Mukambi Safaris is a family run safari company in Zambia with three camps in Kafue National Park, one of the largest unspoiled wilderness areas in the world. The three camps are Mukambi Safari Lodge, Busanga Plains Camp, and Fig Tree Bush Camp, each surrounded by unique, untouched areas of remote African bush. Recently Mukambi Safaris won two awards in ‘The Big Tusker - Ultimate Safari Experiences 2017’.
Activities consist of game drives in open-canopy vehicles, boat and fishing trips, along with walking safaris where you are likely to see elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, puku, impala, hippo, many other animals and an incredible array of birds. Back at the lodge our delicious food, friendly staff and comfortable accommodation will make your stay an unforgettable one. Our accommodation consists of a luxurious Riverside Villa, comfortable en-suite chalets and four luxury safari tents, all on stilts with a deck overlooking the river, with a private outdoor bathtub which makes for extraordinary star gazing.
Come and experience it all at Mukambi Safari Lodge for the famous last words of Karen Blixen, the writer of Out of Africa, were ‘if there was one thing I could do again, it would be to go on Safari'
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Mukambi Safari Lodge
Mukambi Lodge Frontage
Elephant in front of the lodgeCredit: Mukambi SafarisElephant regularly walk past the lodge right on the edge of the river where they come for a drink.
Homemade pizza for lunchCredit: Mukambi SafarisOne of our lunches is a homemade pizza from our very own pizza oven. The food experience is of the utmost importance to us!
Suset Boat CruiseCredit: Mukambi SafarisEvery day there is the option to enjoy a sundowner and snacks on our sunset boat cruise on the Kafue River.
Walking SafariCredit: Mukambi Safaris
Mukambi Safari Lodge Lounge Area
Mukambi Safari Lodge Pool
Mukambi Safari Lodge Pool 2
Male and cubs in green seasonCredit: Mukambi Safaris
Elephant
Mukambi Safari Lodge Game Drive
Mukambi Safari Lodge Bar
LeopardCredit: Mukambi Safaris
Boma
Dining Area with River View
One of three wooden decks overlooking the river
Elephants in Kafue National Park
Lioness in Kafue National Park
Lion Cub in Kafue National Park
Wild Dogs in Kafue National Park
River View from the Lodge at Sunset
Four Luxury tents that have a private deck with comfy seating overlooking the Kafue River. This is our most luxurious accommodation with each unit privately surrounded by natural riverine bush. A freestanding ball and claw bathtub is found on each deck. Further enhancing the African theme, the furniture is made out of recycled wood from Dhows that used to sail the Indian Ocean off Tanzania.
Cocooning mosquito nets surround luxurious box spring beds and the entrance to the private deck is made of wall to wall wooden sliding glass doors that provide spectacular views and light into the tents. The tents have an open bathroom setup with shower, toilet and washbasin.
All rooms are made up as king beds but can be made up as twins on request. These units are reserved for guests staying on a safari package but can be booked on last minute basis.
They do also offer a romantic experience and are great for honeymooners.
The family unit sleeps four people and is made up of one double room and a twin room. It has a shared bathroom, 24 hr electricity, and hot water. There is also a small, cozy living room and a patio with comfortable seating to take in the scenery.
The family chalet is ideal for small families or guests looking for two rooms. It is river-facing, with plenty of shade and animal activity.
Chalets come with either one queen size double bed or 2 single beds with cotton sheets, duvet (extra blankets available) and mosquito nets. The standard chalets follow an African styling of old in that they are rondavels. Thatched roofs keep guests cool during the warmer months and all units are river facing allowing for guests to take in some beautiful scenery right at their doorstep.
There are eight units in total with an even split of four doubles and four twin rooms.
Luxury Family Villa
One of the most special ways to experience a safari is with the family, making memories and having an incredible time together whilst enjoying the African flora and fauna.
Our luxury family Riverside Villa has two large bedrooms (one with a queen-sized bed and the other with two single beds), both rooms en-suite with a shower, toilet and basin.
All beds made up with cotton sheets, duvet (extra blankets available) and mosquito nets. The Villa has a fully furnished living room, an extensive wooden deck overlooking the Kafue River, 24hrs electricity and hot water.
This accommodation is right on the banks of the river and ideal for families. There is a minimum of 3 guests required.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Mukambi Safari Lodge offers game drives daily. One departs at sunrise and the afternoon drive (partly a night drive) leaves at approximately 2 hours before sunset. Drivers are 3.5 to 4 hours long. Our vehicles are located in the park, which is a short boat trip across the Kafue River, so all game drives depart from within the park.
Mukambi is open all year round and game drives can be booked all year round.
Walks leave in the early morning hours after sunrise to avoid the heat of the day. The walks take place in the Kafue National Park itself and are approximately 3 hours. Our guides will talk you through everything Kafue has to offer that otherwise goes unnoticed, showing how the whole ecosystem works together to support the National Park. You can find nature at its most untouched on such safaris.
Unfortunately not available due to the wet conditions and high grass from approximately Dec to May.
Boat cruises over the Kafue river can also take place at any time of the day but we also have a scheduled Sunset Cruise each evening. On the boat cruise we shall drive you slowly up the river, giving you the chance to take in the surroundings, have some sundowners and watch the sunset.
You can bet your money you will see hippos and crocodiles and a plethora of birds, about which our guides can answer your questions.
Fishing trips by boat take place at any time of day and are approximately 2.5 hours long. While out on the river, just you and your guide, you can enjoy the surrounding nature while fishing. We supply basic equipment and bait to assist you on your way to catching one of the many fish found in this area, whether that be a silver barbell, a larger cat fish or Kafue bream. Keen fishermen may bring their own equipemnt to take on the fishing trips.
Forming a part of our Responsible tourism, over 14 years ago we started our Mukambi Community School to provide education to the local community in an area where no good schools exist. The results are spectacular; the well-equipped school now provides 92 local children with a high standard of education, and we have five teachers in permanent employment. Conservation is an important subject at our school. The school received generous funding from a donor a couple of years ago, which meant they could invest in iSchool Tablets, through which the pupils can engage in active learning as well as developing key IT skills for later in life. Every year all the grade 7 pupils graduate with flying colours and have attained places at secondary schools throughout Zambia. The school is supported by a charity called Cikoko
Mukambi Restaurant
The lodge has one main restaurant with two staggered decks where all meals are taken. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served at the restaurant at their respective time slots and guests are welcome to come at any time between those time slots to have their meals. Each guest/booking is allocated their own table for meals.
Breakfast - Continental buffet breakfast is on offer and guests can also order cooked breakfast as well.
Lunch - Is a fixed menu and served according to a guest's dietary needs/ restrictions e.g. vegetarian, vegan etc.
Dinner -Is a three course meal consisting of starter, main and dessert. Also served according to the guests dietary needs.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: Dutch, English
No. Rooms: 14
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife, Wine
Busanga Plains Camp | Northern Kafue
The Plains Camp is the seasonal luxury bush camp of Mukambi Safaris located deep in the heart of the famous Busanga Plains in the north of beautiful Kafue National Park.
A wide variety of species is found on the plains including Lion, Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Lechwe, Side-striped Jackal, and Blue Wildebeest. In addition, large numbers of elephants and 500 bird species are recorded; watch for roan antelope and the rare oribi antelope.
The raised boma (communal area), with open campfire and dining area, is rustic, informal and overlooks the openness of the plains, only interrupted by tree studded islands where Fig trees and wild Date Palms draw their nutrients from the remains of giant anthills. Relax and enjoy a refreshing dip in our pool or sunbathe on the wooden deck whilst overlooking the surrounding wetlands. A wooden viewing platform on stilts tucked away high up in the characteristic Fig tree above the Boma offers a breath-taking view directly onto the floodplain.
Busanga, a landscape so distinctive, it is like no other you will see in Africa. This is the Africa you have dreamt of and you can visit this unique area with Mukambi Safaris. It offers a real "home away from home" experience, where service is professional and friendly, yet unobtrusive.
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Busanga Plains Camp
Lions in front of Busanga Plains CampCredit: Beverley Houwing
Busanga Plains Camp
Aerial view of the Busanga Plains Camp.Credit: Mukambi SafarisThe camp is situated on a palm island amidst the many water streams.
View platform view to the left of Boma
Sundowner drinks around the fireplace.Credit: Mukambi SafarisThe extended deck from the boma allows for warm evenings around the fire, stargazing and story telling.
Sunset over luxury tent
Busanga Plains Camp - tent exterior
Busanga Plains Camp - tent exterior
Busanga Plains Camp - tent interior
Star Bed - Sunrise - Busanga Plains Camp
cocktails by the pool
Diving into Busanga pool
Late afternoon sundowners
Sundowners and a fire
Misty mornings with Lechwe as far as the eye can see.Credit: Mukambi SafarisThe morning are crispy but beautiful on the Plains.
Male Lion crossing the marsh in the morning
Sundowners
Cheetah on the plains
View of Hippo pod in front of camp
Nature Walk
Lion being chased by buffalo on the plains
Sable bull rooming the Plains
Leopard having a drink
Elephants on Plains
Lion on Busanga Plains
Busanga Plains
Puku - Busanga Swamps
Elephants - Busanga Plains
lioness - Busanga Plains
Saddle-Billed Stork & Fish Eagle - Busanga Plains
Wattled Cranes - Busanga Plains
Sunset Busanga Plains
Lilac Breasted Roller - Busanga Plains
Lioness & Cubs - Busanga Plains
Busanga Plains Camp
Rosy-Throated Longclaw - Busanga Plains
Game Drive - Busanga Plains
Lions - Busanga Plains
Lions - Busanga Plains
Busanga Plains CampCredit: Mukambi Safaris
Crowned Crane - Busanga Plains
Busanga Plains
Leopard - Busanga Plains
Busanga Plains Boma at sunset
Busanga Plains Camp Boma area
Busanga Plains Camp boma
Busanga Plains Camp at night
Viewing Deck at sunrise
Lounge & Dining Area
Busanga Virtual Tour
Take a virtual tour and have an inside look into our Plains Camp.
The Plains Camp has four fully furnished tents, each with an en-suite bathroom and sleeping capacity for two people. The camp is located on an island in the middle of the plains, and from your tent, you have a perfect view of the plains.
At Busanga Plains Camp, we offer an intimate experience with nature in our four luxury safari tents. Each tent, whether twin or double, features an en-suite open-air bathroom with a flushing toilet, ensuring your comfort and convenience. The tents are light, airy and spacious, with large beds draped with mosquito nets. From your private veranda, you can enjoy the total peace of nature.
The camp is solar-powered, and all tents have electricity. Guests can charge their cameras and other small electrical equipment in the room.
Now at Busanga Plains Camp is the addition of a Starbed. Guests can now spend a night under the stars and enjoy the sights and sounds of the night. The Starbed is well raised off the ground giving guests a lovely 360 view of the Busanga Plains.
Only one Starbed is available and guests can make a booking with the camp manager (when in camp) and spend a night there. The Starbed comes as a double room and is made up of two sections. The first section is is the bathroom area and on the upper deck guests will find an open sleeping area complete with bedding and solar lights, offering a view of the skies and the Plains beneath them.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Communal Dining, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Pool
Room Facilities
Detached Private Bathroom, Electrical Outlets, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Life in Busanga Plains Camp begins quite early, where guests begin their day with a light breakfast before heading out into the wilderness to explore.
Guests are often spoilt for choice between game drives and walking safaris and both present unique opportunities for great animal encounters. Our game drives take place in the morning and in the afternoon/evening. Morning drives allow guests to head out and catch game still on the move during the cooler hours of the day. Midway through the drive there will be a brief stop to allow guests to stretch their legs and have some tea/coffee before continuing with he drive and heading back to camp.
Afternoon drives begin late afternoon once it is a bit cooler. This is usually when game begins to be more active providing a better chance of spotting some of the more elusive animals. The drive is also a combination of a night drive which offer an opportunity to spot some of the nocturnal animals found on the Plains. The guide will fire up his spotlight after sundowners and try and find the animals with it before heading back to camp.
Walking in the Busanga Plains is an experience like no other. The vastness and openness of the Plains makes for some great game viewing on foot. Game is alot easier to spot on the Plains and observe from a safe enough distance.
Walks are only done in the morning to avoid the heat of the day and generally last about 3hrs. Along the walks guides will educate their guests on the smaller aspects of the bush that they tend to miss whilst in a vehicle. As they walk they will also encounter a variety of game and the guide will keep guests safe and informed at all times.
Dining Area
The dining area in Busanga Plains Camp is located in the main Boma. A big table that comfortably seats all 8 guests and the camp manager sits in the middle of the Boma affording guests a clear view of the Busanga Plains.
Mornings begin with a light continental breakfast followed by scrambled eggs and toast. This is served before guests go out for their morning drive or walk.
Lunch is served midday after guests have had such much desired rest after their morning activity.
For dinner, a 3 course meal is served after the evening game drive.
All meals are taken in the Boma.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
Campsite
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 4
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine