About Busanga Bushcamp
On the north-west side of the Busanga Plains, Busanga Bushcamp lies hidden in a small tree island of giant ...
... sycamore fig trees and wild date palms. Though not as grand as its sister camp, Shumba, this is a first-class little bushcamp with a very rustic approach.
We really like this small, exclusive camp which felt like a proper safari camp – not a boutique hotel. It has been situated well, overlooking sunrise on the plains, and the food and camp staff were great. The guides were good, and brought the plains alive, even at times when there seemed to be little to see.
Our only reservation about Busanga Bushcamp is that being small; it won't suit people who need constant change or entertainment. There's little to do between activities, and you need to be happy entertaining yourself.
Our view
We really like this small, exclusive camp which felt like a proper safari camp – not a boutique hotel. It has been situated well, overlooking sunrise on the plains, and the food and camp staff were great. The guides were good, and brought the plains alive, even at times when there seemed to be little to see.
Our only reservation about Busanga Bushcamp is that being small; it won't suit people who need constant change or entertainment. There's little to do between activities, and you need to be happy entertaining yourself.
Country manager: Zambia
Accommodation
4 chalets
Children
Best for older children 16+
Open
1 June to 31 October
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Night drive
Traveller reviews of Busanga Bushcamp
20 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 45 pictures and 1 videos of Busanga Bushcamp to get the candid view.
View galleryBusanga Bushcamp: Our full report
On the north-west side of the Busanga Plains, Busanga Bushcamp lies hidden in a small tree island of giant ...
... sycamore fig trees and wild date palms. Though not as grand as its sister camp, Shumba, this is a first-class little bushcamp with a very rustic approach.
Busanga Bushcamp has just four chalets – which are shaped like traditional Meru-style tents. Mosquito-proof gauze is used for the top half of their walls – allowing a breeze to blow through – and the bottom section and roof are made of canvas.
Each room has two large queen-sized beds and, during the night, large mosquito nets cover the beds and curtains are drawn across the windows to keep insects away as you sleep. In keeping with the bushcamp feel, the décor of these has been kept simple, using natural fabrics and colours. The ceilings of the bedrooms are canvas, and each chalet has a shade-cloth mounted above it to help keep cool which extends across to a partially-shaded wooden veranda to the front of each room.
All the chalets at Busanga Bushcamp are, at least partially, shaded under trees, and all have en-suite open-air bathrooms, each with a flush toilet, hot shower and complimentary toiletries – even cotton dressing gowns are provided.
As there is no door between the bedroom and bathroom, these chalets are not entirely enclosed. This is good news for nature-lovers, as there are often resident geckos and tree frogs in the rooms, as well as assorted organic debris which drop from the canopy into the bathroom. (If the thought of this makes you uncomfortable, then consider Busanga’s more luxurious sister camp on the plains – Shumba Camp.
Chalets 2, 3 & 4 each have spectacular views over the plains. Chalet 1 was deeper in the shade, so only had a broken view of the plains but, unlike the other rooms, the deck surrounds two sides offering a wider and more varied view. Each deck also has a comfortable hammock in which to relax during siesta.
The comfortable lounge and bar area of Busanga Bushcamp are at the centre of the camp. This wooden structure is covered by a canvas roof and has an uninterrupted view over the plains. As the building faces east, this is the perfect spot from which to watch sunrise during breakfast whilst enjoying the sight of herds of lechwe and puku feeding. A little further back is the dining boma, an open area shaded by a tall tree from which a lantern chandelier hangs - a spectacular sight when lit up at night.
There is a small library stocked with a limited number of reference books and other reading matter. Tea and coffee is available throughout the day whilst the bar uses a self-service system.
Near the main area, a wooden viewing deck has been built into a large sausage tree. This can easily be reached on a short walk from the camp.
The vast Busanga Plains are more reminiscent of the Serengeti's open grasslands than any of Zambia's usual bush terrain, making this a worthwhile and contrasting stop on any safari to this country.
For at least half the year – typically from about mid-November to late-June – these plains are largely flooded. The flora and fauna can be amazing. This lush, swampy landscape attracts masses of birdlife, with flock of cranes, herons and other waders, often including good numbers of wattled and crowned cranes. Although this area can be challenging to travel around during these months, there is still plenty of wildlife to be seen including herds of buffalo numbering 500+, graceful puku antelope and large herds of red lechwe – all of which are attracted by the verdant vegetation and large stretches of surface water.
As the water dries, from around June onwards, the remaining vegetation stays nutritious for many months. These grasslands then increasingly start to attract dry-country animals, most notably herds of zebra and blue wildebeest – which increases the variety of the game that most visitors will see on the Busanga Plains.
During the whole year, several prides of lion are resident in and around the plains – the water doesn't put them off; they're well-known in this area for their tree climbing antics!
The other large predators found here are cheetah and wild dog. The Busanga Plains certainly offer visitors their best chance of seeing cheetah in Zambia. Similarly, northern Kafue is one of the strongholds for wild dogs in the region, and they're seen here fairly commonly. Spotted hyena also occur, but as their dens are largely restricted to areas that don't flood, around the tree-line, they're not often seen on the Busanga Plains.
When we last visited, we found the Busanga Plains particularly good for game rarely spotted in other regions of southern Africa. In particular we saw a large herd of roan antelope which were very relaxed, allowing us to spend a long time viewing and photographing this usually shy antelope. We were frequently treated to sightings of the diminutive and delightful oribi antelope in the 'termitaria zone' on the edge of the plains – which are rarely see in most of Africa's parks – and also had two superb sightings serval.
Activities from Busanga Bushcamp include 4WD game drives to explore the plains; both day and night drives are possible. We enjoyed a few really long morning drives here, which reached across most of the different corners of the Busanga Plains, and really enjoyed this.
During the wetter months of the year, there are sometimes chances to use mekoro (dug-out canoes) and motor boats – although this is unusual rather than the rule. Sometimes short walking safaris are also possible – although the open country of the plains doesn't lend itself to walking.
Geographics
- Location
- Kafue National Park, Zambia
- Ideal length of stay
- We recommend a 3-night stay here at Busanga Bushcamp as part of a longer safari combined with one of the camps towards the central section of the national park, perhaps Musekese.
- Directions
- Take a light aircraft flight lasting about 90 minutes from Lusaka or about 105 minutes from Livingstone to an airstrip in the Kafue, followed by a road transfer to the camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Meals at Busanga Bushcamp are delicious and plentiful. Whilst dishes might not be considered gourmet they are certainly at the standard expected of a good safari camp - each is well presented, well prepared and very tasty.
There is always time for a quick breakfast before the morning activity. A buffet of cereals, toast, yoghurt, fresh fruit and muffins or mini pancakes is laid out in the main area.
A large brunch is usually served upon return from your morning activity. A variety of salads, including pasta, potato and green, is usually accompanied with a quiche or meat dish and fresh breads. The chef lights up his barbeque and prepares eggs, sausages and bacon to order – which sets you up for the afternoon siesta. If you've just arrived at camp you might be offered a light lunch instead.
Dinner at Busanga Bushcamp is usually a 3-course affair set out in the boma, under a beautifully lantern lit 'chandelier' made of hurricane lamps. The starter and desert is usually served to you whilst the main course is a self-service buffet. When we last visited, we began with mushrooms in a filo pastry pocket flavoured with blue cheese sauce, followed by lamb chops served with basmati rice and vegetables and rounded off with bread and butter pudding. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- All locally-produces drinks, including all soft drinks, beers, most spirits, and the house wines are included. Specialty imported spirits, vintage wines and champagnes will always cost extra.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- When the plains flood (Dec-June) there are high densities of water-birds; crowned cranes are often seen dancing! Endemics such as Chaplin's barbet and unusual species like Lady Ross's turaco are highlights of the wooded areas for birders in Zambia.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Zambia
- Wildlife safaris
- The small Busanga Bushcamp stands beside the amazing Busanga Plains and is one of the only area in Zambia where cheetah are regularly seen. The wildlife here includes unusual species such as serval, oribi, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and Defassa waterbuck.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Zambia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children over the age of 12 are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- The minimum age is 8 – however, families with children aged between 8 and 12 must book out the entire camp for their own private use.
- Generally recommended for children
- As this is a small camp with limited communal areas and no pool we don't recommend it to children under the age of 16 as they may find there is too little to do between safari activities.
- Notes
- Note that Busanga Bushcamp is unfenced, and dangerous wildlife wanders through on a regular basis – so children should be constantly supervised.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Busanga Bushcamp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Busanga Bushcamp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
50% success
50% success
25% success
25% success
25% success
25% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Communications
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Guides and managers are proficient in first aid.
Medical evacuation is used in emergencies. - Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- None as this is a small and remote camp. Compressed air alarms are provided in each chalet for guests to alert management in the case of an emergency.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are provided at each room and serviced regularly.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is included.
- Accepted payment on location
- Any extras can be paid for by cash (US dollars, Pounds, SA Rand and Zambian Kwacha only). Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard only) or travellers' cheques are also accepted.
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Busanga Bushcamp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Busanga Bushcamp.
Other lodges in Kafue National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Musekese Camp
Musekese is a small owner-run tented camp, offering great guiding and a high degree of personal service in a stunning wilderness area, with modest game.
KaingU Lodge
KaingU Lodge, in the centre of the southern part of Zambia's vast Kafue National Park, is in a great location for exploring this section of the Kafue River
Shumba Camp
Shumba is a high-spec camp built on a tree island in the magical Busanga Plains. It opens in May, when the birdlife is particularly amazing; as the dry season progresses, the game can become remarkable.
Ntemwa Busanga Camp
Ntemwa Busanga Camp is a simple but comfortable camp on the southern tip of the Busanga Plains which combines well with its sister camp, Musekese.
Chisa Busanga
Opened in mid 2021, Chisa Busanga Camp is a beautifully designed, small, intimate and rustic camp.
Mukambi Safari Lodge
Mukambi Safari Lodge is a solidly built, comfortable property just off the main road from Lusaka, making it one of the most convenient camps in Kafue.
Mukambi Plains Camp
Mukambi Plains Camp is a rustic, tented property located in the middle of the vast Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park.
Fig Tree Camp
Fig Tree camp is in the centre of Kafue National Park, and in addition to having a stunning location is well placed to start or end your trip in the park.
Ila Safari Lodge
Ila Safari Lodge is a comfortable lodge just outside Kafue National Park, with convenient access from Lusaka.
When to go to Kafue National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Busanga Bushcamp in Kafue National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Kafue National Park in January
January marks the peak of Kafue National Park's wet season. Expect frequent heavy downpours, often lasting for hours, punctuated by brief sunny intervals. The mercury soars above 30°C/86°F, accompanied by high humidity.
The park's landscapes are verdant and lush, with crystal-clear air. However, the abundance of water causes wildlife to disperse, and thick vegetation can hinder sightings. Migratory birds boost the park's avian diversity. Many areas of Kafue become inaccessible as seasonal rivers flood and dirt roads turn impassable. Only a few lodges, near all-weather roads in the centre of the park, remain operational. Visitor numbers are low, and accommodation options offer their most competitive rates.
- Wet season peak: frequent showers, steamy conditions
- Most lodges shut, verdant scenery ideal for photos
- Wildlife scattered, challenging to spot in thick foliage
- Minimal tourists, budget-friendly rates available
- Lush greenery dominates the landscape
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Kafue National Park in February
February continues the wet season trend in Kafue National Park. Dramatic thunderstorms deliver brief but intense rainfall most days, interspersed with clear, sunny periods.
The park remains awash with water, dispersing wildlife and limiting access to certain areas. Dense vegetation restricts game viewing and walking safaris, but swollen rivers allow for unique boating experiences in some parts of the park. As the month progresses, water levels in the park's rivers begin to rise noticeably. The few operational camps continue to see low visitor numbers and offer reduced rates.
- Continued wet season: daily downpours, muggy atmosphere
- Majority of safari lodges and camps closed for the season
- Verdant surroundings, but wildlife sightings limited
- Rivers in flood and excellent for bird-watching
- Scarce visitors, economical pricing for adventurers
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Kafue National Park in March
March signals the final month of Kafue's rainy season, with heavy showers still common. Water levels peak, making navigation within the park challenging. Daytime temperatures consistently exceed 30°C/86°F, with rain-induced humidity remaining high.
Most camps are still closed, and thick vegetation continues to limit wildlife viewing and walking safaris. However, this is a prime time for observing animals with their young, and predator activity can be high. The combination of clear air and increasingly frequent blue skies creates excellent conditions for photography. Birdwatching remains exceptional as migratory species prepare for their winter journey.
- Wet season climax: regular showers, high humidity
- Abundant newborns, but animals hard to spot in greenery
- Few tourists, low-season rates at lodges
- Lush vegetation persists across Kafue
- Most lodges remain closed
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Kafue National Park in April
April marks a transition in Kafue National Park as the rains shift from intense downpours to lighter, sporadic showers. The landscape remains lush and green, but large wildlife sightings are still limited.
Most safari camps still remain closed; only those central camps near all-weather roads have reliable access. The park's rivers and wetlands are at their fullest, creating a picturesque setting. Despite improving conditions, game viewing can still be challenging due to the dense vegetation.
- Rainy season waning: occasional showers, humid days
- Many bush roads are still impassable
- Verdant scenery continues, wildlife viewing improving
- Most safari camps and lodges remain closed
- Low visitor numbers; attractive low-season rates
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Kafue National Park in May
May typically heralds the start of the dry season in Kafue. While occasional showers may occur, most days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, temperatures begin to drop, with daytime highs around 26°C/79°F.
The drying landscape improves access throughout the park, and some camps reopen – though access across the Busanga Plains remains challenging. Standing water is still prevalent, but game viewing noticeably improves as the vegetation thins. The month's end can be popular with visitors taking advantage of pleasant weather, better wildlife sightings, and the last of the low-season rates at many camps.
- Dry season onset: clearer skies, pleasant temperatures
- Many safari camp and lodges now operational
- Landscape still green, excellent for photographers
- Wildlife sightings improving as vegetation thins
- Final month for off-season lodge rates
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Kafue National Park in June
June in Kafue National Park sees virtually no rainfall and a high likelihood of consistently sunny days. Humidity drops significantly, and winter's approach brings cooler temperatures, with nighttime lows around 10°C/50°F and daytime highs of 25°C/77°F.
The landscape remains relatively lush, but thinning vegetation greatly enhances visibility for game viewing. The park's rivers and wetlands start to recede, leading more wildlife to appear around the remaining water sources. Even the camps on the Busanga Plains are usually operational by June. Some still offer shoulder season rates, whilst others begin charging peak season prices.
- Consistently sunny days, cooler nights setting in
- All Kafue lodges open and welcoming visitors
- Wildlife viewing noticeably better, animals more visible
- Lovely conditions for walking safaris in Kafue
- Almost all tracks now passable, even on the Busanga Plains
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Kafue National Park in July
As the dry season progresses in Kafue, vegetation continues to thin and water becomes scarcer. Wildlife begins to cluster around major water sources, improving game viewing opportunities.
July marks the heart of winter, with daytime temperatures in the 20s Celsius/70s Fahrenheit , but nighttime lows can drop to single digits. Early morning and late evening game drives can be particularly chilly, with camps often providing blankets and hot water bottles. Visitor numbers increase significantly, and popular small camps can fill up quickly. Properties now charge high season rates. The floodwaters in the Busanga Plains have receded to the north, opening up further areas for exploration.
- Warm days, chilly nights: bring layers for comfort
- Wildlife congregating near water sources, easier to spot
- Walking safaris popular, vegetation less dense
- End-July is the start of the busy season
- Lodge and camp rates now at peak season rates
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Kafue National Park in August
By August, Kafue's vegetation has significantly thinned and wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, offering excellent game viewing opportunities. Rain is rare, with sunny days almost guaranteed, though dust and smoke can create a haze on the horizon.
Temperatures climb into the 20s Celsius/70s Fahrenheit the day, but dip below 5°C/40°F during nights which feel very cold. Warm clothing (hats and gloves!) is essential for morning and evening activities. One of the most popular months to visit Kafue so safari camps charge peak rates and availability can be limited, especially in sought-after locations.
- Very dry conditions, warm days but cold nights
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Slight haze may affect long-distance photography
- Perfect weather for walking safaris in the park
- Peak season: lodges at high season rates
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Kafue National Park in September
September is arguably the prime time to visit Kafue National Park. Rainfall is virtually non-existent, humidity is low, and temperatures begin to rise. Morning game drives become more comfortable with daytime highs typically in the low 30s Celsius/80s Fahrenheit; nights are less bitter.
Water scarcity concentrates wildlife around remaining sources, providing excellent viewing opportunities and increased chances of inter-species interactions. The wildlife on the Busanga Plains reaches its zenith as safari camps charging peak rates are often full – often having been booked up well in advance. A noticeable haze can affect distant views and photography.
- Dry, hot days with clear skies and mild nights
- Prime time for wildlife viewing in Kafue
- Often dense wildlife on the Busanga Plains
- Dusty conditions may create hazy landscapes
- High season continues, lodges often fully booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Kafue National Park in October
October sees Kafue at its driest, with the landscape appearing barren and brown. Occasional showers may occur as the promise of the wet season looms. Temperatures can soar above 40°C/104°F during the day, rarely dropping below 20°C/68°F at night.
A smoky, dusty haze can be seen in distant photographs, even obscuring the horizon. The scarcity of water leads to great competition at remaining sources, with excellent opportunities to observe predator-prey interactions. Game viewing is at its peak, though the animals are feeling the stress of the dryness. Most smaller, more remote camps, and all of those on the Busanga Plains, close at the end of October.
- A prime month for wildlife viewing
- Lots of ‘fishing parties’ of birds feeding in drying pools.
- Very hot days and nights, rain unlikely
- Landscape increasingly dusty and harsh
- Hazy conditions may impact photography
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Kafue National Park in November
November typically marks the transition from dry to wet season in Kafue – which makes this month unpredictable. Temperatures remain high and humidity builds until it rains. Spectacular thunderstorms then increase in in frequency later in the month, triggering rapid green growth.
Wildlife begins to disperse as water becomes more readily available. Increasing numbers of migratory birds arrive and antelope species gathering for calving. Most more remote camps are closed, including those on the Busanga Plains; camps remaining open reduce their rates. With the rains comes crystal-clear air – perfect photographic conditions.
- Transition from dry to wet season begins
- Wildlife viewing declines as animals disperse
- Landscape turns green, everything comes alive
- Clearer air means better photographic conditions
- Lodge rates decrease; most safari camps close
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Kafue National Park in December
December usually sees Kafue fully in the grip of the wet season. Heavy thunderstorms occur on most days, interspersed with sunny periods. Temperatures begin to drop but still exceed 30°C/86°F during the day, accompanied by high humidity.
The rainfall transforms the landscape, encouraging lush vegetation growth. While wildlife remains in the park, sightings become more challenging due to the thick foliage and dispersed animal populations. Many areas become difficult to access, and all but a few centrally located camps close for the season. Open camps offer their lowest rates. The rains clear the air, restoring vivid blue skies that delight photographers.
- Rainy season in full swing: hot, humid, wet days
- Wildlife harder to spot as vegetation thickens
- Many Kafue lodges close; others offer low-season rates
- Green landscape and clear air perfect for photography
- Many birds in breeding plumage
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December
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