Classic Zambia Discovery Safari 2024

Day notes

The adventure starts with a flight departing from Lusaka, soaring southward over the lush terrains and valleys forming the Zambezi escarpment. As we follow the trajectory of the majestic Zambezi River below, you'll witness—and have the chance to photograph—the awe-inspiring beauty of this renowned National Park from the sky.
Upon touching down, our specialized game drive vehicle will greet us on the airstrip. The gentle sun and the profound tranquillity of the wilderness will quickly replace the engine hum as we load our luggage and embark on an enthralling game drive to Kutali Camp—our sanctuary for the coming three nights. As we traverse the open savannas and meander through acacia forests, you'll already start encountering a rich array of wildlife and birds.
Once at Kutali Camp, expect to be welcomed in true Zambian fashion—a heartfelt greeting accompanied by a refreshing drink. Kutali epitomizes the essence of authentic bush camps, evoking the nostalgic charm of traditional Zambian safaris. Here, the emphasis is on intimate encounters with nature, albeit with thoughtful additions to ensure your complete comfort.
Depending on our arrival time, we'll share a communal lunch with our gracious hosts, taking in the magnificent natural surroundings.
As the afternoon unfolds, we'll venture out for our inaugural exploration. Guided by recent game activities, we'll either navigate a boat safari along the riverbank amid clusters of hippos or opt for another game drive that extends into the evening. As twilight sets, we'll make our way back to camp, using spotlights to uncover the area's nocturnal inhabitants.
The Lower Zambezi is a stronghold for remarkable wildlife. Encounters with elephants are frequent during our safaris and even within the camp itself. Amidst the abundance of antelopes and buffalos, predators—such as lions and leopards—also flourish. And let's not forget the 'Jeki Pack' of wild dogs, which expanded to over 30 members this year. If they're within reach, rest assured we will find them.
Returning to camp, a warm shower awaits you. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks beside the crackling fire and a sumptuous meal under the starlit sky, sharing stories and experiences with your fellow adventurers and hosts. As the day concludes, a nightcap beckons before you retreat to your tent, where the gentle breeze and the soothing bush sounds create the perfect lullaby for a peaceful night's sleep.

Day notes

A soft wake-up call greets you before the break of dawn, as we congregate by the flickering campfire for a light breakfast, serenaded by the rising sun.
Seizing the opportunity to explore when the climate is cooler and wildlife most vibrant, we'll embark on an intimate walking safari amidst a grove of Winterthorn trees. This is the bush at its most unfiltered—where even the calls of birds serve as nature's own news feed, signalling the proximity of various species and sometimes alerting us to the presence of other, larger animals. Though your heart may race during close encounters with big game, rest assured that our seasoned walking guides always prioritise your safety.
As we tread lightly through the wilderness, your guide's extensive knowledge and bushcraft will illuminate the hidden layers of this complex ecosystem. Our walks typically span just a few miles, punctuated by frequent stops to appreciate the landscape, avifauna, and wildlife.
Before setting out, a comprehensive safety briefing is conducted. Your guide will carry essential items such as a first aid kit, a radio, and extra water. You're encouraged to bring along a water bottle; we even have a custom-made sling for easy carrying. Accompanying us will also be a National Parks Wildlife Officer armed with a .375 calibre rifle as an extra precaution against the unlikely event of a hostile animal encounter.
Upon our return to camp, a refreshing drink and a nourishing lunch await you in the sheltering shade. The camp offers its own set of spectacles—with vistas overlooking the Zambezi River, intermittent appearances of hippos, and a constant backdrop of birds and, frequently, elephants. During the midday heat, you can unwind in camp.
As the afternoon matures, we invite you to pack an overnight bag. We'll hop onto our game drive vehicle and meander along the fringes of the Jeki plains toward Chula, finally crossing the Discovery Channel by pontoon to reach Chula Island.
As dusk envelops us, we'll arrive at Chula Island Camp—our base for the night. After settling in, a hot bucket shower refreshes you before we gather around the campfire for drinks.
Dinner isn't just a meal; it's a storytelling session. This is the moment to share and listen to riveting and often humorous accounts of bush life, told by both guests and guides alike.
When it's time to retire, sleep will come effortlessly, lulling you into dreams filled with the day's adventures.

Day notes

Should the melodious dawn chorus not rouse you from your slumber, a gentle "knock-knock" will beckon you to join us for breakfast. A spread of fresh juice, coffee, warm porridge or muesli, and bread toasted to perfection over the campfire awaits you.
Today promises an unparalleled experience: a leisurely canoe journey down the meandering channels of the Zambezi River. We'll venture off the main river, silently navigating the lesser channels that immerse us into the heart of the bush—right at eye level with the wildlife. This discreet, water-level approach often elicits unique animal behaviours, allowing us to observe their natural curiosity and routines.
Our morning on the water will span about three or four cooler hours, offering opportunities to disembark and stretch your legs. The quiet is palpable; only broken by the sounds of egrets and kingfishers in flight, elephants munching Winterthorn pods, and antelopes sipping water at the river's edge.
Come midday, we'll find respite under the shade of towering Acacia trees, where a picnic lunch will be served.
As the day progresses, we will jump onto a waiting game drive vehicle. To continue a game drive in the dappled woodland back to Kutali.
Rest assured, your safety is our paramount concern. Our guides are among Zambia's most seasoned and qualified canoe specialists. Furthermore, backup paddlers will steer each canoe, allowing you to focus solely on capturing the unfolding moments with your camera—a day rich in photographic potential.
Back at Kutali camp, we have time to explore again on a game drive into the evening. To relish the day's last rays with sundowners in hand.

Day notes

The thrill of adventure continues as a new day dawns. After fueling up with breakfast, we'll embark on a game drive to Jeki Airstrip. There, a private light aircraft charter awaits to whisk our intimate group off to the majestic Kafue National Park.
Below us—the Zambezi escarpments recede into the distance as miles of untamed wilderness unfurl toward the west. The two-hour flight offers a sweeping view of the Kafue flats. As we cross into Kafue National Park, signs of human habitation vanish, replaced by the riveting sight of the Kafue River slicing through the park, joined by the Lufupa River and its tributaries meandering across the open floodplains of Busanga. This aerial perspective provides a compelling introduction to the vast expanse of wilderness you're about to explore.
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—explicitly 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 blend safari chic with utmost comfort. Chalets have sky-open en-suite shower rooms, white enamel sinks, bucket showers, and porcelain flush toilets.
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.

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.

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.