HIPPO LODGE
Hippo Lodge is a small owner-run camp with the personalised and intimate atmosphere that one would expect from a classic safari lodge.
Accommodation is in four comfortable riverside Safari Chalets, each one different and one of which is large enough to accommodate families on a self catering or fully catered basis. There are also two tented rooms which are shortly to be replaced by new chalets.
In authentic African-style, Hippo’s accommodation does not have electric lights; the rooms are softly lit by paraffin lamps at night. Solar power is available in the main lodge and bar area, and can be used to recharge batteries. All accomodation is provided with hot water from wood-fired boilers.
Gourmet bush cuisine is prepared by a trained chef and served in an open dining room over looking the river. Adjacent to the dining room is a fully stocked bar and swimming pool – a great place to cool off on a hot day or watch the sun go down.
The lodge is situated in the north of the Kafue National Park on east bank of the wild and beautiful Kafue River.The wide range of habitats in Kafue National Park, including riverine forests, miombo woodlands, flood plains and grassy dambos, park-like savannah and almost impenetrable thickets, provide the most beautiful African backdrops to a wide diversity of animal and bird life.
Hippo Lodges highly trained guides are experts at locating a wide variety of wildlife, including hippo, crocodile, warthog, impala, puku, bushbuck, kudu, hartebeest, sable, waterbuck, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, hyena, and wild dog, plus many smaller species on game drives, boat rides and walks.
Game walks are a popular activity at Hippo Lodge are conducted on the western bank of the Kafue River, opposite the Lodge. This is one of the most remarkable areas of Kafue National Park. It is a remote wilderness, virtually untouched by man, and teeming with wildlife; at night the sounds of lion and hyena are commonly heard. A morning hike through this pristine wilderness, escorted by a game-scout and experienced guide, and following well-used game trails, is a not-to-be-forgotten experience.
Game viewing in open 4x4 vehicles, on extensive loops of bush tracks east of the river, is offered in the early morning, or late afternoon/night. As dusk falls the hunt is on to track down the elusive cats: lions, leopard and African Wild Cat. It is not uncommon for impromptu evening drive-outs to be made, following the sound of a nearby lion’s roar.
With so many kilometres of beautiful, wild, river to explore, boat cruises at any time of the day are a favourite. Game viewing from the river can be spectacular, especially in the drier months, when elephants cross the river, or when buffalo and lion come down to the river to drink. For experienced or even uninitiated anglers, a thrilling experience can be had, fishing for African Pike, Tilapia or Bream in the virgin waters of the Kafue River.
A natural hot spring, situated about a kilometre from the lodge, provides guests with a perfect opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate in a unique sand bottomed Jacuzzi – bathing at the spring is a popular activity. A BBQ dinner alongside the spring, under the starry African sky, makes for an unforgettable evening.
This Lodge is fairly easy to access by air or road from Lusaka and the range of activities make this a good location for a "stand alone" safari. Hippo lodge is also perfectly positioned for a Safari Circuit of the Northern Kafue with Mayukuyuku Camp, Busanga Plains Camp and Lufupa Tented Camp which could also include a superb three hour boat transfer along the river to or from Lufupa.
This well hosted and reasonably priced lodge is one of our favourite little lodges in Kafue and should be included in any trip to the Kafue National Park.