About KaingU Lodge
Historically the south of Kafue has been considered the poor relation of the north, but in the last few years ...
... KaingU Lodge has gradually started to change opinions on this. This owner-run lodge is set in a stunning location next to the Kafue River, and offers a variety of activities, making the most of the natural surroundings.
KaingU is an excellent little lodge, with a focus on environmental preservation where comfort, combined with traditional design, has been executed with impressive attention to detail. The amount of wildlife in the area may not be enough for most people to visit KaingU by itself, but the river and the walking here are truly stunning from a landscape perspective. We think that combining KaingU with one of Kafue’s camps in the north will give you the best of both worlds, and a great chance to properly explore this diverse national park.
Our view
KaingU is an excellent little lodge, with a focus on environmental preservation where comfort, combined with traditional design, has been executed with impressive attention to detail. The amount of wildlife in the area may not be enough for most people to visit KaingU by itself, but the river and the walking here are truly stunning from a landscape perspective. We think that combining KaingU with one of Kafue’s camps in the north will give you the best of both worlds, and a great chance to properly explore this diverse national park.
Accommodation
6 Meru-style tents
Children
Open
1 March - 1 Jan
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
White-water rafting
Traveller reviews of KaingU Lodge
16 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 7 Aug 2024, 4 nights
"4 nights at KaingU Lodge "
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 22 Jun 2024, 3 nights
"KaingU Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 18 Oct 2023, 3 nights
"KaingU Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 9 Oct 2023, 2 nights
"KaingU Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 13 Sep 2023, 2 nights
"KaingU Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 6 Aug 2023, 2 nights
"KaingU Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 19 Oct 2022, 2 nights
"Spectacular location"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 15 Sep 2022, 3 nights
"KaingU Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 17 Oct 2019, 3 nights
"KaingU Lodge - Exceptional Experience"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 27 Sep 2018, 3 nights
"KaingU Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent


























Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 26 pictures of KaingU Lodge to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting KaingU Lodge
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Defassa Waterbuck Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Stay in three intimate, owner-run camps during this exploration of Kafue National Park. Remote locations, true wilderness and a range of activities make for a real adventure off the beaten track.
Visiting Kafue
US$9,350 - US$9,360 per person
KaingU Lodge: Our full report
Historically the south of Kafue has been considered the poor relation of the north, but in the last few years ...
... KaingU Lodge has gradually started to change opinions on this. This owner-run lodge is set in a stunning location next to the Kafue River, and offers a variety of activities, making the most of the natural surroundings.
KaingU Lodge has six large, green Meru-style tents, and a separate four-bed house, known as ‘Finfoot’. Built as much as possible with local materials, the lodge has been designed to blend into the natural surroundings.
The tents are raised on private wooden decks and have thatched roofs, which help to keep the rooms cooler during the hotter months.
Two of the rooms have double beds, while the other four are twins, all with mosquito netting overhead. The bedside lights are solar-powered, as are the bathroom lights. Flasks with filtered drinking water are provided in the room - the lodge has bottled water available at the bar, but encourages the use of re-fillable bottles. Charging points for your electronic devices can be found in the main area of the lodge.
All of the bedrooms at KaingU have en-suite bathrooms, each with indoor showers and either an outdoor shower or bath. The bathrooms are stylishly built in stone, with well thought-out details added, such as green bottles cleverly set into the walls to create artistic lighting effects.
Each tent has wood and gauze doors leading out to a large veranda, with chairs and a hammock, that overlooks the Kafue River.
KaingU’s family house, ‘Finfoot’, is a much more solid construction than the tents, with two en-suite bedrooms, one queen and one twin. The rooms are connected by a central lounge area, which has doors leading onto a private deck overlooking the river. It’s ideal for small families, or a group of friends, to have a bit more privacy from the rest of the camp.
The main area to KaingU Lodge is a thatched boma, incorporating the lounge, dining area and bar. Wi-Fi is available in this central area, and there’s a small curio shop here as well. You’ll find the afore-mentioned charging sockets here, and more solar-powered lighting - not only has KaingU been built making the most of the local surroundings and materials, but the entire lodge is powered by solar energy. A large redwood deck stretches out from the seating area over the river, shaded by the surrounding forest, with a fire-pit built into the deck for evening campfires. It’s a great place for sundowners, or just to relax after dinner and watch any wildlife that wanders through the camp.
As an owner-run property, the team behind KaingU have always had a passion for the area and its environment. There is game here: relaxed antelope are seen on day and night drivesm which are conducted in the national park just a 10 minutes boat ride from the lodge, and leopards pass through the camp regularly. The wildlife can be quite limited here though, especially when compared to some of the northern camps in the park. We therefore don’t think that the wildlife should be the main reason why people visit KaingU: instead the river is the major attraction here.
Beside KaingU, the mighty Kafue River splits into shallows as it flows around a myriad of small islands - each a jumble of sand, soil and huge, rounded granite boulders. This landscape lends itself wonderfully to a wide variety of river-based activities. Boat cruises along the river are possible, and many of the guides are keen, and experienced, fisherman for those wishing to add an extra activity to the boat trip. The lodge also offers canoeing trips in and around the islands, during which a wide variety of bird life and animals can be seen, and hippos, crocodiles and elephant are frequently encountered. The river is stunning here, and when we canoed down the river and stopped for brunch on one of the islands, we felt that the river in this location was one of the main draws of the camp.
Apart from river activities, walking trails from the lodge to the local rock formations are an option, or for guests wishing to partake in longer treks walking safaris take place within the national park. KaingU Lodge is also heavily involved with community projects, including sponsoring the local school, and trips to see ongoing projects can be arranged. It's also possible to take part in a sleep-out in the delightfully designed Tonga Tree Baskets, elevated in the trees overlooking the river.
If staying here, we recommend that travellers ensure for themselves that any walk from KaingU which goes through 'big game' areas should be accompanied by a trained and armed game scout. We don't recommend walking in big game areas without the proper guides and protection.
Geographics
- Location
- Kafue National Park, Zambia
- Ideal length of stay
- We would recommend a 2-3 night stay at KaingU in order to properly explore the landscape in this stunning section of the park, possibly combined with 2-3 nights in the more wildlife rich northern sections of Kafue National Park.
- Directions
- Fly-and-Transfer - KaingU is accessed by a short flight to Lusaka, either from Livingstone or Mfuwe,
From there, it’s a four and a half hour drive from Lusaka to KaingU. It’s possible to get a charter flight down, but this would be at an extra cost. - Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Special interests
- Birdwatching safaris
- Dry-country and waterbirds found in this diverse area.
- See ideas for Birdwatching safaris in Zambia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Property’s age restrictions
- KaingU Lodge is a family friendly lodge, and has no age limit for children. However, infants cannot be taken on any river activities, and the minimum age to participate in game drives is 6 years old.
- Special activities & services
- The Lodge has a ‘Young Adventurers’ programme for children, with activities including tracking, archery, stargazing, bread making, African storytelling and drumming, and excursions to the local school.
- Generally recommended for children
- No
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from KaingU Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at KaingU Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

100% success

100% success

56% success

33% success

33% success

22% success

22% success

13% success

13% success

11% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Communications
- KaingU Lodge has WiFi in the main area for guests use. There are no charging points in the rooms. Charging of batteries must be done in the main area.
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Water is pumped from the river before being filtered and sterilised.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
White-water rafting
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
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KaingU Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of KaingU Lodge.
Other lodges in Kafue National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Musekese Camp
Musekese is a small owner-run tented camp, offering great guiding and a high degree of personal service in a stunning wilderness area, with modest game.

Busanga Bushcamp
Busanga Bushcamp is a small but comfortable tented bushcamp (max 8 guests) which makes a great base for a wildlife safari to the Busanga Plains.

Shumba Camp
Shumba is a high-spec camp built on a tree island in the magical Busanga Plains. It opens in May, when the birdlife is particularly amazing; as the dry season progresses, the game can become remarkable.

Ntemwa Busanga Camp
Ntemwa Busanga Camp is a simple but comfortable camp on the southern tip of the Busanga Plains which combines well with its sister camp, Musekese.

Chisa Busanga
Opened in mid 2021, Chisa Busanga Camp is a beautifully designed, small, intimate and rustic camp.

Mukambi Safari Lodge
Mukambi Safari Lodge is a solidly built, comfortable property just off the main road from Lusaka, making it one of the most convenient camps in Kafue.

Mukambi Plains Camp
Mukambi Plains Camp is a rustic, tented property located in the middle of the vast Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park.

Fig Tree Camp
Fig Tree camp is in the centre of Kafue National Park, and in addition to having a stunning location is well placed to start or end your trip in the park.

Ila Safari Lodge
Ila Safari Lodge is a comfortable lodge just outside Kafue National Park, with convenient access from Lusaka.
When to go to Kafue National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit KaingU Lodge in Kafue National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Kafue National Park in January
January marks the peak of Kafue National Park's wet season. Expect frequent heavy downpours, often lasting for hours, punctuated by brief sunny intervals. The mercury soars above 30°C/86°F, accompanied by high humidity.
The park's landscapes are verdant and lush, with crystal-clear air. However, the abundance of water causes wildlife to disperse, and thick vegetation can hinder sightings. Migratory birds boost the park's avian diversity. Many areas of Kafue become inaccessible as seasonal rivers flood and dirt roads turn impassable. Only a few lodges, near all-weather roads in the centre of the park, remain operational. Visitor numbers are low, and accommodation options offer their most competitive rates.
- Wet season peak: frequent showers, steamy conditions
- Most lodges shut, verdant scenery ideal for photos
- Wildlife scattered, challenging to spot in thick foliage
- Minimal tourists, budget-friendly rates available
- Lush greenery dominates the landscape
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Kafue National Park in February
February continues the wet season trend in Kafue National Park. Dramatic thunderstorms deliver brief but intense rainfall most days, interspersed with clear, sunny periods.
The park remains awash with water, dispersing wildlife and limiting access to certain areas. Dense vegetation restricts game viewing and walking safaris, but swollen rivers allow for unique boating experiences in some parts of the park. As the month progresses, water levels in the park's rivers begin to rise noticeably. The few operational camps continue to see low visitor numbers and offer reduced rates.
- Continued wet season: daily downpours, muggy atmosphere
- Majority of safari lodges and camps closed for the season
- Verdant surroundings, but wildlife sightings limited
- Rivers in flood and excellent for bird-watching
- Scarce visitors, economical pricing for adventurers
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Kafue National Park in March
March signals the final month of Kafue's rainy season, with heavy showers still common. Water levels peak, making navigation within the park challenging. Daytime temperatures consistently exceed 30°C/86°F, with rain-induced humidity remaining high.
Most camps are still closed, and thick vegetation continues to limit wildlife viewing and walking safaris. However, this is a prime time for observing animals with their young, and predator activity can be high. The combination of clear air and increasingly frequent blue skies creates excellent conditions for photography. Birdwatching remains exceptional as migratory species prepare for their winter journey.
- Wet season climax: regular showers, high humidity
- Abundant newborns, but animals hard to spot in greenery
- Few tourists, low-season rates at lodges
- Lush vegetation persists across Kafue
- Most lodges remain closed
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Kafue National Park in April
April marks a transition in Kafue National Park as the rains shift from intense downpours to lighter, sporadic showers. The landscape remains lush and green, but large wildlife sightings are still limited.
Most safari camps still remain closed; only those central camps near all-weather roads have reliable access. The park's rivers and wetlands are at their fullest, creating a picturesque setting. Despite improving conditions, game viewing can still be challenging due to the dense vegetation.
- Rainy season waning: occasional showers, humid days
- Many bush roads are still impassable
- Verdant scenery continues, wildlife viewing improving
- Most safari camps and lodges remain closed
- Low visitor numbers; attractive low-season rates
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Kafue National Park in May
May typically heralds the start of the dry season in Kafue. While occasional showers may occur, most days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, temperatures begin to drop, with daytime highs around 26°C/79°F.
The drying landscape improves access throughout the park, and some camps reopen – though access across the Busanga Plains remains challenging. Standing water is still prevalent, but game viewing noticeably improves as the vegetation thins. The month's end can be popular with visitors taking advantage of pleasant weather, better wildlife sightings, and the last of the low-season rates at many camps.
- Dry season onset: clearer skies, pleasant temperatures
- Many safari camp and lodges now operational
- Landscape still green, excellent for photographers
- Wildlife sightings improving as vegetation thins
- Final month for off-season lodge rates
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Kafue National Park in June
June in Kafue National Park sees virtually no rainfall and a high likelihood of consistently sunny days. Humidity drops significantly, and winter's approach brings cooler temperatures, with nighttime lows around 10°C/50°F and daytime highs of 25°C/77°F.
The landscape remains relatively lush, but thinning vegetation greatly enhances visibility for game viewing. The park's rivers and wetlands start to recede, leading more wildlife to appear around the remaining water sources. Even the camps on the Busanga Plains are usually operational by June. Some still offer shoulder season rates, whilst others begin charging peak season prices.
- Consistently sunny days, cooler nights setting in
- All Kafue lodges open and welcoming visitors
- Wildlife viewing noticeably better, animals more visible
- Lovely conditions for walking safaris in Kafue
- Almost all tracks now passable, even on the Busanga Plains
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Kafue National Park in July
As the dry season progresses in Kafue, vegetation continues to thin and water becomes scarcer. Wildlife begins to cluster around major water sources, improving game viewing opportunities.
July marks the heart of winter, with daytime temperatures in the 20s Celsius/70s Fahrenheit , but nighttime lows can drop to single digits. Early morning and late evening game drives can be particularly chilly, with camps often providing blankets and hot water bottles. Visitor numbers increase significantly, and popular small camps can fill up quickly. Properties now charge high season rates. The floodwaters in the Busanga Plains have receded to the north, opening up further areas for exploration.
- Warm days, chilly nights: bring layers for comfort
- Wildlife congregating near water sources, easier to spot
- Walking safaris popular, vegetation less dense
- End-July is the start of the busy season
- Lodge and camp rates now at peak season rates
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Kafue National Park in August
By August, Kafue's vegetation has significantly thinned and wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, offering excellent game viewing opportunities. Rain is rare, with sunny days almost guaranteed, though dust and smoke can create a haze on the horizon.
Temperatures climb into the 20s Celsius/70s Fahrenheit the day, but dip below 5°C/40°F during nights which feel very cold. Warm clothing (hats and gloves!) is essential for morning and evening activities. One of the most popular months to visit Kafue so safari camps charge peak rates and availability can be limited, especially in sought-after locations.
- Very dry conditions, warm days but cold nights
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Slight haze may affect long-distance photography
- Perfect weather for walking safaris in the park
- Peak season: lodges at high season rates
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Kafue National Park in September
September is arguably the prime time to visit Kafue National Park. Rainfall is virtually non-existent, humidity is low, and temperatures begin to rise. Morning game drives become more comfortable with daytime highs typically in the low 30s Celsius/80s Fahrenheit; nights are less bitter.
Water scarcity concentrates wildlife around remaining sources, providing excellent viewing opportunities and increased chances of inter-species interactions. The wildlife on the Busanga Plains reaches its zenith as safari camps charging peak rates are often full – often having been booked up well in advance. A noticeable haze can affect distant views and photography.
- Dry, hot days with clear skies and mild nights
- Prime time for wildlife viewing in Kafue
- Often dense wildlife on the Busanga Plains
- Dusty conditions may create hazy landscapes
- High season continues, lodges often fully booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Kafue National Park in October
October sees Kafue at its driest, with the landscape appearing barren and brown. Occasional showers may occur as the promise of the wet season looms. Temperatures can soar above 40°C/104°F during the day, rarely dropping below 20°C/68°F at night.
A smoky, dusty haze can be seen in distant photographs, even obscuring the horizon. The scarcity of water leads to great competition at remaining sources, with excellent opportunities to observe predator-prey interactions. Game viewing is at its peak, though the animals are feeling the stress of the dryness. Most smaller, more remote camps, and all of those on the Busanga Plains, close at the end of October.
- A prime month for wildlife viewing
- Lots of ‘fishing parties’ of birds feeding in drying pools.
- Very hot days and nights, rain unlikely
- Landscape increasingly dusty and harsh
- Hazy conditions may impact photography
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Kafue National Park in November
November typically marks the transition from dry to wet season in Kafue – which makes this month unpredictable. Temperatures remain high and humidity builds until it rains. Spectacular thunderstorms then increase in in frequency later in the month, triggering rapid green growth.
Wildlife begins to disperse as water becomes more readily available. Increasing numbers of migratory birds arrive and antelope species gathering for calving. Most more remote camps are closed, including those on the Busanga Plains; camps remaining open reduce their rates. With the rains comes crystal-clear air – perfect photographic conditions.
- Transition from dry to wet season begins
- Wildlife viewing declines as animals disperse
- Landscape turns green, everything comes alive
- Clearer air means better photographic conditions
- Lodge rates decrease; most safari camps close
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Kafue National Park in December
December usually sees Kafue fully in the grip of the wet season. Heavy thunderstorms occur on most days, interspersed with sunny periods. Temperatures begin to drop but still exceed 30°C/86°F during the day, accompanied by high humidity.
The rainfall transforms the landscape, encouraging lush vegetation growth. While wildlife remains in the park, sightings become more challenging due to the thick foliage and dispersed animal populations. Many areas become difficult to access, and all but a few centrally located camps close for the season. Open camps offer their lowest rates. The rains clear the air, restoring vivid blue skies that delight photographers.
- Rainy season in full swing: hot, humid, wet days
- Wildlife harder to spot as vegetation thickens
- Many Kafue lodges close; others offer low-season rates
- Green landscape and clear air perfect for photography
- Many birds in breeding plumage
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December

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