Day notes
The adventure takes off with a thrilling flight from Lusaka, soaring south over the lush terrains and valleys of the Zambezi escarpment. As we trace the path of the majestic Zambezi River below, you'll be captivated by the opportunity to capture the beauty of this renowned National Park from a unique aerial perspective.
Upon landing, our specialized game drive vehicle will greet us at the airstrip. Our friendly staff will assist you in loading your luggage onto the vehicle, ensuring a smooth transition from the airstrip to the camp. The gentle sun and the tranquillity of the wilderness will replace the engine hum as we embark on a game drive to Kutali Camp—our home for the next three nights. As we traverse the open savannas and acacia forests, you'll start encountering a rich array of wildlife and birds.
At Kutali Camp, expect a heartfelt Zambian greeting accompanied by a refreshing drink. Kutali embodies the essence of authentic bush camps, focusing on intimate encounters with nature, with thoughtful additions for your comfort.
Depending on our arrival time, we'll share a communal lunch with our hosts, taking in the natural surroundings. In the afternoon, we'll venture out for our first exploration. Guided by recent game activities, we'll either take a boat safari along the riverbank or opt for another game drive that extends into the evening. As twilight sets, we'll return to camp, using spotlights to uncover nocturnal wildlife.
The Lower Zambezi is a haven for remarkable wildlife. Our safaris often bring us face to face with elephants, both within the camp and in the wild. Among the antelopes and buffalos, the presence of predators like lions and leopards adds a thrilling element. The 'Jeki Pack' of wild dogs, a vibrant community of over 30 members, is a unique highlight that we will eagerly seek out if they are in the vicinity.
As the day winds down, a warm shower awaits you at the camp. Unwind with pre-dinner drinks by the fire, and savor a meal under the starlit sky, sharing stories with your fellow adventurers and hosts. The nightcap beckons, and as you retreat to your tent, the gentle breeze and the soothing sounds of the bush create the perfect ambiance for a peaceful sleep.
A soft wake-up call greets you before dawn, as we gather by the campfire for a light breakfast, serenaded by the rising sun. We'll embark on an intimate walking safari among Winterthorn trees, exploring the bush at its most unfiltered. Your guide's extensive knowledge will illuminate the complex ecosystem. Our walks span a few miles, with frequent stops to appreciate the landscape and wildlife.
A comprehensive safety briefing is conducted before we set out. Your guide will carry essential items like a first aid kit, a radio, and extra water. You're encouraged to bring a water bottle, and we provide a custom-made sling for easy carrying. A National Parks Wildlife Officer, armed with a rifle, will accompany us as a precaution. Please note that our guides are highly trained and experienced in wildlife encounters, ensuring your safety at all times.
Upon our return to camp, a refreshing drink and a nourishing lunch await you. The camp offers its own spectacles—with vistas overlooking the Zambezi River, hippos, birds, and often elephants. During the midday heat, you can unwind in camp.
In the afternoon, we will set off on a game drive deeper into the Lower Zambezi woodlands and plains, guided by the wildlife. At dusk, we'll stop to soak up the atmosphere and watch the light fade over the Zambezi escarpment.
Dinner back in camp is a time to share and listen to riveting accounts of bush life, told by both guests and guides. When it's time to retire, sleep will come effortlessly, filled with the day's adventures. If the dawn chorus doesn't wake you, a gentle "knock-knock" will invite you to breakfast. Fresh juice, coffee, warm porridge or muesli, and bread toasted over the campfire await you.
The second day at Kutali is filled with unique experiences and encounters. In the morning, we'll take a gentle canoe safari along one of the channels cutting through the woodland. This allows for a close and peaceful interaction with the environment as we silently glide past elephants on the banks and observe other animals and birds. We usually game drive to the start or end of the canoe trail, covering all bases. Lunch will be in the shade of the 'boma,' where you can relax or watch the wildlife around camp. If you feel energetic, Tony (your guide) can arrange fishing or birding around camp. At around 4 PM, after tea and cake, we will go in search of wildlife, especially predators becoming active.
Our third and last full day at Kutali is spent exploring with expert local guides and following up on previous encounters. This organic guiding style allows a deeper understanding of each species and individual animal's daily lives.
Charter Flight from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport [LUN] to Jeki Airstrip
Classic Zambia
Charter Flight
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport [LUN]
Jeki Airstrip
Transfer from Jeki Airstrip to Kutali Camp
Classic Zambia
Transfer
Jeki Airstrip
Kutali Camp
Stay at Kutali Camp
Expert tips:
Here's a breakdown of a typical day at the camps throughout the safari :
But remember, flexibility is the key to our safaris and an unexpected wildlife event in camp or nearby will always be noticed due to a schedule. That's just not the way to an authentic safari!
Early Morning (pre-dawn to sunrise):
• Days begin early, usually just before dawn, with a wake-up call. This allows guests to freshen up before gathering for a light breakfast. Breakfast typically includes coffee and tea—you must try the Ginger shots to wake you up! pastries, fruit, cereals, eggs, and the necessary energy for the morning activities.
Morning (sunrise to mid-morning):
• After breakfast, guests embark on their first safari of the day. This morning game drive is an opportunity to see wildlife in their most active period. The excellent morning hours are ideal for spotting nocturnal animals before they retreat as the day warms up and see other species moving to open areas to feed.
Late Morning (mid-morning to noon):
• Returning to camp mid to late morning, depending on what encounters we have had, guests are greeted with a cool drink and freshen up before lunch. This meal is served buffet-style and enjoyed in the shade while looking over the surrounding bush. Classic Zambia has focused on a healthy and creative attitude towards meals created to ensure you feel rejuvenated and satisfied buy your meals and expect to be amazed at the quality of ingredients and preparations.
NOTE. We often arrange full days in the bush, and on those days, we will take lunch with us to enjoy in the bush, returning later in the afternoon.
Afternoon (post-brunch to late afternoon):
• After lunch, there's time for relaxation. Guests can rest in their chalets, enjoy the camp's facilities, or watch animals from the privacy of their own chalet or on the camp's viewing deck. Tea and light snacks are served in the late afternoon, setting the stage for the evening activities.
Late Afternoon to Evening (late afternoon to sunset):
• The late afternoon game drive or river safaris usually commence around 15 - 1600. This is a magical time in the bush, as the light softens and wildlife becomes more active again. The drive usually ends with a 'sundowner' stop, where guests can enjoy a drink as they watch the sunset. The afternoon activity extends into the evening, and a spotlight will be used to search out the nocturnal species that become active now.
• Dinner is served back at camp, often around a campfire or on the outdoor deck with fellow guests and your hosts. Meals are typically three-course affairs.
• The day concludes as guests retire to their chalets. The camps ensure a peaceful night's rest, punctuated only by the sounds of the wild.
This routine balances wildlife viewing with relaxation and reflection, ensuring guests have a memorable and enriching safari experience.
Day notes
After a hearty breakfast, our intimate group will embark on a game drive to Jeki Airstrip. There, a private light aircraft charter, exclusively for our group, awaits to transport us to the majestic Kafue National Park.
As we soar above, the Zambezi escarpments fade into the distance, revealing miles of untouched wilderness stretching towards the west. The two-hour flight offers a breathtaking view of the Kafue flats. As we enter Kafue National Park, signs of human presence disappear, replaced by the awe-inspiring sight of the Kafue River cutting through the park, accompanied by the Lufupa River and its tributaries winding across the open floodplains of Busanga. This aerial view is an introduction to the vast wilderness that awaits your exploration.
Touching down in the heart of the Busanga Plains, we'll be greeted warmly by our 'Classic Zambia' expert Kafue guide. Climbing aboard our custom-built safari vehicle— engineered for Busanga's sandy terrains and sprawling grasslands—we'll head to Ntemwa-Busanga Bush Camp, a journey of roughly 35 minutes.
On arrival, you'll be welcomed with a refreshing drink, allowing you to acclimate to your new surroundings and take in the expansive views. Recently, Ntemwa was meticulously rebuilt in its traditional location, retaining its' journey back in time to the classic Zambian bush camp experience'.
The chalets at Ntemwa-Busanga Bush Camp have been updated rcently but are still a unique blend of safari chic and comfort. Each chalet features sky-open en-suite shower rooms, white enamel sinks, bucket showers, and porcelain flush toilets, offering a truly unique and luxurious safari experience.
Lunch is served either under the shade of the elevated viewing platform Boma(lounge). Come afternoon, we'll venture to a tranquil pool at the plains' edge—home to many hippos, crocodiles, and kingfishers—where antelopes tiptoe for a cautious sip of water.
As day transitions into twilight and sundowners out on the open plains, we will meander back to camp, where dinner awaits beside the campfire, set against a backdrop of a star-studded sky.
Nightcaps are shared around the crackling campfire as the evening winds down, accompanied by the distant serenades of Busanga's nocturnal wildlife. Then it's off to bed, hearts full and spirits high, anticipating tomorrow's adventures.
Check-out from Kutali Camp
Game Drive from Kutali Camp to Jeki Airstrip
Classic Zambia
Game Drive
Kutali Camp
Jeki Airstrip
Charter Flight from Jeki Airstrip to Ntemwa-Busanga Camp
Charter Flight
Jeki Airstrip
Ntemwa-Busanga Camp
Check-in to Ntemwa-Busanga Camp
Day notes
Today promises a unique safari experience, offering a detailed exploration of the extraordinary Busanga Plains and its complex ecosystems. Ntemwa provides an unmatched opportunity to not only traverse the extensive grasslands of the plains but also to investigate the adjacent woodlands and rivers. We’ll set out early, with picnic lunches prepared, aiming to introduce you to the area’s many significant regions throughout a full day of exploration.
Busanga is a vast ecosystem, a blend of lush grasslands and marshes intertwined with islands of palm and fig trees. Here, you’ll encounter a wide variety of plains game—both familiar species and some that may be completely new to you. Notably, the resident herd of Roan antelope is known for being approachable and photogenic. Thousands of Red Lechwe roam these plains, and a visit to the Papyrus marsh often rewards us with the stunning sight of them bounding through the wetlands.
The plains offer Zambia’s best chances to spot elusive cheetahs, and water pools teeming with hippos enhance the wildlife scene. Can you imagine anything more magical than watching breeding herds of elephants crossing the plains to drink and bathe, either in the early morning or late afternoon light? It’s a mesmerizing scene that captivates all senses.
Then there are the lions of Busanga and Ntemwa—truly legendary. Today, our goal is to find them, revealing the majestic and dominant creatures that inhabit this unique ecosystem. Busanga acts as a sanctuary, a convergence of habitats and species, where each day brings a new set of possibilities.
So get ready for a day filled with endless exploration and boundless wonder as we navigate this unparalleled natural landscape. Anything is possible in Busanga, and today, we aim to experience as much of its splendor as we can.
Day notes
Today marks our final full day in the remarkable Busanga Plains, and we intend to make the most of every moment. We begin the day with a communal breakfast around a warming campfire, watching as the sun rises over the woodlands that border the southern plains.
Morning and afternoon explorations aim to build on the previous day’s wildlife sightings. The sheer vastness of these grasslands instills a sense of boundless space. This expansive habitat is a sanctuary for a myriad of bird species: massive flocks of black open-billed storks sometimes assemble in awe-inspiring numbers, while sightings of rare wattled cranes are surprisingly common. Crowned cranes and various other grassland and wading birds frequently grace our view.
In terms of mammalian life, the petite oribi antelope are a regular sight here. Intriguingly, cheetahs aren’t just confined to the open grasslands; they can also be found skulking in the woodland areas, making every exploration a potential adventure.
As daylight fades and the realm of nocturnal creatures comes to life, our safari does not halt. We transition into an evening wildlife journey, aided by the illuminating beam of a spotlight, searching for the species that emerge under the cover of darkness.
On this last full day, we’ll immerse ourselves entirely in the Busanga experience.
Day notes
Today marks a new phase of our safari as we set our sights on Musekese Camp, journeying southward across the sprawling Kafue wilderness. Our expedition begins in an open-air 4x4 safari vehicle, departing from Ntemwa and tracing the sinuous Lufupa River as it meanders away from the Busanga Plains. This leg of the journey can span over two hours and promises to be a feast for the senses as the landscape transitions from semi-open savannah to dense Brachystegia Woodland.
Keep your eyes peeled for verdant patches punctuating the otherwise arid terrain—these are natural springs that emerge from the ground, offering crucial hydration to wildlife far removed from the riverbanks. Eventually, we'll arrive at a particular stretch of the Kafue River, where we disembark from our 4x4.
Boarding our purpose-built safari boat, which offers ample shade, we follow the winding Lufupa River. The scene is so picturesque it could easily be mistaken for a Hollywood set, complete with disapproving hippos that surface to voice their objections as we pass. The riverside landscape has native flora like Jackalberry trees and towering palms.
The Lufupa River is a birdwatcher's paradise; it's not uncommon to spot five distinct kingfisher species in a single day. For the true enthusiast, sightings of the elusive African Finfoot, recognizable by its bright orange legs, are especially thrilling.
Finally, our boat crosses the crystalline waters of the Kafue to reach the secluded Musekese Concession. Here, another safari vehicle awaits to shuttle us the remaining short distance to camp. At Musekese, a refreshingly cold drink and a warm reception from the team greet us. After a brief orientation, you'll have the opportunity to freshen up and acquaint yourself with the camp's sublime natural surroundings.
The staff exude Zambian hospitality—friendly, informal, and predominantly sourced from adjacent villages to ensure that the fruits of tourism enrich local communities. As you settle into your extraordinary chalet, you'll be amazed by its ingenious, organic design. Mesh screens can be rolled down when desired, making you feel connected to the wilderness yet secure from the elements.
This afternoon, we'll embark on an introductory exploration of the Musekese Concession. As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll find the perfect vantage point for a sundowner drink.
Musekese at Eden—named by founders Tyrone McKeith and Phil Jeffery—consistently ranks as one of Kafue's top camps. The open plain, or Dambo, in front of the camp, is a magnet for a diverse range of antelope and frequent visits by lions and leopards. Even elephants wander through, sometimes in large herds.
Dinner unfolds on the camp's deck, overlooking the floodlit Dambo, enhancing your chances of spotting wildlife that may choose to grace us with their presence as we dine.
Check-out from Ntemwa-Busanga Camp
Game Drive from Ntemwa-Busanga Camp to Musekese Camp
Classic Zambia
Game Drive
4x4 & Boat
Ntemwa-Busanga Camp
Musekese Camp
Check-in to Musekese Camp
Day notes
This morning offers the chance to visit the 'Musekese Conservation Base', an insightful experience. You'll gain a behind-the-scenes look at the various strategies and techniques employed to safeguard Kafue's wildlife. The journey to the unit is by boat and is often filled with wildlife encounters, offering further opportunities to immerse yourself in this rich ecosystem.
We'll return to Musekese for lunch to refuel for the afternoon's adventure.
Post-lunch, we'll set out for a river safari, which presents high odds for spotting both leopards and lions, particularly in the afternoon when the day's heat prompts them to seek the river's cooling breeze. Yet the river offers much more than just big cat sightings. You'll find it's a complex habitat, ranging from marshy inlets to open water, lined with an array of vegetation types, from reed beds to towering hardwoods. Elephants are often seen feeding along the embankments or even taking a playful swim across the river.
Bird enthusiasts will be in for a treat as well. The riverine habitat around Musekese is a tapestry of avian colours and calls, from the iridescent flash of kingfishers diving for fish to the graceful arch of herons skimming the water's surface.
As the sun begins to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, we'll climb back onto our game drive vehicle. An evening safari awaits us, offering a different perspective of the Musekese Concession as nocturnal creatures begin their nightly routines. The diverse habitats here, from grassy plains to dense woodlands, offer homes to an array of creatures that your guides will help identify as we return to camp.
By the time we arrive back at Musekese, the campfire will be flickering, and dinner will be nearly ready, closing another fulfilling day in this rich and varied natural paradise.
Expert tips:
Musekese Conservation is a Zambian run Non- Profit organisation. Providing resources for conservation projects working across the Musekese-Lumbeya area. Our primary focus is to establish law enforcement and research initiatives that contribute to the preservation of wildlife and communities within the Kafue National Park.
Both Founders, Phil Jeffery & Tyrone McKeith (Conservationists and Professional Safari Guides) are graduates of the Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology (DICE) and together have over twenty years’ experience working in KNP in many different capacities, from guide training and lodge management to working with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in developing the current Park Management Plans.
Day notes
Today, the day is entirely up to you, offering a custom-tailored safari experience in the vast, private wilderness in the way you prefer.
Whether you opt for a walking safari to closely observe the ecosystem's smaller wonders, embark on a game drive to cover greater distances, or venture on another river safari to absorb the serenity of the waterways, the choice is entirely yours.
You might find the camp so welcoming that you spend part of your day simply soaking up the atmosphere. Musekese has different habitat types, from miombo woodlands to lush riverine forests, making it a sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife at the camp's doorstep.
Since your safari began, the Musekese team has been committed to ensuring you are well cared for. Expect to be continually treated to refreshments—from cool beverages to hot coffee or tea, accompanied by sumptuous cakes. Mealtime is an event, with breakfasts tailored to your preferences, health-conscious lunches, and three-course dinners that turn dining into an experience.
Expert tips:
We offer to take any interested guests to visit our Musekese Conservation Anti Poaching Unit. This is an educational experience where we show you how the iopertain plans and deploys it ranger teams and is also the base of our research teqaams who demonstrate how we gauge wildlife numbers and te activities of the key predator populations .
Day notes
Unfortunately, today marks the end of our incredible journey at Musekese. After a final check to ensure you've packed all your belongings, it's time for heartfelt farewells with the dedicated safari team who've made this experience so memorable.
The journey back will not just be a transfer but a final game drive, offering one last chance to encounter the breathtaking wildlife of the area. We'll then board a boat to cross the picturesque Kafue River, a fitting finale to your safari experience.
Once we reach the airstrip, a privately chartered aircraft will swiftly transport us back to Lusaka, timed impeccably to align with your onward international flight connections. As we leave behind the untamed beauty of Musekese and Kafue, the memories and experiences you've gathered will undoubtedly stay with you for a lifetime.
Check-out from Musekese Camp
Charter Flight from Musekese Camp to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport [LUN]
Charter Flight
Musekese Camp
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport [LUN]
