Easily the most accessible of the Kafue lodges and easy to reach from Lusaka, Mukambi makes a great base to explore the park. Tastefully designed rondavels with Adirondack-style chairs on each front porch are set back from the riverfront on a lawn with a manicuring assisted by visiting hippos in the evenings. Activities such as wildlife drives and boat cruises are additional (US$45).
A few luxurious 'tents', reserved for guests of its sister camp Mukambi Plains, have flowing white drapery, solid-wood furnishings and private back decks overlooking the river with their own outdoor claw-footed tubs!
The pool is ideal for relaxing between morning and afternoon activities and the beautifully designed dining area has a 2nd-floor lounge, a great spot for contemplating sunsets – that is, if you're not out on a sunset cruise on the motorised pontoon boat, which covers a placid stretch of the river. Hot water is delivered to rooms for early-morning coffee before wildlife drives are taken across the river.
Head west along the main road from Lusaka until about 10km before Kafue Hook Bridge (or 82km from Nalusanga Gate) and look for the signposted turn-off to the south.