Day notes
On arrival you will first pass throughimmigration, this is where you pay for your tourist visa ($50). The passport queue can sometimes move slowly but do not worry; you are not under any time pressure.
Lusaka is a friendly airport but to make everything straightforward for you we have arranged for our representatives at Lusaka Airport 'Tours Africa' to meet you just as you pass thru immigration and into the luggage hall. Our 'man at the airport' help you locate your luggage and then to rendezvous with Tony McKeith, who if not actually on your flight, will be waiting for you. The drive to Pioneer will take around 20 mins. Situated in a rural area near Lusaka Pioneer is a very friendly informal lodge, full of character and a great place to get over the flight and get in tune with Africa, the trees in camp attract lots of colorful birds.
We have booked you an en-suite chalet for tonight, when you are settled in and rested you will have a chance to meet the other guests on this very small group safari, and enjoy dinner together.
Check-in to Latitude 15°
Expert tips:
You are now on Africa Time and immigration can be a slow process, but don’t worry you are not in a rush. You can pay your visa fee at the passport control desk ($50pp), no need for a pre arranged visa.
Day notes
Today is an early start, waking at around 5.30 followed by breakfast on the patio. We plan to set off early at approximately 06.30 to beat the traffic in downtown Lusaka.
The journey gives you an exciting look at fast developing Lusaka. You will first pass through bustling Lusaka City.
The scene then gradually changes as the city gives way to villages and farmland as we head west towards the Kafue National Park.
We will drive in an enclosed vehicle for comfort.
An exciting journey which allows you to see how Lusaka is expanding, but also how quickly the city gives way to a rural lifestyle. The scene changes as the busy town give way to villages and then bush on our journey west towards the Kafue.
The journey is typically taking around 4.5 hours, stopping along the way for refreshments. A few hours into the drive, and you reach the Nulasanga Gate boundary of the Kafue National Park where habitation by people quickly disappears. From here you remain on the tarmac on the road dissecting the Kafue, until eventually turning off on to graded tracks, keep an eye out for animals as anything is possible.
Having reached a point by the Kafue River, you will leave your vehicle and continue by boat for the last 20mins of the journey to Kaingu Lodge.
The boat journey is a pleasant assault on the senses, as the peace, startling beauty of the river and the sight of Hippos and birds begin to sink in.
The safari begins at Kaingu.
For the next two nights, you will stay in a luxury tented style chalet facing directly on to the river. The habitat around camp is a mixture of riverine woodland and bush. Our stay here will focus on enjoying the river taking boat safaris in the multiple channels in the area; this is a sublimely beautiful location (canoe trails are available if you feel adventurous). Gentle walking safari to one of the giant rock Kopje’s which dot the bush in this area, these massive rocks provide a fantastic way to get a feel for the vast wilderness you are now in.
Check-out from Latitude 15°
Transfer from Latitude 15° to Kaingu Lodge
Transfer
Latitude 15°
Kaingu Lodge
Check-in to Kaingu Lodge
Expert tips:
In 2019-2020 we will be able to arrange a private option to fly from Lusaka to Chunga (Kaingu), although by no means an essential add on, flying does save time on the road and gives a view of the Kafue as you approach The additional cost will be $300 and would require at least 3 guests. If you think you may like to fly this leg simply let us know.
Day notes
Today day after an early light break fast, we will offer to arrange your choice of activity, possibly a combination of a walk and a river safari, either by boat or a more adventurous canoe safari.
Both activities give an eye level view of the river where there is chance of encountering many birds but also Elephant and Hippo and maybe a Leopard coming to drink. We will spend the morning exploring before returning to camp as the heat builds for lunch, then after a few hours down time and obligatory tea and cake! We will set off again exploring. Days generally end with a cold drink as the sun sets over the bush, then with time to freshen up and enjoy dinner, which like all meals are enjoyed with your fellow guests and guides.
Day notes
Today our safari begins in earnest.
Moving north, we will journey on an extended game drive to Musekese Camp, certanly one of Zambia's and argubly Africa's most wildlife focused , and expertly guided safari camps.
This journey can take 3+ hours, following tracks which roughly follows the Kafue River. Eventually, on reaching the confluence of the Lufupa and Kafue Rivers, we will rendezvous with the Jeffery & McKeith safari team. We board a purpose-built safari boat to cross the clear waters of the Kafue, which will look very tempting for a dip. A short river safari takes us to the private Musekese conservation area, where we leave our boat and jump on a safari vehicle for the short drive into camp.
At 'Musekese', a warm greeting and refreshing drink, then lunch on the deck, is a chance to relax and absorb your surroundings in the company of your hosts and fellow guests.
The staff are incredibly friendly and pleasantly informal in a typically Zambian way. Most of the team are employed from villages adjoining the Kafue National Park, taking the benefits of tourism into the local communities.
Your accommodation at Musekese will be one of just five tastefully decorated safari chalets constructed of a blend of locally sourced materials and canvas walls, decorated in a classic understated safari style with some special little touches, and cleverly designed en suite bathrooms with warm bucket showers and flushing loos.
Tony will chat with you about the various activities available to you and you will be encouraged to be as busy as you wish. Game drives morning and afternoon - River safaris in purpose-built boats on both the Kafue and Lufupa Rivers - Walking Safaris - visits to the nearby free platform are available, but no firm plans need to be made better instead to use the resident guides knowledge of the recent wildlife activity and start our exploration from there.
Before 'Musekese' was created, this area had never seen a vehicle, but now as the seasons pass the game has become more used to our presence, and even the short drive into camp can be productive with sightings.
Game drives are arranged in the early morning and later in the afternoon, the later staying out after dark to seek out the nocturnal species and when some predators become active.
A boat journey in the afternoon on the clear waters of the Kafue River in search of animals and birds coming to drink or in the case of Elephants actually crossing the river. African Skimmers are them selves worthy of any river safari but, and who knows what else you might encounter on the way back to camp with the aid of a spotlight?
Comparing and reliving your favorite sightings, and swapping light-hearted safari stories over dinner must be a perfect end to a day on safari.
Check-out from Kaingu Lodge
Game Drive from Kaingu Lodge to Musekese Camp
Game Drive
Kaingu Lodge
Musekese Camp
Check-in to Musekese Camp
Day notes
The next days are a fantastic opportunity to really explore and enjoy all that the Musekese Conservation area has to offer.
Purpose-built safari boats has plenty of shade, and are a stable platform to watch and photograph wildlife, thoroughly enjoyable experience watching Africa peacefully drift by. Birdlife on the Lufupa River is very varied and it is not unusual to see 5 different kingfisher species in one day. The rare and super shy African Finfoot, a bird which keen birders will travel around the world to see are seen quite often and make a brilliant subject to photograph as they scuttle out of the river to hide, but giving themselves away with their bright orange legs
When Tyrone McKeith and Phil Jeffery first found this spot whilst on walking safaris they immediately christened the area ‘Eden’, and their instincts were proved correct as Musekese at Eden is regarded as one of the Kafue's best camps. The open Dambo/plain in front of camp constantly attracts great numbers of wildlife. Frequented by Lion and Leopard are here and often encountered, some times taking advantage of the peace and quiet and shade that Musekese Camps has so much of. Elephants migrate passed camp almost every day, between the dry bush and the permanent water in the streams and river on the Dambo, sometimes in small groiupos but also increasingly in herds which number in the hundreds.
After time to freshen up and relax, enjoy a sundowner / aperitif in hand as the sun drops below the horizon. Dinner is served on the deck overlooking the dambo which is subtly lit so that we can more easily notice any wildlife which might wander by during dinner.
Day time meals are served in the shade of the trees in camp, or in the 'Boma' which serves as a cool lounge area during the hotter part of the day.
Day notes
Another wonder- full day on safari.
Jeffery & McKeith safaris are highly regarded for there conservation efforts, most recently with the creation of Musekese Conservation, a not for profit organisation dedicated to providing rangers - resource and training to reduce the pressure on wildlife from illegal poaching activities. You will get to hear all about that aspect of the life of the Kafue as the week goes on.
Day notes
A last wonder - full day on safari at Musekese. Either following up on previous interesting sights or sounds, or possibly taking a drive out to the Kamasot Plains. Everything will be built around making sure you have a great safari experience.
Day notes
Today our safari begins in earnest.
Moving north, we will journey on an extended game drive to Ntemwa-Busanga Camp on the Busanga Plains.
This journey can take 3+ hours, generating exciting sights as the bush changes from open shady Bracystigia Woodland to Savannah. Look out for emerald green patches in the otherwise dry bush which are natural springs welling up and providing constant water for wildlife away from the river. (Ask Tony to point them out).
We will stop for refreshments along the way usually at reach a spot on the Kafue which we know only as 'The Rocks' where a seasonal lagoon feed from the Lufupa River attracts game and many birds all through the day.
Arriving at Ntemwa-Busanga Camp, expect a warm welcome 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 a myriad of birds and wildlife and make an idyllic spot from where to watch the sun sink over the plains.
Sundowners before Dinner maybe enjoyed in camp, overlooking the plains, or at one of the nearby pools, whichever, you can expect to be under a bright canopy of stars. Nightcaps around the campfire are a chance to discuss the next days' plans, before retiring to bed, serenaded by the sounds of the bush wafting across the plains.
Ntemwa - Busanga is well placed to venture on to the Busanga Plains.
This vast ecosystem of grasslands and marsh, dotted with islands of Palms and fig trees is home to vast numbers of plains game including many new and familiar species for you to see.
Flexibility is foremost and so days will keep you as busy as you wish although walking safaris are a fantastic way to get in touch with the bush and learn more about the smaller inhabitants as well as, the larger animals. The open ground here makes walking less productive. Ntemwa is home to some of the Kafue's most significant predator populations; Game drives allow us to cover bigger distances.
Days begin early, and Game drives on the open plains are the best way to approach wildlife.
Typically game drives leave camp at dawn after a light breakfast, stopping for refreshments out in the bush, usually returning to camp at the hottest part of the day for Lunch. You can venture out again in the late afternoon, (with a carefully packed box of sundowners and snacks) until darkness begins to reveal the nocturnal species, which you will continue to search for with the aid of a spotlight.
Amongst some of the more notable possible sights are a resident heard of Roan antelope which are very approachable and photogenic. There are thousands of Red Lechwe on the Plains and if conditions and time allow a journey to the Papyrus marsh is often a chance to see them running and leaping in the wet areas.
Check-out from Musekese Camp
Game Drive from Musekese Camp to Ntemwa-Busanga Camp
Game Drive
Musekese Camp
Ntemwa-Busanga Camp
Check-in to Ntemwa-Busanga Camp
Expert tips:
When Tyrone and Phil first found this previously unknown area during walking expeditions, they immediately christened it ‘Eden’, a very big open dambo which stays wet all year and is full of life.
There can be hundreds of antelope in view. Elephant’s love the dambo too, migrating daily between the dry bush and the wet mud areas on the Dambo. beyond is the strip of riverine woodland along the main Kafue.
No fences means you are encouraged to keep aware even during the day.
Day notes
Ntemwa-Busanga is a small classic bush camp, comprising just 4 Walk-in 'Meru' style safari tents, each with an open bush bathroom. Expect a combination of porcelain flush loos and warm bucket showers. Crisp linen and small touches to make you as comfortable as possible.
Fresh and healthy meals are served either around the fire or on the cleverly created deck perched on an old termite mound with far reaching views over the plains, this is the perfect place to relax and take in the view of the Busanga Plains. Look out across the plains in the early morning, and you will witness the most beautiful sunrise and a procession of birds migrating to and from the tree line out to the Busanga swamps. The southern tree line can be a productive area for predator sightings of all kinds, traditionally Lion prides have been found here taking advantage of the game density but far enough from the open plains prides so as not to get in conflict. We find Cheetah move in this area often migrating seasonally on the plains as they dry, mainly where Oribi antelope can be found on the edge of the plains and when the Wildebeest begin to give birth.
To make the most of our exploration during one of your full days at Ntemwa, we plan to leave camp at dawn after a light breakfast, taking a light picnic lunch and refreshments to enjoy out on the plains allowing us to comfortably reach and enjoy the northern floating grass areas home to thousands of Red Lechwe. Plains game including herds of Roan Antelope, Zebra, Wildebeest and Buffalo are found out on the grasslands, Sable venture from the bush in search of water and grazing.
We return to camp after sundowners a full day, staying out until darkness draws out the nocturnal species, which we continue to search for with the aid of a spotlight.
You will also have the chance to explore on a walking safari and or game drive in the treeline woodland and thorn-bush savannah. Leopards frequently encountered as we explore around the meandering streams that flow from the plains. There there are lots of chances to enjoy watching and photograph large pods of Hippos throughout the safari, but here we will take you (safely) to what has to be one of the very best from a low level close up Hippo locations possible. Elephants are here in increasing numbers, the result of vigorous anti-poacher activity by organizations including Musekese Conservation, and sensitive guiding aimed at minimizing stress and fear for the Elephants. As the dry season bites Great herds can be seen crossing the plains to drink, this can be quite a site to know; we may hope to meet with a group of majestic bulls who gravitate here at this time of year.
Wild dogs are always elusive when you want to see them, but the tree line is a crucial area to see them. Frequently multiple leopard sightings can occur in one day. The Lions in the core of the Busanga Plains a hold a valued territory full of Red Lechwe. The edges of the Plains are home to other Lion prides, some we know, and sometimes we meet interloping males who test the resolve of the resident Busanga pride males. Lions are very active here and the sounds at night wafting through the walls of your tent are magical.
Birds are a big part of any safari, and the Kafue has an impressive list which your guides will be able to identify. Spectacular flocks of Open Billed Stork's swirl over the Plains, which are home to some rare and endemic species including Wattled Cranes and delightful Rosy Throated Longclaws. The woodlands and banks of the Kafue hold a vast amount of species including some super rare species Like Pel's Fishing Owl and African Finfoot
Expert tips:
Imaginative en-suite bathrooms have warm bucket showers and porcelain flushing loo’s, combining safari chic with an authentic safari feel.
Camp centres around the ‘boma’ deck which is a great spot to simply relax between activities and enjoy the view as well as the company of your fellow guests and guides.
Day notes
A last full day on the Busanga Plains. Visiting the Hippo Pools, Learning about the traditional fishermen who still set weirs in the streams here about, witnessing great flocks of birds that gather at this time of year, there will be so much to see and learn about.
Day notes
Each day at Ntemwa is arranged to suit you. Nothing is to much trouble for the Tony and the team. Today we can take time to have breakfast in camp and check our bags are packed, then its time to wave goodbye to the team who have been looking after you as we set off on a game drive to the Busanga Plains Airstrip. We have arranged for a private charter flight to take us straight from the Busanga back to Lusaka.
Here you can connect with your homeward flights or continue on safari to another part of Zambia or beyond.
Check-out from Ntemwa-Busanga Camp
Charter Flight from Ntemwa-Busanga Camp to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport [LUN]
Sky Trails Charter
Charter Flight
Ntemwa-Busanga Camp
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport [LUN]
