Overview

You barely have to step off Shumba’s elegant, streamlined decks to encounter a vast diversity of creatures. The camp’s six spacious, luxury tented units, raised on wooden platforms, stand sentry over the endless plains. Astounding vistas can be had from your bed, various seating areas in the unit, or even the indoor and outdoor showers. Zambian hospitality pervades the main area, whether you’re cooling off in the pool, dining under the stars, or sharing fireside tales with staff, a convivial nightly ritual.

Elegant Shumba, named after the prides of lion seen in the area, is found on a wooded island in the centre of the millionhectare Busanga Plains. Home to hundreds of red lechwe, puku and other plains game and their predators, the wild and remote floodplains seemingly go on forever.

Wildlife

Shumba is situated in the middle of the Busanga Plains in the midst of various lion pride territories and is said to provide some of the best lion viewing in Africa. These lion are often seen in and around camp. The area is also perfectly situated to see large numbers of plains game such as puku, red lechwe, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, oribi, buffalo and wildebeest. Cheetah and wild dog may also be seen, while a special treat is the ‘resident’ herd of rare roan antelope.

Birding

For birding enthusiasts, the park boasts 491 species, including endemics such as Chaplin’s barbet.

Highlights

  • The most luxurious accommodation in Kafue, overlooking vast wildlife-rich plains.
  • Shumba means lion, referring to the large prides often seen near camp.
  • The most exclusive wildlife hot air ballooning in Africa.
Example of a Typical day

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

  • Early morning wake-up call. ï‚· 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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  • Location

    Shumba Camp is situated in the middle of the Busanga Plains in the midst of various lion pride territories and is said to provide some of the best lion viewing in Africa. These lion are often seen in and around camp.

     

    The area is also perfectly situated to see large numbers of plains game such as puku, red lechwe, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, oribi, buffalo and wildebeest. Cheetah and wild dog may also be seen, while a special treat is the ‘resident’ herd of rare roan antelope. For birding enthusiasts, the park boasts 491 species, including endemics such as Chaplin’s barbet.

  • Accommodation

     

    Standing sentry over these endless plains are luxury tented units raised on wooden platforms. Each spacious unit is a tranquil space from which to observe the wilderness – either from your bed, the various seating areas or even the indoor or outdoor showers. Enjoy Zambian hospitality in the main area, where sumptuous dining, cooling off in the pool and shaded relaxation are the order of the day, while convivial fireside tales and stargazing are a nightly ritual.

    Number of Tents

    This camp can accommodate 14 guests in total (12 adults and 02 children), plus 01 guide/pilot/tour leader on a single occupancy accommodation basis only, subject to concession numbers and/or concession availability.

    · 06 x Tents in total comprising:

    · 05 x twin-bedded luxury tents each with two three quarter beds.

    · 01 x family room (main bedroom with a king-size bed; second bedroom with two three quarter beds). Consisting of two bedrooms (separated by a personal divider), sharing the same bathroom, deck and entrance.

    A total of five mattress converters are available that transforms twin beds into king-size beds. To be arranged prior to arrival. Plus guide/pilot/tour leader accommodation comprising:

    · [01 Pilot/Guide (01 bed in total, on a single occupancy accommodation basis only, with one adjoining en-suite bathroom facility – not of the same standard as guest accommodation)].

     

     

     

    Standard Tent

     

    Family Tent

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Facilities

    Camp design and Facilities

    Pool in main area.

    Lounge, dining and bar areas on elevated wooden platforms, under a canopy of majestic fig     trees (with all tents and main areas connected by elevated wooden walkways).

    • Indoor and outdoor dining.
    • Outdoor sunken lounge with stargazing/fire deck.
    • Traditional boma for dining under the stars.
    • Wheelchair accessible main area.
    • Guest toilet in main area

    Tent Facilities

    Luxury tented accommodation on an elevated wooden deck, with elevated wooden walkways (as well as all tents and main areas connected by elevated wooden walkways).

    En-suite facilities with indoor shower, outdoor shower, double basin vanity and separate toilet.

    Writing desk and chair, mosquito net, during winter months hot water bottles and extra blankets are provided, electronic safe, tea and coffee making facilities, indoor lounge area, outdoor sunken lounge area.

    • Complimentary in-tent Wi-Fi.
    • No air-conditioning, however, a pedestal fan is provided in each tent.
    • 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.

    Electrical and Water

    • 100% solar powered with generator back-up.
    •  220V multi-plug adaptor charging facilities for mobile devices. Additional charging facilities (available on request and prior notice essential) for the use of sleep apnoea machines (guests to provide own device, spare batteries, charging unit and adaptors).
    • Pedestal fans have 24-hour power. Guests need to be conservative with the use of all electrical equipment.
    • Water for showers are heated by solar geysers.
    • Potable water to the camp comes from a borehole.

  • Activities

    Day and night game drives in 03 x 10-seater open Toyota Hiluxes. For reasons of comfort and space, we generally do not allocate more than six or seven guests per vehicle if the numbers are made up of different booking parties at a Classic category of camp.

     

    • 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.
    • Private activities on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked and paid for) may be requested in advance. Note that the one private vehicle on the Busanga Plains Concession is shared between Shumba and Busanga Bush Camp (this is an exception to the Private Activity service which is usually not offered at an Adventures category camp).
    • Water-based activities in 01 x 06-seater boat (water levels permitting and mostly at the beginning of the season).
    • Birding.
    • targazing 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)].

     


     

    Game Drives

    Catch sight of the famous lion prides, other predators and the scores of plains game.

     

    Take to the Skies

    Fly eye-to-eye with an eagle and watch hippo playing far below while taking in the incredible remoteness of the plains. Available August – October. Conservation fee applies.

     

    Night- time meanderings

    Explore the Busanga Plains’ nocturnal species on interpretive game drives under the stars.

     

    Boating

    Busanga area is largely covered by water allowing for exploration

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Fast Facts

    RATING

    Classic Camp

    TYPE

    Safari Lodge

    NO. ROOMS

    6

    CHECK IN TIME

    14h00 – 17h00

    Minimum age for check-in is 18

    CHECK OUT TIME

    07h00-10h00

    AVAILABLE SERVICES

    Credit Card

    CHILD POLICY

    6 years and above are welcome.

    PET POLICY

    Pets are not allowed.

    OPERATIONAL PERIOD

    Between 01 June and 31 October each year.

    LANGUAGE SPOKEN

    English

  • Getting theere

    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 Name: 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 levels permitting) to a game viewer
    and approximate 10 minute drive into camp (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 S

  • 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 need to be booked and paid for.
    • 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.
    Laundary 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.

     

    What’s Included during your stay at the Camp
    • All tents have a double bed
    • Full board food and drink
    • Game drives in a 4×4 purpose built safari vehicle
    • Walking safaris
    • Night drives
    • Bird safaris
    • Boating
    • Swimming pool
    • Balloon safari (additional price

  • The Experience

    For five months each year, before the rains return, watch a wildlife extravaganza play out in the infinite floodplains. Witness hundreds of red lechwe, puku, and other plains game, often chased by predators, including the famous ‘flying lions’ leaping across the channels (Shumba’s named after the local lion prides, the camp’s show stealers). Boat through the channels seasonally, when the water is high, gliding past hippo pods.

  • Getting there

  • Kafue National Park

    Park Fees Park fees and bed levies

    These are payable in Kwacha cash or USD to the Department of National Parks on departure unless included in your rate.

    The combined per day rate is; ·

    Citizen: K334 pppd ·

    Resident: $45 pppd ·

    International: $50 pppd

    Special Occasions

    If your visit to us includes a special occasion, birthday or anniversary, do let us know in advance so that we can make preparations accordingly.

    Communications

    There is no phone signal at the camp, and no wifi, making it the perfect place for a “digital detox”.

    Child Policy

    Fig Tree bush camp welcomes young adults above the age of 12 years, but parents take their children on activities at their own risk. Guests with young adults will be either grouped tog

    Food & drinks

    Fig Tree Bush Camp offers superb food and after a three-course supper guests will sit around a campfire, feet in the sand, gazing at the stars and listening to the sounds of the African Bush. Mukambi is famous for its excellent cuisine and friendly staf

    What to Bring?

    Early mornings in winter (Jul-Aug) can get a little chilly whilst out on an open game-viewer, and whilst Mukambi provide fleece-lined ponchos on the vehicles for our guests, it is advisable to bring along some suitably warm clothing for these activities. A warm fleece hat and gloves is also recommended. Mukambi provide towels in the tents and around the pool, so feel free to bring along your swimming costume to enjoy the view from our infinity pool.

    The birdlife in the park is one of the major reasons people visit, so it is advisable to bring along your binoculars to maximise your viewing. Standard safari clothing (neutral coloured, not white or black) is recommended for all activities as well as sturdy, closed-toe shoes should you wish to join a nature walk. Please bring any medication you may need as well as spares; we are a long way from the nearest pharmacy or doctor

    Prearrangements

    This property offers transfers from the airport. Guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. There is no front desk at this property. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property for check-in instructions. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation. This property is located in Kafue National Park. The additional mandatory fee covers entrance to the national park.

  • Food

     

    Shumba 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

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