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Zambia Safaris: Zambia, few safari destinations can rival this varied and unspoilt paradise. South Luangwa National Park; Lower Zambezi National Park and Liuwa Plain National Park are amongst the best a discerning safari enthusiast can find anywhere in the world. Access to all parks is by air, from Lusaka or Livingstone. South Luangwa National Park The South Luangwa NP is Zambia's premier National Park and is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The concentration of game along the Luangwa River and its associated ox-bow lagoons is amongst the most intense anywhere in Africa. It is truly an un-spoilt wilderness. The meandering Luangwa River teems with hippos and crocodiles and provides a lifeline for a great diversity of habitat and wildlife. With over 60 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds, the South Luangwa National Park has earned its excellent reputation. It is home to two endemic species, the Thornicroft Giraffe and Cookson's Wildebeest and is one of the best parks in Africa to view leopards in their natural environment. One exciting success story of recent years is the resurgence of the African Wild Dog population. This species was almost wiped out by anthrax in the late 1980s but over the past decade has strengthened considerably in numbers. Today, although far from 1

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Zambia Safaris:

Zambia, few safari destinations can rival this varied and unspoilt paradise. South Luangwa National Park; Lower Zambezi National Park and Liuwa Plain National Park are amongst the best a discerning safari enthusiast can find anywhere in the world.

Access to all parks is by air, from Lusaka or Livingstone.

South Luangwa National ParkThe South Luangwa NP is Zambia's premier National Park and is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The concentration of game along the Luangwa River and its associated ox-bow lagoons is amongst the most intense anywhere in Africa. It is truly an un-spoilt wilderness.

The meandering Luangwa River teems with hippos and crocodiles and provides a lifeline for a great diversity of habitat and wildlife. With over 60 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds, the South Luangwa National Park has earned its excellent reputation. It is home to two endemic species, the Thornicroft Giraffe and Cookson's Wildebeest and is one of the best parks in Africa to view leopards in their natural environment.

One exciting success story of recent years is the resurgence of the African Wild Dog population. This species was almost wiped out by anthrax in the late 1980s but over the past decade has strengthened considerably in numbers. Today, although far from guaranteed, sightings of wild dog are common and Luwi and Nsolo bush camp are some of the best camps in the Park to see these special creatures; in recent years the dogs have been known to den between the two camps.

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The Luwi river system (where Luwi, Nsolo and Kakuli Bush Camps are situated) is renowned for its lion population. Various pride territories overlap in this area and the cats use the dry river bed as a thoroughfare and a means not only of locating their prey, which come to drink, but also of locating their rivals who must be warned to stay away.

The National Park is 9,050 km² (3,500 square miles), unfenced but bordered to the West by a steep escarpment and to the East by the Luangwa River. Once known as ‘The Valley of the Elephants', back in the early 1970s it was home to the world's largest population of elephant. Although ivory poachers reduced the population dramatically, the Park authorities and their fellow conservation outfits such as SLCS are taking control once more and the population is regenerating strongly. There are plenty of young to be seen and numbers are visibly on the increase once more.

Apart from its wildlife, the Luangwa Valley is also renowned for its high levels of guiding. The walking safaris practiced in the Luangwa Valley were first started in 1950. Several of the guides working for the company now were trained by the original safari pioneers. See separate information document on the South Luangwa Walking Safaris.

Accommodation in the South Luangwa tends to consist of either a permanent lodge - most are situated in the central Mfuwe area and are open all year round - and smaller smaller remote bush camps, rebuilt every year such as Luwi, Nsolo, Kakuli and Mchenja.

Safari Bush Camps: Your time in South Luangwa will be split between camps. These Bush camps are situated in the remote areas of the National Park and have been carefully sited, each having different landscapes and they are close to waterholes or rivers and have their special beauty and wildlife. You will be given the names of your camps approximately 2 weeks before arrival.

Below is some information about the lodges in the South Luangwa National Park. You can choose to walk from one camp to the next (guided by experienced wildlife rangers whilst your luggage will be transported by 4x4 vehicle), or you can enjoy a game-drive whilst transferring by vehicle from one camp to the next.

Nsolo Bush Camp. Nsolo is one of the more historic camps in Zambia. Nsolo is the local name for the honey guide and the camp was named after

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this extraordinary little bird. By amazing co-incidence it was later learnt that this area used to be home to a famous local hunter – also called Nsolo!

On the banks of the Luwi River is an open sided, shady chitenje lounge with a bush bar and dining area offering a peaceful refuge where guests can study the camps collection of books or watch a variety of game visiting the permanent pools of water in the Luwi riverbed.

The bush camp is set under the shade of wonderful and immense trees. Nsolo’s chalets are all built on wooden platforms and have individual decking and en-suite outdoor showers and toilets. The camp includes a large traditional chitenje (outdoor lounge) for sharing food, drinks and good company. Enjoy the taste sensations of the sumptuous meals, which are often served under the stars.

Accommodation in this “bush luxury” safari camp consists of four spacious chalets each on raised wooden decks with grass and reed walls and large, open air en-suite bathrooms. Each chalet runs on solar power and is set under the shade of evergreen trees with private verandahs overlooking the surrounding bush and waterholes in the Luwi River.

Luwi Bush CampLuwi Camp, nestled in the shade of huge mahogany trees, is close to a permanent hippo and croc filled lagoon. It is situated deep in the heart of the National Park, on the dynamic seasonal Luwi River after which it is named. The area is extremely remote with no other camps or people for many miles around.

Due to the remote location it’s the perfect camp for walking safaris. The wildlife in the area is prolific and memories of the experience of tracking big game on foot last a lifetime. Walks can be complemented by game drives and explorations upriver to discover the source of the Luwi or to find the elusive Roan antelope or reed buck, eland and hartebeest which are almost never seen in other parts of the Park.

The rooms, which are built each season using natural materials, blend into the bush and are simple yet extremely comfortable with en-suite bathrooms and “all day” hot showers. With the emphasis on the use of natural materials in its construction, this camp is one of the most traditional of all of the Luangwa safari camps but still offers high levels of comfort and service.

Daytime meals are served in the shade of the mahogany trees, and dinner is taken under the stars accompanied by the many sounds of the Zambian night.

There is a large hippo filled lagoon close by with a ‘hide’ for guests to watch the animals unnoticed high above the water. Walking safaris from camp usually finish here with sundowners, watching the sunset over a landscape

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unchanged for thousands of years. This permanent water source attracts wildlife from far and wide making the camp area constantly busy with animals.

The Luwi area is famous for its lions and the thrill of tracking them on foot is an experience not to be missed. Typically your day will start early around the camp fire when you will discuss the noises and animals heard through the night. Your morning walking safari is likely to take three to four hours returning you to camp in time for a hearty brunch. Relax in the afternoon, viewing the wildlife attracted by the lagoon, before a further safari later in the day.

Kakuli Bush CampThis beautiful camp has four traditional walk-in safari tents each with en-suite bathrooms made with natural materials. The bar and dining chitenje (lounge) is constructed of reed and thatch forming the centre point of camp. The entire camp is on an elevated stretch of river bank overlooking a wide grazing lawn which follows the Luangwa River until it meets the confluence of the Luwi River.

A lovely thatched chitenje acts as the centre of camp. It is on a wooden deck overlooking the grazing lawn that leads down to the two rivers and is a perfect spot in which to relax and watch the wildlife meander by; the views from Kakuli are spectacular.

This area of the Park is renowned for offering guests some of the best gameviewing opportunities in Zambia. Safari activities from Kakuli can be a mixture of game drives and walking safaris; guests are able to decide each day if they want to venture out on foot or with the vehicle.

Most evenings however, you will want to explore the area after dark. This stretch of the Luangwa is bustling with predators and the best time to see them in action is during those first few hours of darkness.

This is one of the few camps which are open in the rainy season; its elevated position stays well above the flood lines. At this time of year the river is high, we gain access by boat and activities are either on the river or on foot in the drier, sandy areas that surround camp.

Mchenja Bush CampMchenja, meaning "ebony", occupies a stunning setting beneath a magnificent grove of ebony trees on the banks of the Luangwa River. Mchenja is a luxurious, elegant and stylish tented camp overlooking a huge sweeping bend in the Luangwa. Each of the five specially designed octagonal tents has their own private en-suite open air bathroom plus Victorian style baths with river view.

The beautiful central chitenje (lounge) is built around one of the old fallen Mchenja (ebony) trees and guests can cool off

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there in the camp’s plunge pool. Brunch is taken in the shady lounge but dinner is more often served on the river bank under the stars.

Guests staying at Mchenja can choose whether they want to view their wildlife on foot or from an open gameviewing vehicle.

In addition to the ebony grove at camp there are two other groves close by, as is the case with Kakuli, the game-viewing in this area is superb and night drives are usually very worthwhile. The resident guide/manager at Mchenja and his encyclopaedic knowledge of the plants, animals and small things of the Luangwa will make your safari one to remember.

Chinzombo LodgeWildly luxurious, designed by award winning architects, Chinzombo brings levels of comfort, style and elegance previously unseen to the Luangwa Valley.

The camp is super-luxurious but retains its bush feel with grass and canvas walls and spacious living areas that melt into the exquisite surroundings of the beautiful, tranquil site. Gigantic, ancient shade trees offer peace and tranquility for guests staying in any one of the six stunning villas. Each villa has its own private pool, cooled sleeping areas, and massive bathroom.

The camp is set within 60 acres of private land with Luangwa River frontage; the views from its riverside location which

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teems with wildlife, plus the private, direct access into one of the most game rich areas of the National Park all combine to make this a truly special place.

Chinzombo Camp is the perfect place from which to explore the majestic wilds of the Luangwa in style, luxury and exclusivity – all year round.

Walking Safaris in South Luangwa National ParkThe walking safaris practiced in the Luangwa Valley were first started in 1950. Several of the guides working for the company now were trained by the original safari pioneers. Traditional game-drives are also on offer but the pioneers maintain that to view the bush from a vehicle is simply to be an observer, but to get out on foot was to become a part of your surroundings. To stand in silence and see the flick of a lion's tail as he disappears into the bush acutely aware of your presence as another apex predator is infinitely more exciting than sitting in a jeep somehow apart from the real wilderness.

All walking safaris in Zambia are led by an armed wildlife ranger – they’re called Scouts in Zambia; he is followed by the professional safari guide. In other countries walks are often led by one armed scout. The idea of having two fully trained experts at the head of each walk was conceived by Norman and has been tried and tested for decades with an unparalleled safety record and we firmly believe that it is the safest way to conduct a walking safari. The bush is a potentially dangerous place and in an emergency situation – the Scout handles the wildlife potential hazard while the Guide concentrates on guests getting out of any danger zone.

It’s true - in a vehicle you cover more ground and are likely to see greater volumes of game, but as soon as you get out of the vehicle on foot in the bush you become a part of it, you can hear, smell and feel the bush as well as see it. It's infinitely exciting in a different way; many of our guests have called it a life changing experience. The smaller mysteries of the wilderness start to reveal themselves, how every aspect of the bush is inextricably linked. Together with the skill of the guide and scout team guests are able to have a far deeper and more intimate experience. It’s no longer an exercise in ticking off sightings but the start of what for many people becomes a lifelong and ever growing passion.

Over many decades this way of walking has proved extremely safe both for guests – and as importantly, the wildlife.

The Luangwa Valley is the home of the walking safari and in recent years many private reserves and National Parks across Africa have tried to recreate the experience but nowhere yet comes close to the Luangwa. The level of training required

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before qualifying as a walking guide and the guide’s partnership with highly trained armed scout means we can enable guests to get close to big game on foot, like the safari hunters of old, but in safety and also without impacting negatively on the wildlife in any way.

Although young children are not allowed in the Park on foot (lower age limit of 12 years to walk), there is no upper age limit and one doesn't need a high level of fitness. Walks are conducted at a slow pace. We usually have a tea bearer walking with us and plan a break or two in the shade of a tree or watching the river flow past.

The early pioneers were usually accompanied by porters laden with the supplies and kit needed to make camp. Life is a little easier today and guests are provided with far more comforts than could easily be carried on foot. This does not mean, however, that the excitement of the raw and real experience of camping out in temporary bush camps has been compromised. The pioneering sense of adventure and closeness to the wild when walking from camp to camp is still at the heart of a South Luangwa Walking Safari.

Four bush camps have been carefully sited in areas close to waterholes or rivers, sites which have been chosen for their special beauty and wildlife importance. The camps are very different from each other and have been placed strategically so that guests can walk between in a circuit. A safari including a combination of bush camps gives you the best of the varied and diverse habitats of the Luangwa Valley and an experience of ‘safari’ in the true sense of the word.

Luwi and Nsolo Bush Camps are both deep in the middle of the South Luangwa National Park, the only camps on the course of the Luwi River, a tributary of the Luangwa. Often the real safari starts in these camps – exploring the Luwi River valley and heading down river to the Luangwa – they find Kakuli placed on the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa Rivers built on a high bank overlooking huge hippo pods and productive grazing lawns. Just up river is Mchenja, our most luxurious and sophisticated bush camp and a wonderful place to end your safari adventure.

The distance between each camp can be covered in 3 – 5 hours depending upon the wildlife along the way and levels of fitness of the guests. One can never tell what you will see. You may divert to sit and watch a herd of elephants or be attracted by the alarm calls of a troop of baboons as they sound out the presence of a predator. Either way, when you arrive at your next camp your bags will be in your room and you will be welcomed with a warm smile and a cold drink.

Lower Zambezi National ParkAt just over 4000 square kilometres, the Lower Zambezi National Park stretches in a narrow swathe from the Chongwe river in the west to the Luangwa river in the east.

Rich in biodiversity, there are a number of biomes, or eco-systems in the park, ranging from montane thickets on the slopes of the escarpment to miombo woodlands, grassy floodplains and riparian forests.

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Like the adjacent Chiawa Partnership Park, the Lower Zambezi National Park is home to all of the major species in the valley with excellent sightings of elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard a regular occurence. This park is still relatively undeveloped, it’s beauty lying in it’s wilderness state. The park lies opposite the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe, so the area on both sides of the Zambezi River is a massive wildlife sanctuary.

The river’s edge is overhung with a thick riverine fringe, including ebony and fig trees. Most of the game is concentrated along the valley. Enormous herds of elephant are often seen at the river’s edge. Buffalo and waterbuck are common. The park is also home to good populations of lion and leopard. Birdlife in the area is also outstanding, making this a real hotspot for ornithologists.

A policy of non-intrusive enjoyment of wildlife and low environmental impact has helped to make the Lower Zambezi valley one of southern Africa’s premier game viewing destinations. Add to this the amazing fauna and flora found in and on the banks of Africa’s fourth largest river, and you begin to understand why this amazing wilderness is so special.

Game viewing can be done from a vehicle or, if you prefer, from a boat on the Zambezi. Canoeing, walking and, of course, fishing, are also offered. And for those interested in the rich cultural heritage of the area, community visits can be arranged.

Kasaka River LodgeKasaka River Lodge is a 20 bed luxury tented camp offering an authentic and memorable safari experience. Nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Chiawa Game Management area it is set in a natural bush environment with each chalet secluded amongst the native flora, only 4 kilometers by road from the Lower Zambezi National Park. This is the only stretch on the 2,700 kilometer course of the Zambezi River where one finds National Parks on both banks of the river - the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia and the famed Mana Pools World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe.

The river extends the length of the property and there are breathtaking views over the water with sightings of buffalo, elephant, hippo and crocodile. The philosophy of combining a tranquil, off the beaten track destination for guests with support of the local environment, culture and natural resources is our dream.

Kasaka offers an authentic and memorable safari experience set in a natural bush environment with each chalet secluded amongst the native flora. There is a combination of beautiful gardens with swimming pool and colourful indigenous plants as well as a more natural bush side which is connected to the main lodge by overhead walkways to allow for the passage of wildlife within the camp. Kasaka's main living area and deck area are nestled amongst the tamarind trees creating the perfect location for watching the world go by on the river and viewing various species of wildlife on Nyamangwe Island.

The Lower Zambezi National Park is situated only 20 minutes drive from Kasaka. The beauty of this park is that is it relatively untouched and offers a range of different habitats.

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The Zambezi, overhung with a thick riverine fringe, grassy floodplains fringed with Winterthorn Trees and the miombo covered escarpment hills, provide a dramatic backdrop to your safari experience. Activities are tailored to make the most of this incredibly diverse wilderness. Game viewing is offered in a variety of forms, game drives designed to completely immerse you in the amazing natural wonders of wild Africa; a leisurely canoe safari; a river safari navigating the islands and main channels of the mighty Zambezi; or the thrill of a walking safari.

Chongwe CampRelax! It’s the only thing you are expected to do at Chongwe. You can put your feet up on the furniture without worrying what anyone is going to think...

Or curl up amongst plump cushions with a good book and not bother about appearances... Enjoy great service and winning smiles instead of worrying about dressing for dinner.

The tents are light, airy and spacious, and each of the nine standard tents is equipped with enough luxuries to ensure your stay in the bush is exceptional. All of the tents are under thatch, ensuring maximum coolness in the heat of the day. Each has a large outdoor bathroom with hot and cold running water, shower, toilet, vanity unit and dressing area with a wardrobe and full-length mirror.

The tents also have their own private verandahs overlooking the river, making them an ideal place for relaxation and contemplation of Africa’s wonderful wilderness.

The Albida suite is a luxurious self-contained colonial-style tented suite which sleeps four guests in two spacious, octagonal bedrooms set on either side of a private dining room and lounge area with its own bar fridge, plunge pool and fire pit. It is ideal for families or friends travelling together. Its decor combines colourful African textiles with Victorian-style silverware, rich hardwoods and plush, overstuffed couches.

Bedrooms feature either a kingsized or two single beds with crisp, percale cotton linen, plush throws and an overhead fan. Outside bathrooms, laid out beneath their own tented canopy, have twin vanity units, shower, ball and claw bath and toilet.

The Cassia Suite is a private, luxury tented suite for two. Consisting of a canopied lounge and dining area with private plunge pool and fire pit and huge octagonal bedroom, it's perfect for honeymooners or romantic couples.

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A fusion of organic and colonial decor, the bedroom has either a kingsized or twin beds with crisp, percale cotton linen, luxurious furnishings and an overhead fan. Set beneath its own tented canopy, the outside bathroom features a ball and claw bathtub, intimate rainfall-style shower, twin vanity unit and toilet.

Both Cassia and Albida Suites have their own butler, and meals can be taken either in private in the suite’s dining area or at the main camp.

Chongwe River HouseOut of Africa, and out of this world! Chongwe River House is unique; a true one-of-a-kind. Crafted by renowned architect Neil Rocher, this is award-winning safari design at its finest. This stunning private house makes a significant and unique style statement, located approximately 1 km away from Chongwe River Camp on a quiet stretch of the river after which it was named.

Sleeping eight guests in four, huge en-suite bedrooms, Chongwe River House is inspired by the towering spires of termitariums, sprouting almost organically from the ground in a series of flowing curves and bends which evolve into open living spaces. The walls follow the natural lines of the branches used; tree trunks, lianas and branches seem to grow from the walls and blend effortlessly into seating and dining areas.

The Chongwe area is famous for huge male elephants and from the bedrooms, the sitting room and the deck you will have game in view, feeding, drinking and playing, along and often in, the River.

Chongwe River House has its own safari guide and game viewing vehicle, allowing for exclusive activities to be offered to guests. With a dedicated house manager, a team of chefs and a full complement of support staff, Chongwe River House is perfect for families or groups wanting an exclusive and luxurious safari experience

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Liuwa Plain National ParkThis remote park in the far west is pristine wilderness, which, to the ardent bush-lover, is its biggest attraction, and the rewards are great indeed. The game is spread out across the plains and takes some driving around to find, but to come upon a vast herd of blue wildebeest, a prowling wild dog, or a pride of dozing lions in this forgotten piece of Africa is especially fitting because of its completely natural and uncommercialised state.

The birdlife is abundant and the very dramatic storms and lightning rising up on the horizon, contrasting with the green and gold grasslands, create spectacular views and fantastic photographic opportunities. Liuwa has an extraordinarily diverse birdlife which includes many rare and migratory species. Liuwa is considered to be the fourth most important breeding site for wattled cranes. The arrival of the annual floods marks the arrival of a wealth of water birds and the spectacle of massive migrating flocks is not uncommon in Liuwa.

Matamanene is the only permanent camp operating in Liuwa Plain National Park. The area has a long and rich history and is homeland of the Lozi people. The traditional Monarch of the area is the Paramount Chief or King, called the Litunga, meaning 'keeper or guardian of the earth'. One of the earliest protected areas in Africa, Liuwa Plain was proclaimed a game reserve by the king in the early 1880’s; protected by the Lozi people and used as a royal hunting ground.

This is a true Wilderness, managed by African Parks Zambia since 2003. By spending time and interacting with both organisations, guests will be able to see first-hand how African Parks and the Zambian Carnivore Programme are securing the future of this recovering ecosystem. Often described as the photographers dream, guests will see

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thousands of wildebeest, discover various species of rare birds (330 species; some in flocks of hundreds), follow cheetah hunt in the plains or watch clans of up to 50 hyena interacting at their den. There is something for everyone.

Matamanene CampMatamanene Camp consists of 4 simple, yet comfortable tents, which are set amongst a small island of trees in the heart of the park. The tents are raised slightly off the ground, and offer twin or double beds and have en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water. The chitenje – large central area - includes a small library and comfortable seating area, bar and dining area. The campfire is the perfect place to swap stories under the African night sky.

Your time at Matamanene Camp will consists of open 4X4 head deep into the Park to get up close and personal with the game of the Plain; find blue wildebeest, zebra, red lechwe, eland and tsessebe. With your guide and scout, you have the opportunity to get out of the vehicle and explore the Plain on foot depending on what you find. On some days there will be the opportunity to have lunch overlooking one of the many water-sources. The birdlife in Liuwa is extraordinary, at certain times of the year the pans will be occupied by hundreds of pelicans, wattled or crowned cranes, geese and smaller waterbirds, you could spend hours with a camera or your binoculars watching the multitude of species come to drink.

Guests staying a minimum of 4 nights at Matamanene have a unique opportunity to accompany the Zambian Carnivore Programme members whilst they carry out their monitoring tasks. This non-profit research team is dedicated to conserving large carnivore species and the eco-systems in which they live. The team have a permanent base in Liuwa Plain and guests are offered the chance to track some of the large carnivore species which reside in Liuwa Plain; wild dog, lion, cheetah and hyena. Spend the morning with the team, learning about the behaviour of individual animals within the prides and packs of the Plain.

In the afternoon you have the opportunity to listen to a presentation by the ZCP team about the trends and patterns of behaviour of many of the animal species within Liuwa Plain and understand more about the precious recovering eco-system of the Park. Afterwards rest and soak up the magical atmosphere of one of the most remarkable vistas in Zambia.

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Kafue National ParkKafue National Park, one of the largest in Africa, has many varied habitats: the Kafue, Lufupa and Lunga rivers with adjoining peaceful stretches of riverine vegetation, dambos and wetlands, extensive miombo woodland with seasonal floodplains and swampland in the north. Owing to this diversity, Kafue is blessed in wildlife, the park covers a massive 22,400 km2.

First established as a National Park in the 1950’s by the legendary Norman Carr, Kafue is one of the largest national parks in the whole of Africa. Despite its size and prominent location only two hours’ drive from Livingstone, it remains little-known and largely unexplored with vast tracts of its virgin bush still untouched. Thanks to its size and variety of habitat types the Kafue holds a fantastic diversity of wildlife.

Busanga Bush CampBusanga Bush Camp lies in the heart of the Busanga Plains, a vast mosaic of expansive grassy seasonal floodplains that extend to the horizon. When the mist rises off the floodplains as they dry up in winter, incredible sunrises and sunsets are experienced here, while the floodplains and dambos teem with wildlife and birds.

Hidden on a tree-island of sycamore fig trees, the camp has four well-appointed en-suite tents each with a veranda to take in the sweeping views. The lounge and bar area is under canvas with an uninterrupted view out over the plains. A little further back is the dining area, shaded by the canopy of a majestic tree from which an unusual lantern chandelier hangs, romantically lighting up dinner; most meals are served in the open air.

The Busanga Plains provide some of the best lion viewing in Africa. At certain times, the rising mist over the floodplains creates spectacular photographic opportunities

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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.

Shumba CampLocated on a tree island in the centre of the breathtaking Busanga Plains is stylish Shumba Camp. Its six luxury tented units are spacious, en-suite with both indoor and outdoor showers, and all raised on wooden platforms with spectacular views of the surrounding plains.

The bar and dining area is shaded by spectacular fig trees and boasts magnificent vistas over the open wildlife-rich plains. Dinner takes place either on the deck or in the cosy boma, along with a little Zambian culture while the camp’s main deck is a perfect place to star gaze or relax after your evening meal. The area is a magnet for a wealth of plains game, followed by lion, wild dog and cheetah.

Activities at Shumba Camp include day and night game drives, led by qualified guides who are extremely knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife, as well as boating during the early part of the season while hot air balloon safaris run between September and November.

On interpretive game drives in open vehicles, guests may view large numbers of plains game such as puku, red lechwe, buffalo and wildebeest and even perhaps the rare roan antelope. The famous lions of Kafue, cheetah and wild dog are also to be seen.

Boasting 491 species, including the endemic Chaplin's barbet, birding enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice on a specialist birding safari. The area is also alive with rollers, bee-eaters, kingfishers, herons and large flocks of storks, to name a few.

Inspirations Travel & ToursEmail:  [email protected] l Tel: +27(0)31 266 0030 | Fax: +27(0) 31 266 0255

Inbound:  www.africaninspirations.co.za l Outbound:   www.inspirations-travel.co.za   9 Kensington Drive, Westville, 3629 l  PO Box 1166, Westville, Durban, 3629

South Africa

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