Zambia > Safaris > Kafue's Rivers & Plains

Explore two major arteries of the Kafue National Park: the Kafue and Lufupa Rivers. Traversing the course of the scenic Lufupa River, its mix of water from two different catchments clearly apparent, right up to the Busanga Plains takes one through the diverse habitats of riverine forest, miombo woodland, acacia and palm-strewn floodplain, dambos and ultimately the plains themselves. This mix of habitats harbours a huge diversity of species from leopard and wild dog of the Lufupa woodlands to lion and cheetah of the Busanga Plains, Defassa waterbuck and yellow baboons of the riverine to lechwe and oribi of the grasslands. Game drives and nature walks depict the best of Kafue.

Trip Outline

Days 1, 2 & 3 Air charter from Lusaka or Livingstone to Lufupa Bush Camp, Central Kafue
Days 4 & 5 Drive to Musanza Tented Camp, North Western Kafue
Days 6 & 7 Drive to Busanga Bush Camp, Busanga Plains, North Western Kafue
Day 8 Helicopter transfer to Busanga Airstrip then air charter to Lusaka or Livingstone

Please note: This trip operates in both directions.

Itinerary

Days 1-3: Lufupa Bush Camp, Central Northern Kafue
Upon arrival at Lusaka airport you are met by a representative of Sefofane Air Charters who will transfer you by light aircraft to Kafue National Park (flight time is approximately 1 hour & 15 minutes). Your guide will meet you at the airstrip in Kafue and nature transfer the group to Lufupa Bush Camp, on the banks of the Kafue River (a large tributary of the Zambezi River). This transfer is approximately two hours, and en route we may encounter eland, roan and sable to name a few.

Lufupa Bush Camp is situated in the centre of the northern sector of the 8 687 sq miles Kafue National Park, not far downstream of the confluence of the Lufupa and Kafue rivers. Accommodation is in four traditional thatch and brick chalets with en-suite facilities and verandah out front overlooking the river. Meals are served in the main area situated on the river and overlooking the Kafwala Rapids. The area around Lufupa Bush Camp is private and seldom will other vehicles be encountered. A combination of dambo areas (seasonally filled grassy depressions that dry out in the period this safari operates), riverine, floodplain grassland and woodland areas make this a diverse game location with a range of habitats. There are resident prides of lion and leopard is frequently seen. Wild dogs are occasionally sighted. Hippos are always out in front of the camp frolicking in the cool waters of the Kafue River. There is also a wide variety of plains game ranging from zebra, buffalo, roan, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, sable, kudu and impala to the diminutive oribi. Elephants are also often seen roaming through the concession.



Days 4-5: Musanza Tented Camp, Busanga floodplain, north-western Kafue
Depart Lufupa for an early morning game / transfer drive to Musanza Tented Camp.

Musanza Tented Camp is located deep inside the wildlife haven of the Busanga Plains of Kafue National Park. Accommodation consists of six well-appointed tents with wall-to-wall views of the spectacular Lufupa River. The main dining and bar area are tented and situated under a majestic canopy of trees. The simple bush style of this camp creates the perfect atmosphere to enjoy dinner under a canopy of stars around a campfire.

Discoverer-styled camps aim to bring the guest closer to nature, by means of a lively campfire and hurricane lanterns. Wide-ranging activities complement the comfort and added luxury of the lodges visited. Musanza Tented Camp is specifically outfitted to ensure that traditional camping feel with a clear emphasis on necessary and stylish comfortable interiors, creating a peerless wilderness experience.

This camp is located in a slightly wooded belt just South of the Busanga Plains, thus allowing us to explore the productive woodland, grassland other than the Busanga Plains AND the southern section of the breathtaking Busanga plains. The area's most dominant antelope species include red lechwe and puku, while buffalo, bushbuck, kudu, oribi, reedbuck, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, sable and roan are also often viewed. There are also hippo and crocodile; with predators such as lion,cheetah and spotted hyaena (with wild dogs less often) being seen. Leopard can also be spotted along the wooded tree lines fringing the plains (this has proven to be a very good location for spotting this elusive species), as well as elephant.



Days 6-7: Busanga Bush Camp, Busanga Plains, Northern Kafue
After an early breakfast, we depart for an early morning game drive / transfer to Busanga Bush Camp which is located in the heart of the Busanga Plains.

The Busanga Plains cover an area of approximately 290 sq miles and Busanga Bush Camp is located in the centre of this wildlife paradise. The Plains are home to hundreds of red lechwe, ubiquitous puku, stately roan and the diminutive oribi. Lichtenstein's hartebeest, herds of wildebeest, zebra and buffalo make for a full set of antelope. This wealth of game on the plains is also a big attraction for predators, including wild dog, cheetah and prides of lion. For those interested in birding, the park boasts 491 species, including endemics such as Chaplin's Barbet. Even for non bird fanatics, large flocks of pelicans, circling flocks of the large black open-billed stork, crowned cranes and wattled crane in the plains at certain times of the year are sure to impress and provide a spectacle well worthy of fond memories. This itinerary specifically goes to two locations within or near the Busanga Plains, allowing for in-depth exploration of this phenomenal ecosystem.

Busanga Bush Camp in the north-western section of the Busanga is about as 'wild' as you can get in today's world: an unfenced mosaic of expansive grassy seasonal floodplains and "dambos" (open grassy areas that sometimes will fill up with rainwater). This camp is perfectly situated for some of the best lion viewing in Africa. It caters for 8 guests in 4 well-appointed rooms built of reed and canvas with wall-to-wall views of the spectacular wildlife that frequents the plain in front of the camp. Activities include game drives and night drives, led by qualified guides who are extremely knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife.


Images supplied courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

Day 8: Depart Kafue National Park
After an early breakfast, depart by helicopter from Busanga Bush Camp to Busanga airstrip, from there a light aircraft transfer to Lusaka or Livingstone Airport where the safari ends.



This is a small group trip with scheduled departures throughout the year. Private departures are also possible subject to vehicle and guide availability. Please contact us for details.

Discoverer Camps:

Discoverer Explorations are a deluxe range of mobile safaris that have the advantage of superb locations, taking guests on a select, spectacular journey through the most remote wilderness areas to enjoy outstanding wildlife viewing in Africa.

This safari combines Wilderness Safaris' fixed camps with exclusive trails camps. Such camps are located in private concessions, ensuring not only private accommodation but also meeting other Wilderness Safaris guests.

Innovative Meru-style canvas tent are used for the Discoverer trails camps. The design, with its hexagonal shape, walk-in structure and en-suite separate toilet and shower areas, allows for a sense of space, matchless views and privacy. The interiors of the tents have been redesigned to create a sense of stepping back in time, with flowing linen of pure cottons and essential "old style" finishes.

Paraffin hurricane lanterns and a crackling campfire set the evening camp ambience. Fresh, sumptuous meals are usually prepared around a fire by safari staff, and the dining area is under stars (although a canopy dining tent is always erected), creating that matchless 'camping wilderness' experience. A small reference library is also provided.

Discoverer camps are designed to bring the guest closer to nature; they are specially outfitted to ensure the camping feel with a clear emphasis on necessary and stylish comfortable interiors. This warm, inviting atmosphere, with its lantern-lit meals and cheerful campfire, is complemented by the comfort and added luxury of the permanent lodges visited.

Departure dates:

The trip operates to scheduled departure dates. Private departures are also possible for small groups, subject to vehicle and guide availability. For the scheduled departures there is a maximum of 8 guests per safari.