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Busanga Bush Camp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Exceptional lion viewing
- Abundant plains wildlife
- Intimate bush camp
- Wilderness Safaris Portfolio

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Overview

Busanga Bush Camp is an intimate and rustic dwelling located in the heart of the Busanga Plains, in the northern reaches of Kafue National Park, western Zambia. The vast seasonal floodplains of this enormous and untrammelled National Park afford visitors a remote and authentic safari experience in surroundings known for their low visitor density. Open seasonally for the June to October dry season, the camp's knowledgeable guides accompany guests on comprehensive game drives, showcasing a landscape which teems increasingly with wildlife as the season progresses. Buffalo, puku, lechwe, zebra, wild dog, cheetah, and intense concentrations of lion roam here, along with some unique wildlife particular to the Busanga Plains. With just four well-appointed tented chalets, warm hosting, and simple yet comfortable facilities, guests are guaranteed relaxation and tranquility at this welcoming and characterful base. The camp is reached via light aircraft from Lusaka, or from Livingstone to an airstrip in the park, followed by a road transfer.

Set amongst fig trees, Busanga is far less grand than Shumba, it's sister camp also located within the Kafue National Park. The facilities are minimal but comfortable, with an open-air central lounge area complete with wicker sofas on which to relax and enjoy the unrestricted views across the ‘dambos’. Breakfast is often served here, and the mist rolling off the plains can create spectacular sunrises. A small library, tea and coffee, and a self-service bar are available, but it must be said there is little to do between safari activities, and a stay will suit more independent guests. There is a fire-pit surrounded by directors’ chairs, and evening meals are enjoyed in the intimate lantern-lit ‘boma’.

The camp accommodates eight guests in four chalets designed in the style of traditional Meru tents. Canvas walls allow the welcome breeze in, although the fact that the accommodation is open to the elements means that guests will need to be comfortable with the occasional visiting gecko or frog! Each suite comes equipped with twin beds draped in mosquito netting, and a private veranda overlooking the breath-taking landscape. Open-air bathrooms feature hot showers and flush toilets, and laundry is included.

The Busanga Plains comprise a terrain unlike the bush lands of much of Zambia, and as such offer wildlife rarely witnessed elsewhere, including sightings of Roan antelope and blue wildebeest. Specialist birding safaris will reward ornithologists with the endemic Chaplin's barbet, as well as a plethora of other species. Day and night game drives are offered, with hot air balloon rides available from August to October. During the floods characteristic of the early dry season, mokoro (dug out canoes) and boat rides might be possible (water-levels permitting), along with the occasional walking safari when the plains have dried out a little more. Note that the high seasonality of the area can limit activities at times, particularly during early June or late October.

Children over 12 are welcome, although children from 8 to 12 years of age are permitted if the entire camp is booked out for one group. With no pool, and no specific children's activities, a stay here may be better for older children with a keen interest in nature. Although it is rare for wildlife to approach humans, the camp is unfenced and animals do wander through, so parental supervision is essential at all times.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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