Overview

Busanga Bush Camp lies on a verdant island in the heart of the Kafue’s Busanga Plains, a vast mosaic of grassy seasonal floodplains that extend to the horizon. When the mist rises off the drying floodplains in winter, incredible sunrises and sunsets can be experienced, and the plains and dambos teem with wildlife and birds. Due the remoteness and shortened tourism season here, our presence is vital for the survival of this fragile and extraordinary eco-system.

 

Busanga Bush Camp lies on a verdant island in the heart of the Kafue’s Busanga Plains, a vast mosaic of grassy seasonal floodplains that extend to the horizon. When the mist rises off the drying floodplains in winter, incredible sunrises and sunsets can be experienced, and the plains and dambos teem with wildlife and birds. Due the remoteness and shortened tourism season here, our presence is vital for the survival of this fragile and extraordinary eco-system.

Wildlife

The Busanga Plains are famed for its productive prides of lion. Other predators seen here include wild dog and cheetah which are drawn to the prolific plains game of the area. Puku, red lechwe, buffalo and wildebeest are just some of these, while a special treat is the resident herd of roan antelope. As the floodplains dry out more and more game is attracted from the surrounding woodlands and it is then that zebra numbers increase and sable venture out onto the plains. Hippo are also abundant and often found in large pods in the channels. For those interested in birding, the park boasts 491 species, including as the endemic Chaplin’s barbet.

 

Highlights

An original and authentic traditional safari camp.

Plains game abundance and diversity: lechwe, puku, roan – and excellent lion.

 

Example of a typical day

Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer and wildlife

 

Highlights

Early morning wake-up call.

Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.

Return to camp for a meal and rest period.

Meet for afternoon tea before departing on the activity.

Return to camp – freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.

Enjoy a nightcap or discussion around the fire before retiring.

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  • Loction

    Busanga Bush Camp lies on a verdant island in the middle of Kafue’s Busanga Plains. Day and night drives and seasonal boating take in the diverse wildlife in this remote place on the ground, or a hot air balloon ride by air.

  • Accommodation

    Hidden beneath sycamore fig trees, this intimate camp has well-appointed en-suite tents, each with a veranda to take in the sweeping views. The main area – under canvas – is a relaxed space with uninterrupted panoramas over the plains and is a favourite space amongst guests, particularly at sunrise with the rising mist gradually reveals masses of lechwe and puku dotted across the floodplain. The ‘dining room’, a little further back, is shaded by the canopy of a majestic tree from which an unusual lantern chandelier hangs, romantically lighting up dinner.

    Number of Tents

    This camp can accommodate 08 guests in total, subject to concession numbers and/or concession availability.

    04 x Tents in total comprising:

    04 x twin-bedded meru-style safari tents each with two three quarter beds.

    A total of two mattress converters are available that transforms twin beds into king-size beds. To be arranged prior to arrival

     


     

    Standard Tents

     

     

  • Facilities

     

    Camp Design and Facilities

    • Lounge, dining and bar areas under canvas on a raised wooden deck (with a multi-plugs adaptor charging centre for mobile devices in the main area) – with the camp being under a canopy of trees.
    • Sunset deck for private dining for small groups.
    • Viewing platform for sundowners/fire pit evenings and early morning teas.
    • During winter months knee blankets are provided during dinner.
    • Traditional boma for dining under the stars.
    • Camp fire.
    • Spotting scope.
    • Guest toilet in main area.

    Number of Tents

    This camp can accommodate 08 guests in total, subject to concession numbers and/or concession availability.

    • 04 x Tents in total comprising:
    • 04 x twin-bedded meru-style safari tents each with two three quarter beds.
    • A total of two mattress converters are available that transforms twin beds into king-size beds. To be arranged prior to arrival.

    Tents Facilities

    • Meru-style safari tents on the ground, with sandy pathways on the ground.
    • En-suite facilities with indoor shower, single vanity basin and toilet.
    • Writing desk and chair, mosquito net, during winter months hot water bottles and extra blankets are provided, electronic safe.
    • Complimentary in-tent Wi-Fi.
    • Amenities include bathrobes, liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, insect repellent, shower caps, vanity kit with two cotton tipped swabs and cotton balls, tissue dispenser, washing powder (for smalls), umbrella, room spray and a mosquito coil are supplied in each tent.

    Electricity and Water

    • Electricity is supplied by a combination of diesel generators and large batteries with invertors and chargers.

    Sleep apnoea machines can be accommodated in the rooms; however, guests are to provide own device, spare batteries, charging unit and adaptors.

    • At Busanga Bush Camp, guests will need to hand their batteries to the camp staff for charging, in either the main area or office while out on morning activities. It is, therefore, advisable to carry spare batteries.
    • Water is heated by solar geysers.
    • Potable water to the camp comes from a borehole.

  • Activities

    • Day and night game drives in 01 x 10-seater open Toyota Hilux. For an Adventures category of camp, in open game drive vehicles we generally do not allocate more than nine guests per vehicle (with seven “window” seats) if the numbers are made up of different booking parties.
    • During winter months hot water bottles (on early morning game drives only), blankets and lined ponchos are provided.
    • A pair of Olympus binoculars is available in each of the game drive vehicles for guests to share amongst themselves whilst game viewing and may be requested from our guides
    • Water-based activities in 01 x 6-seater boat (water levels permitting and mostly at the beginning of the season).
    • Birding.
    • Stargazing with a laser pointer.
    • Hot air ballooning (a nominal fee will apply to this excursion and said conservation fee will aid anti-poaching efforts in and around the Kafue National Park [(subject to availability and to be booked and paid for in camp for any length of stay) – excursion available in August, September and October only – not in June or July (weather permitting, with guest numbers as a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 08 – all passengers must be able to stand for the duration of the flight (approximately 1.0 hour with the balloon flying with the wind so distance and area covered will depend on the direction and speed of the wind), bend knees into a squatting position, as well as be able to enter and exit the basket)].

     


     

    Predator and Prey

    The Busanga Plains provide some of the best lion viewing in Africa.

     

    Take to the skies

    Drift over endless plains, with hippo and lechwe to be seen far below.

     

    Night Drive

    Take in the clear night skies and the night creatures on a night drive.

     

    Boating

    Busanga area is largely covered by water allowing for exploration

     

  • Fact Facts

    RATING

    5 Star

    TYPE

    Safari Lodge

    NO. ROOMS

    4

    AVAILABLE SERVICES

    Credit Card

    CHILD POLICY

    9 years and above are welcome.

    PET POLICY

    Not allowed

    OPERATIONAL PERIOD

    July – October

    SPECIAL INTERESTS

    Birding, Nature, Wildlife

  • Getting there

    Approximately a 1hr45 minute flight from Livingstone to the North Kafue and an approximately a 1hr40 minute flight from Lusaka.

    ACCESS – FLY IN BASIS
    Airstrip Details: Busanga Plains Airstrip
    Duration to Camp: June to July: Approximate 20 minute drive in a game viewer
    from airstrip to the mokoro pick up point. Approximate 20 minute mokoro trip
    (water leves permitting) to a game viewer and approximate 10 minute drive
    into the (depending on wildlife sightings, scenery and photographic opportunities
    en-route)
    August to November: Approximate 40 minute road transfer from airstrip to
    camp (depending on wildlife sightings, scenery and photographic opportunities
    en-route)
    Airstrip Coordinates: 14°17’36.00″S 25°53’06.00″E
    Altitude/Elevation: 3 750 feet
    Runway Heading  09/27
    Runway Length: 1 000 metres
    Airstrip Surface: Compact gravel and sand
    Airstrip Services: Busanga Bush Camp and Shumba

  • General Information

    Child Policy

    • Children 06 years and older are accommodated.
    • For families travelling with children between the ages of 06 and 12 years, private activities are not a requirement as families are accommodated on vehicles with other guests (Busanga Bush being an Adventures category of camp).
    • Children between 06 and 16 years of age must share with at least one adult in the same tent.
    • The minimum age for boating activities is 06 years (water levels permitting).
    • In Zambia, the hot air ballooning is both weather permitting and seasonal, children less than 06 years are only allowed to participate in this activity, if taller than 1.2 metres, to comfortably see over the basket. An adult should accompany a child less than 16 years.

    E&OE 11 JUNE 2020 PAGE 3 of 3 © WILDERNESS SAFARIS

    Laundry Facilities

    Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day) and included on the FI rate basis. Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned, washed, dried and ironed, by the evening.

     

    Due to prevailing local cultural traditions, please place any underwear items in the mesh laundry bag provided, so that these can be machine washed separately. Should guests prefer to hand wash, environmentally friendly detergent is available in the tents or can be provided on request.

     

    As an environmentally aware company, we strive to reduce our water usage where we can. Since towel washing consumes an enormous amount of water, we follow the same policy used by most top establishments around the world: should guests want their towels washed, we request that guests please place these into the laundry basket/laundry bag supplied. Towels not in the laundry basket/laundry bag will be hung up and dried for their reuse.

     

    Note that laundry services may be limited as a result of water shortages. We cannot be held liable for any damage to clothing.

  • The Experience

    Watch the mist rise off the drying ‘Plains of Plenty’ in winter, when sunrises and sunsets are especially sensational. On game drives or in camp witness unparalleled wildlife extravaganzas, with dramatic predator action. At the start of the season when the water is high, boat through the channels, encountering hippos, crocs, red lechwe, puku, water birds, and countless other species; as the waters recede, see the ‘flying lions’ leap from small island to small island, in pursuit of prey. Marvel at the infinite antelope herds, with more species than anywhere else in Africa. Listen for the iconic cry of the fish-eagle, the soundtrack of Busanga.

  • Kafue National Park and Busanga Plains

    Kafue National Park

     

     

    Kafue National Park is one of Africa’s most unique wildernesses. It is one of the biggest National Parks on the continent (roughly the size of Wales at more than 22,000km²), and its vast size includes a variety of different wildlife habitats to be explored. One of Africa’s best kept secrets, the park has evaded mass tourism and been left untouched and unspoiled, as it should be. This allows guests to experience excellent game viewing with a rich diversity of wildlife, stunning landscapes and uninterrupted interactions with nature. The park is named after the mighty Kafue River that meanders through it for 250km. It enters the park in the North-East and forms beautiful Lake Itezhi-Tezhi in the south, a natural draw for large herds of antelope and elephant. Other well-known rivers which run through the park are the Lunga and Lufupa Rivers, both feeder tributaries to the Kafue River. The intricate water systems and lake dominate the landscape in the North and East sections of the park where the majority of the safari camps are located.

    Kafue National Park is Zambia’s biggest and most established National Park and is easily accessed from both Lusaka and Livingstone, only a 3 to 4 hour drive away. There are also a number of airstrips, including Mukambi’s newly built airstrip, just 5 minutes downstream from the lode, making the park a good option for safari charters.

     

    Busanga Plains

     

     

    The beautiful Busanga Plains are situated in the Northern part of the park. The jewel of the Kafue, the area is famous for its extensive floodplain which drains after the rainy season, attracting large numbers of game and fantastic birdlife. ‘One Fig’, a huge fig tree in the middle of the plains, is a prominent landmark. The well-known National Geographic documentary, ‘Swamp Lions’, was filmed exclusively on the Busanga Plains and it’s also no surprise that Getaway Magazine rated Busanga as one of the ‘top 10 secret gems of Africa’. The plains are seasonal due to the flooding in the wet season and small safari camps like our own Busanga Plains Camp operate solely in the dry season.

  • Time to visit

     

     

     

  • Food

    Busanga Bush Camp

     

     

  • Animals

    Some of the animals found in this area.
    Kafue National Park, Zambia.

     

    The Hippo within the lodge area - Busanga Plains Camp

     

     

    The Lizard within the lodge area - Busanga Plains Camp

     

    Roan antelopes resting - Busanga Plains Camp

     

    The Warthog searching for food - Busanga Plains Camp

     

    Roan Antelopes at peace - Busanga Plains Camp

     

    The leopard resting - Busanga Plains Camp

     

    The Varaan at peace with nature - Busanga Plains Camp

     

    The Hippos as usual at play in Kafue River water - Busanga Plains Camp

     

    The head of Elephants on the pool - Busanga Plains Camp

  • Birding

    Some of the birds found in this area.
    Kafue National Park, Zambia.

     

    Black-cheeked lovebird – Credit Dick Daniels

     

    Böhm’s bee-eater – Credit Nathan DeBruine

     

    Brown-headed apalis – Credit Nik borrow

     

    Chaplin’s barbet – Credit Nick Hudson

     

    Chestnut-backed_Sparrow-Weaver – Credit By Nigel Voaden

     

    Collared palm-thrush – Credit Zak Pohlen

     

    Denham’s bustard – Credit Bernard

     

    African Finfoot – Credit Wikipedia

Tour Map

Google Map for Kafue National Park, Zambia

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