Read 62 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 and style since then, its simple safari feel 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. This lower deck 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. This is furnished with very smart leather armchairs and sofas which are set around a stone fireplace. It 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.

There are two different types of accommodation at Kapani. Most people will opt to stay in one of the eight semi-detached Standard Rooms. These rooms have a very comfortable sitting area with a sofa and two easy chairs around a large coffee table, usually scattered with wildlife and birding magazines. Then towards the back of the room are two large twin beds or a double bed, surrounded by a large walk-in mosquito net. There is a ceiling fan, a wooden desk and a canvas wardrobe with toweling dressing gowns.

A well stocked mini-bar and tea /coffee making facilities are discreetly tucked away around a corner in a cupboard.

The small en-suite bathroom has twin ceramic washbasins set into a wooden top, a flush toilet and small shower. The bathrooms are simple and functional but they are nicely decorated and shampoo, soap and moisturizer are provided as well as a hair dryer!

For families who require a little more space, or if you are celebrating a special occasion – you may wish to upgrade to the Lagoon Suite. This is much larger than the Standard Rooms, and perfect for honeymooners or families. Though the design and style of all the rooms is broadly the same, the Suite also has a huge verandah which is great for private dining or for enjoying the views over the lagoon. Inside, is a large king-size bed, surrounded by a walk-in mosquito net and you will also find a large sunken bath.

The guided safari activities are very good; Kapani's drives generally start near the central area of the park, after they have crossed the bridge over the Luangwa – 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.

We visited Kapani most recently in June 2010, though we have been many times before and always enjoy our stay - it's a perennial favourite of ours!

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: 9 rooms

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: 2 nights – it makes a good start or end to a longer stay with a combination of the Norman Carr Safaris bushcamps.

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: Though we didn't have a chance to eat here this time, on previous visits the food has always been very good. We also ate at a few of Kapani's sister bushcamps and the food was consistently of a high standard – we have no doubt that this would be the same at Kapani. There is no choice of main course so special meals must be noted before arrival in the camp!

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: No

Drinks included: House wines, local beers and spirits, soft drinks and filtered water are included here. Kapani has a separate wine list of 'premium wines', and a selection of imported spirits, which cost extra – to be settled in camp.

Special interests

Honeymoons: Kapani's lagoon suite makes a spacious place for honeymooners – it is quiet and set apart from the rest of the lodge's accommodation, ensuring privacy. Here honeymooners can be treated to private dinners on their own verandah. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for honeymoons in Zambia

Wildlife safaris: Kapani is close to the centre of South Luangwa – around Mfuwe Lagoon – which means very relaxed big game indeed, and usually some excellent sightings. 4WD safaris are organised both day and night, but walking safaris can also be requested. The guiding here is of a high standard. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for wildlife safaris in Zambia

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome

Activities: Child minding is available in the evenings, though please not that this will come from the house keeping team and so they will not be specifically trained for this.

Equipment: There are a few cots and high chairs available

Generally recommended for children: Yes – 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: There is mobile phone reception around the camp, but Kapani asks guests to use their cell phones in their rooms and not the main areas. The lodge also has a telephone that guests can use as well as email facilities.

TV & radio: No TVs or radios – this is the bush.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: The nearest doctor is based at a nearby lodge, typically 15 minutes' drive away. For more serious cases you would be airlifted to Lusaka or Johannesburg.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: There are 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: Laundry is included at Kapani.

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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