Under the skin of the Kafue - with Classic Zambia

Day notes

Charter from Lusaka to Lufupa Airstrip (1 hour 14 minutes) or drive from Lusaka to Musekese camp (6 hours)

From landing at the Lufupa Airstrip, you will be met by a guide from Classic Zambia,

to Musekese Camp, an idyllic destination. Embracing an intimate and authentic ambiance, the camp offers chalets that effortlessly blend into the surrounding bush on Muskese Island, within the enchanting Eden Lagoon. From your chalet, you can constantly immerse yourself in wildlife sightings. These unique accommodations are crafted using a combination of local materials and traditional canvas, while the hot water supply is environmentally conscious, using gas-fired heating to minimize natural resource consumption and ensure you can enjoy a hot shower whenever desired.

At the heart of Musekese Camp lies a tented 'boma' featuring a bar, a library, and a refreshing breeze that welcomes you. Meals are served in this central area or in the shade of majestic old trees on the deck, offering picturesque views of wildlife and birds right in front of the camp.

The entire camp team is not only friendly and welcoming but also deeply connected to the neighboring villages along the Kafue, directly benefiting the local communities through tourism. Some team members have been with Jeffery & McKeith since the inception of the Musekese Conservation area, assisting in building the track and receiving training in various roles, from safari guides to chefs.

Wildlife frequently graces the camp, with elephants being particularly common visitors. As the camp is situated within the territory of a resident lion pride and several leopards, it is customary to be accompanied to and from your tent after dark and occasionally during the day, ensuring your safety and enhancing your wildlife encounters.

Your days at Musekese revolve around your personal preferences for activities. All activities are guided by highly respected and knowledgeable experts, considered the finest guides in the Kafue. You can embark on game drives in custom-built open vehicles equipped with camera supports and charging points during both morning and afternoon. For a unique perspective, indulge in boat safaris along the nearby Kafue and Lufupa river system. Enchanting walking safaris allow you to immerse yourself in every small sign and sound of the bush, and if fortune smiles upon you, you might even encounter some of the larger animals. Additionally, you may wish to explore beyond the camp by visiting Musekese Conservation, an Anti Poaching Unit (APU) established and funded by Jeffery & McKeith safaris, offering a captivating day of discovery.

A typical day at Musekese begins with an early wake-up call around 5:15 am, followed by a light breakfast of fruit, porridge, cereals, and freshly toasted bread over the fire. Then, you embark on a game drive or walking safari, as the early morning provides an excellent opportunity to observe animals when they are most active. As the morning progresses, a refreshing break with tea or coffee is provided. Based on sightings and activities, you return to camp in time for a delectable lunch prepared by skilled cooks using fresh local ingredients. The meals draw inspiration from Zambia's rich culture and feature imaginative and mouthwatering dishes, including an array of fresh salads and savoury delights.

After lunch, you have a few hours to unwind and relax. You can catch up on rest, spend time in the tranquil treehouse hide,  the view from your private deck, or enjoy a cool drink and a book in the lounge. At around 3.30 pm, following a traditional afternoon tea and cake, you embark on the afternoon activity, venturing into the bush through a different route. As darkness falls, you return to camp unless you choose to extend your adventure in search of nocturnal species.

Before retiring for the night, indulge in a warm shower and savour an aperitif by the fire. You then gather under the starlit sky with your hosts for a delightful dining experience.

Day notes

This morning you will drive to Ntemwa Bush Camp and the next days will provide you with the opportunity to extensively explore the amazing Busanga Plains and also the woodland and rivers on her edges.  

Crossing back across the Kafue River, you will pick up a safari vehicle on the other side for your drive.  This journey can take 3+ hours, generating interesting sights as the bush changes from semi-open Savannah to shady Bracystigia woodland. 
Look out for emerald green patches in the otherwise dry bush ;these are natural springs welling up and providing constant water for wildlife away from the river. 
Elephants are frequently seen on the route up to the Plains.  Look at the sandy road to check for lion or leopard tracks.  As you will have discovered by now, anything is possible as you travel along.

Arriving at Ntemwa-Busanga Camp, you will again be welcomed to camp, this time by the safari team at Ntemwa. A refreshing drink and a chance to settle into your very comfortable ensuite safari tent, freshen up and relax.

Close to camp are several streams and pools which attract myriad birds and wildlife and make an idyllic spot from where to watch the sun sink over the plains.  One of our favourite activities is to photograph Pied Kingfishers hovering over the pools as the sun sets.  

Back at camp for drinks around the fire and dinner.  Expect to be under a bright canopy of stars.  With no light pollution, the night sky seems huge up here on the Plains.  

Nightcaps around the campfire are a chance to discuss the next day's plans, before retiring to bed, serenaded by the sounds of the bush drifting across the Plains. 

Day notes

Depending on your departure time, we will schedule your return to Lusaka by charter flight  to get you back in plenty of time to connect with your homeward flight or to the next chapter of your safari.

If you have a late flight we can arrange a stop over  day room for you to freshen up before flying hone.