Safari Rating
Combining the Kafue National Park and South Luangwa is to experience two vastly different but equally impressive wildlife regions of Zambia.
Itinerary in Brief
1 Night at Mukambi Safari Lodge
3 Nights at Busanga Plains Camp
1 Night at Mukambi Safari Lodge
2 Nights at Kafunta River Lodge
1 Nights at Island Bush Camp
2 Nights at Three Rivers Camp
1 Night at Kafunta River Lodge
Starting off on the banks of the Kafue river at Mukambi Safari Lodge, a great introduction to the Kafue! You then make your way all the way north to the famous Busanga Plains and our favourite part of the Kafue, from where you will be based and get to explore the swamps and grassland which hold large numbers of game. Another night stopover at Mukambi Safari lodge before a transfer and flight to Mfuwe where you will spend 2 nights at Kafunta River Lodge. From here you will head down to Island Bush Camp for a traditional Zambian reed constructed safari camp experience, then onto Three Rivers Camp before returning for another night at Kafunta River Lodge.
This 11-night safari is well suited for anyone from single travellers, couples and medium sized groups seeking to visit both Kafue and South Luangwa. The accommodation is of high standard and you will find all the luxuries one needs to be comfortable in this pristine wilderness! There’s a great variety in the camps and a range of activities and game viewing opportunities.
Well suited for first timers or even frequent Africa travellers this safari showcases the best of both parks at a reasonable cost.
Detailed Itinerary
1st Night: Mukambi Safari Lodge
Located in the centre of the park, the main area of the lodge is a thatched building which overlooks the impressive Kafue River from where one can relax on one of the many decks or the infinity pool. The three accommodation options are a chalet, family villa or luxury safari tents. The lodge is commonly known as “The Gateway to the Kafue National Park” as its central location is perfect for an introduction before moving on to the more remote camps within the reserve.
From Mukambi Safari lodge one can do game drives, walking safaris, fishing trips, boat cruises and also visits to the Mukambi Community school
2nd, 3rd & 4th Nights: Busanga Plains Camp
This camps setting is simply spectacular and is typically the highlight of this safari! It is a seasonal camp and is located in the middle of the famous Busanga plains also known as the Busanga swamp. A place made famous for its predators, particularly of the “swamp lions”.
The camp consists of 4 large luxury safari tents that have open air bathrooms which overlook the plains where game can almost constantly be seen moving over the swamp. The main area is a wooden deck which stretches over the swamp and has a fireplace at the end where evenings and early mornings can be spent.
5th Night: Mukambi Safari Lodge
Because of the distance and remoteness of Busanga Plains camp, another night stopover at Mukambi Safari lodge makes the travel distances much more bearable.
Located in the centre of the park, the main area of the lodge is a thatched building which overlooks the impressive Kafue River from where one can relax on one of the many decks or the infinity pool. The three accommodation options are a chalet, family villa or luxury safari tents. The lodge is commonly known as “The Gateway to the Kafue National Park” as its central location is perfect for an introduction before moving on to the more remote camps within the reserve.
From Mukambi Safari lodge one can do game drives, walking safaris, fishing trips, boat cruises and also visits to the Mukambi Community school
6th & 7th Nights: Kafunta River Lodge
Nestled on a game rich flood plain of the Luangwa River, the wildlife viewing from the lodge alone is great, but it is just over the river where one of the most game viewing productive areas of the valley is found and game drives here are exceptional.
The lodge itself eight private safari suites and is built on raised wooden platforms and decorated with an African charm. In addition to these there are also 2 luxury suites that have an upstairs viewing platform and a private deck. The central part of the lodge consists of a large wooden deck with unmatched views over the flood plain and it is also here where meals are served as well as a well-stocked bar can be found.
8th Night: Island Bush Camp
Located approximately 3 hours south of Kafunta River Lodges, Island Bush Camp is remote by design and offers a truly authentic and adventurous Zambian seasonal camp experience. It is from here that the surround bush is best explored on a walking safari with a highly qualified guide and park scout.
The bush camp has only 5 chalets which are on raised platforms build from natural materials. They are open at the front allowing for all the night sounds to be appreciated. Each chalet has an open air en-suite bathroom on the same level as the room which has a flush toilet, running water and a bucket shower.
The central and dining area is simple, yet unmatched and consists of a reed constructed building with a well-stocked bar. The meals are prepared in the bush kitchen where a chef cooks on a wood burning stove.
9th & 10th Nights: Three Rivers Camp
Three Rivers Camp, named as such due to its location of being at the confluence of the Luangwa, the Kapamba and the Lusangazi River. An area which borders the National Park and is unspoilted, teeming with wildlife.
The camp offers 5 large and spacious tents which have en-suite bathrooms that include indoor and outdoor showers and flush toilets. Each room has a private raised viewing deck safely connected to the tent where one can choose to spend relaxing on a bed during the day, or choose to sleepout under the stars at night, a truly amazing experience!
Located some 7km from Island Bush Camp it is highly recommended to walk from one camp to the other whilst your baggage is safely transported by vehicle.
11th Night: Kafunta River Lodge
Another Night at Kafunta River Lodge Is recommended due to the remote nature of Three Rivers Camp.
Nestled on a game rich flood plain of the Luangwa River, the wildlife viewing from the lodge alone is great, but it is just over the river where one of the most game viewing productive areas of the valley is found and game drives here are exceptional.
The lodge itself eight private safari suites and is built on raised wooden platforms and decorated with an African charm. In addition to these there are also 2 luxury suites that have an upstairs viewing platform and a private deck. The central part of the lodge consists of a large wooden deck with unmatched views over the flood plain and it is also here where meals are served as well as a well-stocked bar can be found.
When To Go
jan | feb | mar | apr | may | jun | jul | aug | sep | oct | nov | dec | |
Kafue National Park | ||||||||||||
Luangwa Valley | ||||||||||||
Western Zambia |
The Accommodation
Ready for an adventure? Lets Talk!
Much like most of our tours, this itinerary serves as a guide line or example of what is possible and any part of this tour and be changed or additions added. We also create custom itineraries to suite your budget and the experiences you are after. Please contact us so we can create your own personally tailored safari!