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
"Kapani Lodge review"
Norman Carr Safaris do have a consistent and well tuned 'product' which includes not cramming too many bodies onto the vehicles which we have often observed with other camp safari vehicles in Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi park." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 4n in Malawi
"Kapani Lodge review"
We were, through choice, at Kapani for a total of 5 nights which on reflection was perhaps a bit too long for the wet season since many vehicle tracks are impassable thus preventing the Landcruisers to range far and wide as in the dry season. It would make for interesting variety to drive out as far as possible and go walkabout as at Mchenja. Do visit the school.
Even though staff do change over at Kapani there is the same delightful ambience. Rosie was a wonderful hostess to us and everyone else. Thank you to Mr A Banda who expertly runs a very first rate operation." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 4n in Malawi
"Enjoyed our stay at Kapani"
The bungalows are huge. We had more insects and "Doom"-defying large spiders here than any of the other 12 or so places we stayed during our holiday. We even had a scorpion. The rooms could use a bit more sweeping out of spider webs and the like. Or, maybe that's just how the bush is!
The food was especially good. The pool was of an ample size--not just a plunge pool." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 9n in Botswana; 5n in Zambia
"A sensible choice for the green season"
"Kapani Lodge review"
It was sorted out for the following days but I expected to be able to go walking when I wanted because that is how they market themselves, as experts in walking safaris." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
"Great setting, but needs improvements"
Yes, the lagoon lodges were more spacious than our previous accommodation, but they weren't very clean, and very much needed sprucing up. We had to ask the staff to clean the bathroom before we used it. The toilet seat was dirty, and parts of the shower hadn't bee cleaned for weeks, and the bath mat clearly hadn't been changed since the last occupants. Also, some of the seat cushions were dirty. Admittedly, they took these away very promptly, but never replaced them!
The food at Kapani was nowhere near as good as the other lodges, and the staff much less attentive. Our guide was not as good either.
To us, it seemed as if no one was in overall effective charge at Kapani. This may have been the case, as we heard from a reliable source (his mother and father!), that, David, the current manager at Flatdogs would soon be taking up the position of general manger at Kapani. Hopefully he can make a difference.
Don't get us wrong, Kapani wasn't bad, but we wouldn't go back there and wouldn't recommend it to anyone - at least not without being assured that it had improved." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"A Fascinating School Visit"
Besides some game drives we were very pleased to have the opportunity to visit Yosefe School to meet the head and some of his staff and to meet some of he children in their classrooms. The challenges created by large class sizes (an average class size of over 50), the high proportion of pupils who are orphans and the shortage of basic resources were very sobering, but the sense of commitment shown by the staff and the enthusiasm of the pupils was very clear.
We also made an interesting visit to the workshop and showrooms of Tribal Textiles, an enterprise employing many local people, which produces beautiful textiles using traditional designs." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Comfort at Kapani"
It was very comfortable and we liked having a swimming pool.
Abraham went out of his way to ensure that we had a walk in the afternoon on the last whole day of our stay. There was no scout available in the morning so we had to drive but he made up for it by going out early afternoon for a walk with us." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"A Superb Introduction to South Luangwa"
The sightings on our first drive were superb: a profusion of hippos and crocodiles, frequent sightings of antelope (mostly impala and puku), a pair of old bull buffaloes, a wealth of bird life, particularly water birds and the ubiquitous African fish eagle, and, after dark, several sightings of hyena close to the road. We had an excellent view of two lionesses with their cubs and, after dark, a fine view of a male lion who sauntered past our vehicle completely unconcerned by our presence. We stopped for sundowners next to the river and were impressed by a group of six bull elephants who came down to drink and then waded across the river.
The next morning we had our first view of the large numbers of carmine bee eaters who nest in holes by the river side as we set off on our long drive into the bush to Luwi." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Kapani Lodge review"
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Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Tafika
One of the best camps in Zambia, Tafika is naturally built, combining excellent service and food with top guiding skills for a superb wildlife experience.
Nkwali
On the banks of the Luangwa River, with its own access to the national park, the intimate Nkwali is open year round.
Kaingo Camp
Small and owner-run, the riverside Kaingo occupies a a quiet but excellent game area, with a series of wildlife hides and a focus on photography.
Nsefu
One of the Luangwa's oldest camps, Nsefu is a great safari camp in a remote, beautiful and game-rich location with top-rate guiding.
Mwamba Bushcamp
Small, remote and owner-run, Mwamba offers first-class walking, 4WD safari drives and superb hides, with excellent guides and a real bush feel.
Tena Tena
One of the Luangwa's best camps, in a beautiful, remote bush location, Tena Tena is very small, exceedingly well-run and has top-rate guiding.
Chikoko Tree Camp
Chikoko Tree Camp is an excellent small, rustic bushcamp that concentrates on walking safaris, and is run by a top-quality operation.
Big Lagoon Camp
Big Lagoon Camp is a great little rustic bushcamp built to high standards that focuses on excellent walking safaris, with the emphasis on top wildlife guides.
Luangwa River Camp
Luangwa River Lodge is a small and consciously stylish lodge in the Mfuwe area, overlooking the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park beyond – an area renowned for great game.
Flatdogs Camp
A relatively big safari camp, Flatdogs offers value for money with great guiding and good food in a comfortable, relaxed setting.
Mchenja Bushcamp
Set in a shady ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa, Mchenja is a smart tented bushcamp. It combines well with Kakuli and Nsolo – its sister camps with a focus on walking safaris.
Kakuli Bushcamp
Beside the Luangwa River, Kakuli is a comfortable tented bushcamp offering 4WD safaris and walking safaris – the best of which are camp-to-camp walks linking Kakuli with its nearby sister camps.
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo is a small, comfortable bushcamp overlooking one or two pools in the usually dry Luwi riverbed. It concentrates on walking safaris in an interesting and diverse area, led by a knowledgeable guide.
Kafunta River Lodge
Kafunta is a laid-back, friendly and good-value lodge on the outskirts of South Luangwa National Park.
Luwi Bushcamp
In a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park, Luwi is a rustic bushcamp whose emphasis is on walking safaris with great guiding and a chance of seeing some rarely seen and elusive antelope.
Lion Camp
Lion Camp is an established and comfortable camp with a swimming pool, located near to the game-rich Lion Plain in the northern part of South Luangwa National Park.
Robin Pope mobile
RPS mobile safari camps are at the heart of their set-itinerary walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park, which start and finish at a permanent camp.
Puku Ridge
Puku Ridge is a luxurious designer camp set in a stunning location, high on a hill overlooking a floodplain within South Luangwa. Explore from here on 4WD safaris and walks.
Kapamba Bushcamp
In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Kapamba is a small and very comfortable bushcamp offering good walks and game drives.
Mfuwe Lodge
In a game-rich area close to the South Luangwa’s main Mfuwe Gate, Mfuwe Lodge is relatively large by park standards, but it’s stylish, modern and family friendly.
Kuyenda Bushcamp
Kuyenda Bushcamp is a classic bushcamp with particularly delightful hosts and offers top-class walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.
Luangwa Safari House
Luangwa Safari House is a vast and very smart four-bedroom house specifically designed for families and small groups, and offering an exclusive and flexible safari experience.
Three Rivers Camp
In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Three Rivers Lodge sits at the confluence of three of the valleys rivers.
Island Bush Camp
Island Bushcamp is a good-value, rustic, walking-only camp, in arguably one of the most remote parts of the South Luangwa, well away from all other camps.
Bilimungwe Bushcamp
A smart bushcamp with four very spacious chalets, Bilimungwe offers interesting walking safaris in pretty riverine woodland, as well as day and night safari drives.
Chinzombo
Opened in early June 2013, Chinzombo offers luxurious and stylish accommodation with very high levels of service and excellent guiding.
Chindeni
Chindeni Bushcamp is a very modern and minimalist camp, which is a far cry from your traditional bushcamp and unlike most of the other camps in South Luangwa.
Robin's House
With your own expert guide, private vehicle, chef and valet, the two-bedroom Robin's House offers an exclusive, flexible safari experience – and is open year round.
Kawaza Village
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.
Chamilandu Bushcamp
A comfortable little bushcamp, Chamilandu has a picturesque setting by the Luangwa River, in an area with a range of habitats to explore on foot and by 4WD.
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
Zungulila is a small, comfortable tented bushcamp with an emphasis on walking safaris, in the remote southern section of the South Luangwa.
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
Currently in the final stages of an extensive rebuild, Chichele Presidential Lodge stands high within the park, with superb views, and is due to reopen in early 2025.
Chikunto
Chikunto Safari Lodge is a more traditional property in the South Luangwa National Park, sitting on a peninsula of land created by the meandering Luangwa River.
