about choices for dining. (At Expert Africa, we’d encourage visitors to speak up: tell the camp’s managers at the time if you’d like to change something.)
The team at Kapani were surprised by comments of discomfort with the new vehicles; they tell us that they’ve had positive feedback. They have asked us to ask these guests for a little more detail, so they could look into it more deeply.
This central area of South Luangwa National Park is definitely busier than areas further south and north: there are many lodges near South Luangwa’s main gate. However, this higher density of vehicle traffic is one reason for the very relaxed game which is found here. That said, more game-viewing loops are being built – to the north of the Mfuwe area, towards Kakuli and Mchenja – which may help alleviate the concentration of vehicles here. Also Norman Carr Safaris have also shifted their afternoon safari times a little earlier, to try to avoid any ‘bottle-necks’ of vehicles at the gate, and they’re also using the pontoon to enter the southern end of the Mfuwe area directly. All these factors should help to spread the vehicles out a bit more.
"Senior Africa Specialist | East & Southern Africa"
"Kapani Lodge review"
We found it less intimate than the bush camps and in retrospect would not have spent 2 nights there.
The game drives from Kapani suffered due to the volume of other traffic, particularly night drives. Advise clients that game drives in the early morning and after dark can be cold at this time of year and necessary warm clothing is required. Simon was a very good and knowledgeable guide.
We enjoyed our visit to the local Yosefi school. We were very impressed with the headmaster who showed us around and the teacher that we met. It added another dimension to our visit to Zambia." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
Theb lesson for future travellers is that if they experience an issue like this (eg: not wanting to sit next to the same company over meals) at any camp that they visit, then we'd urge them to tell the camp's staff as soon as possible. We'd then usually expect the camp's staff to switch around the seating if they possibly could to accommodate the request.
"Good place to start, fantastic animals"
Animal sitings were excellent for our first day - lions (cubs and male), Elephants, Hippos, Zebra, Kudu, Warthog, Eagles, Baobab tree (personal ambition of mine). Slightly overshadowed by our later experiences at the bushcamps." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Kapani Lodge review"
"Kapani Lodge review"
The rooms were bright and spacious. Being fed by mains electricity meant that the pool was larger than normal for a safari lodge, very clean and excellent for spending afternoons reading books.
The food is probably the outstanding feature of Kapani with excellent variety and choice." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Kapani Lodge review"
When we came back to Kapani after going into the bush for a few days we had a pleasant surprise - a room upgrade looking over the lagoon, and just perfect" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
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Alternative places to stay in this same area.
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Kaingo Camp
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Mwamba Bushcamp
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Tena Tena
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Chikoko Tree Camp
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Flatdogs Camp
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Mchenja Bushcamp
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Kakuli Bushcamp
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Nsolo Bushcamp
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Kafunta River Lodge
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Luwi Bushcamp
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Puku Ridge
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Kapamba Bushcamp
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Mfuwe Lodge
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Kuyenda Bushcamp
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Luangwa Safari House
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Three Rivers Camp
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Island Bush Camp
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Chinzombo
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Kawaza Village – beside the South Luangwa National Park, offers guests the rare opportunity to appreciate local village life. Visit for a few hours or stay overnight.
Robin's House
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Chamilandu Bushcamp
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Mwamba Camp-out
The Mwamba-Camp Out allows you to have an incredibly adventurous night in the bush, sleeping under mosquito nets with activities led by some of the best guides in Zambia.
Zungulila
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Shawa Luangwa
Opened in June 2021, Shawa Luangwa Camp is a small, intimate and rustic camp, with a good location in a remote section of the South Luangwa National Park.
Luwi Riverbed Sleepout
For an adventurous night in South Luangwa National Park, come and sleep out in the bush, around a campfire, with an experienced guide and game scout.
Chichele Lodge
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Chikunto
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Nkonzi Camp
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