Kasaka River Lodge

Kasaka River Lodge offers a natural and authentic bush experience in a pristine wilderness area.

Located on the banks of the Zambezi River, Kasaka combines excellent land and river activities and is simply the best value for money in the unspoilt Lower Zambezi Valley. One of the few lodges in Zambia that accommodates children, Kasaka is known for its excellent bush kids programme. 

The six-sleeper Hippo Pod’s exclusivity and spaciousness is well suited to a family or small group and represents excellent value. 

Wildlife

The permanent waters of the Zambezi draw increasing numbers of animals to its banks in dry season. Abundant elephant, buffalo and hippo can be seen at really close quarters on the many lush islands and river bank.

Regular sightings of predators such as wild dog, leopard and spotted hyena hunting the impala and other antelope make for exciting game drives. There are also a number of large lion prides.

The area is rich in birdlife, with almost 400 recorded species, including a number of species of eagle, bee-eater, stork and a wide variety of waterfowl.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Kasaka comprises eight tents and a private bush villa called The Hippo Pod. Set within the forest and gardens the eight comfortable safari tents have tastefully decorated interiors and large viewing decks to optimize the gorgeous river views. En-suite bathroom amenities feature flush-loos, powerful heated showers, bathrobes and toiletries. Guest’s have the option of staying either on the ‘Tame-side’ with its cool landscaped gardens and manicured lawns nearest the swimming pool or the ‘Wild-side’ where the bush grows naturally, and rooms are reached by wooden walkway.

The ‘Wild Mango’ honeymoon suite is the last chalet on the river's edge and affords maximum privacy. Romantic touches include a sumptuous four-poster double bed draped in mosquito netting, and a natural stone open-air bath.

The Hippo Pod is an exclusive-use bush villa with breathtaking wrap-around views of the Zambezi River. Beautifully finished with handpicked furniture from local craftsman, the Hippo Pod has a stylish African feel. Leading off from a central lounge area, the master bedroom has a mosquito-netted double bed, and the second room has twin-beds. Two day beds in the lounge convert for evening use to accommodate a total of six people. There are two ensuite bathrooms with his and her basins, sunken handcrafted baths and river-view showers. Meals can be taken in private on the extensive kiaat wood viewing decks, or guests can use the main lodge facilities. The Hippo Pod features its own butler, and for a small extra charge, the use of a private safari vehicle and a boat with a coxswain. The second phase of The Hippo Pod planned for later this year will include an infinity-edge pool and a private boma

Facilities

Nestled amongst huge Tamarind trees is the bar and deck, with leather loungers and comfortable sofas and chairs orientated towards the river frontage. Close sightings of buffalo, elephant and hippopotamus from the decks are frequent events. The small library has a good collection of reference books on Africa’s abundant wildlife, birds and plants. Meals are taken in the thatched dining area or on the main decking. Over looking the river, the swimming pool is a great place to relax during the quieter part of the day.  Here you will find large sunshades, hammocks, sunloungers and drinks served poolside. Paths weave through the gardens, from the chalets to the pool, restaurant and bar areas. Elevated walkways allow for the passage of wildlife to the river and within the camp.

Food

When not dining in the thatched area overlooking the river, guests dine under the stars on the deck, or poolside. During the full moon candlelit island dinners can be organised on Nyamangwe Island opposite the lodge. Kasaka offers good food in abundance. A three-course meal in the evenings may typically include a soup or fish starter, red-meat or chicken with seasonal locally sourced fresh vegetables, and a decadent pudding. Emphasis is on fresh with an African flavour. House wine, beer and soft drinks are all included.

Activities

The Zambezi River extends the length of the property and affords close sightings of buffalo, elephant, hippo and crocodile. Wilderness activities include morning or afternoon game drives in 4WD vehicles, guided game walks, a bush kids program, river-based game viewing, fishing, birding and painting safaris with renowned wildlife artist Rory McDougall.

The Lower Zambezi is renowned for it's excellent fishing particularly for the world's premiere game fish, the Tiger Fish. Kasaka supplies basic fishing equipment i.e., rods, reels, hooks etc. For the more serious angler we suggest that you bring your own gear. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional angler, experienced guides will take you to all the best fishing spots and guide you through the whole process. Catching one of these mighty fish is an experience you will never forget!

The best time of year to catch Tiger Fsh is September through to November. Please note that fishing for Tiger Fish is on a strictly catch and release basis to conform to local wildlife regulations. Other species of interest are the Three Spot Bream, Red Breasted Bream, Nile Bream, Chessa, Nkupi, Bottlenose and the Cornish Jack.

Guests may visit Conservation Lower Zambezi to learn about conservation education programmes and anti-poaching activities in the Lower Zambezi. Visits to the Mugurameno Basic School are a firm favourite.

Children

Let the kids go wild!

One of the few Lodges in Zambia that actively cater for children, Kasaka recognise the enormous benefits children derive from a bush experience and have incorporated this into their family packages. The programme includes a wide range of safari experiences with exciting interactive conservation activities and cultural visits to the Mugurameno Basic School.

 A typical Bush Kids programme may include: dedicated kid safaris, Bush Kids activity books, Kasaka Ranger Certificates, pooh walks, pod & seed collecting, tracking for beginners, African art and craft lessons, cultural visit to local school and village, fishing for the legendary tiger fish and campfire stories. 

Community

Simon and Jenny Cooke, the owners of Kasaka, formed the Mugurameno Basic School Charitable Trust (MBSC), in 2003. This U K registered charity supports the children and community of Mugurameno. MBSC supports the community's two schools and works towards advancing the level of education for over 500 children by providing better facilities and much needed educational resources.

MBSC work with children in UK schools to help create awareness and understanding of the lives of the people living in rural Zambia. Hurlingham School, Putney, raised over £4,000 in July 2005 by organising a sponsored walk.

In July 2006, they organised another sponsored event, this time a circuit training session and raised over £5,500, for MBSC. Mugurameno Village is situated forty minutes by boat, upstream from Kasaka and guests are invited to visit the village and schools.

Kasaka, along with all Lower Zambezi safari operators collect a conservation levy of US$2 per guest per night to support the work of Conservation Lower Zambezi.

Conservation Lower Zambezi; an active non-profit organisation committed to the protection of the wildlife and habitat of the Lower Zambezi National Park. It places particular emphasis on anti-poaching measures, community education, guide training and elephant and wild dog rese