Lion at sunset by Will Burrard-Lucas for Wilderness Safaris
Zambia Accommodation,
Western Zambia

Shumba

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The elegant safari camp built on an island of fig trees in the vast “Plains of Plenty”, north Kafue.

This northern part of Kafue is a seasonally inundated grassland dotted with islands. A region dominated by a papyrus wetland that gives way to the vast floodplain of the Busanga Plains every year.

Its safari season starts at the end of the wet season in July when birding is extraordinary. This wild and remote safari area shows off its impressive diversity and large game concentrations as the dry seasons progresses. Finally, to a peak as the new rains start each November.

Shumba Camp has six substantial wood-and-canvas tented rooms. (One of which can be used as a family unit.) Each is en-suite with both in and outdoor showers. The central communal area includes a comfortable lounge and dining area. Also, a small reference library and customarily well-stocked bar. A small pool and viewing deck completes the setting.

Following the rains the Busanga swamps dominate. From mid-November to June these marshy habitats attract a wide variety of birdlife including herons, ducks and waders. Also wattled cranes, goliath herons and saddle-billed storks.

Boating and walking are ideal activities in the early part of the season. Game drives during the day and at night are especially productive as the season progresses. Kafue is a place where lion and unusual antelope dominate these remote plains.

Hot air balloon trips are on offer from August to October. These dawn forays end with a traditional champagne bush breakfast.

Busanga camp is an hour and a half flight from Lusaka. Slightly longer from Livingstone. Camp is a short helicopter flight away from the Busanga airstrip.

Facilities

This small classic tented camp is located on a small island of fig trees in the heart of the Busanga Plains. The 6 wood and canvas structures cluster near a communal decked lounge and dining area with a small pool.

Local Wildlife

On game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, the channel-leaping lions of the Busanga Plains are prime targets. Also cheetah and wild dog. Plains game include puku, red lechwe, buffalo and wildebeest. On occasion the rare roan antelope.

Boasting hundreds of species, including Fülleborn's Longclaw birders are spoilt for choice. The area is alive with rollers, bee-eaters, kingfishers, herons and large flocks of storks.

Night drives offer access to nocturnal species including genet, civet, owls and the occasional leopard.

Optional Activities

Boating in the early part of the season is ideal. This is when the Plains are still largely covered by water and many of the roads are impassable. Guided walks are the perfect compliment at this time of year.

Hot air balloon trips are available at dawn from August to October.

Liz Ferreira

Area Specialist

If you have any questions regarding our Zambia tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965