Highlights
- Open for just five months each year*, this truly off-the-beaten-track camp delivers the ultimate wildlife safari.
- Epic exchanges between the famous lions of the area reveal the unpredictable dynamics between the territorial pridesand the nomadic males that move through.
- The exceptional biodiversity of the Busanga Plains draws a wealth of plains game – such as oribi, roan and sable, to name just a few of the specials – and predators, including lion, wild dog and cheetah.
* after the seasonal rains
NOTE: Wilderness Busanga Bush Camp is open between 01 June and 31 October each year.
Destination: Enchanting, remote and intimate. Wilderness Busanga Bush Camp lies on a verdant tree island in the heart of Kafue National Park’s renowned Busanga Plains, one of the wildest, most remote and pristine places on Earth. The Kafue is Zambia’s oldest protected area, and at 2.25 million hectares (5.5 million acres), it is one of the largest in Africa. With its rich variety of wildlife, guests have access to 600 square kilometres (231 square miles) of seasonally inundated grassy floodplains to explore on game drives, or by boat, spotting pods of hippos and the exceptionally rich birdlife.
Experience: Every day out in the plains with one of our experienced guides brings a different adventure. On game drives guests can look out for lion, buffalo, cheetah and elephant, while sable and roan antelope are regularly sighted. Also on offer, exhilarating infrared-spotlight night drives and seasonal boating excursions. On a swamp boat safari, the beautiful birdlife is the star of the show. At night, guests can unwind by the camp’s fire, and later feast on mouth-watering cuisine accompanied by fine wines, under a canopy of stars.
Purpose: The remoteness of the area and the shortened tourism season mean that we have not profited from our camps in this area. However, our presence is critical for the protection of this fragile ecosystem, through the support of conservation initiatives and creating employment.
Wildlife: The Busanga Plains is famous for its large prides of lions, as well as wild dogs and cheetah, which are drawn to the prolific plains game of the area. Puku, red lechwe, buffalo, and wildebeest are just a few species guests can look forward to spotting, as well as the resident herd of shy roan antelope.
As the floodplains dry out during the season, wildlife moves in from the surrounding woodlands. Zebra numbers increase, along with sable, which venture out onto the plains. Large pods of hippos in the channels are a regular attraction, as are the more than 500 avian species, including the range-restricted Fülleborn’s longclaw.
Wilderness Busanga Bush Camp: Tucked under fig trees, enchanting Busanga Bush Camp is ideal for small groups, or a very personalised safari. This exclusive four-tent camp has horizon-wide views of the ‘Plains of Plenty’ – the ideal base for wildlife spotting.
The main area – under canvas – is a favourite space among guests, particularly at sunrise when the rising mist gradually reveals masses of lechwe and puku dotted across the vast floodplain. The charming outdoor dining area is shaded by a canopy of majestic trees from which a delightful multi-lantern chandelier hangs — a spectacular sight when lit up at night.
