Purple Roller Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Purple Roller Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Lusaka International Airport
Lusaka to Kafue NP by light aircraft & 4WD
On arrival at Lusaka Airport, you’ll be escorted to a light aircraft for the flight west to the Kafue National Park, landing at Lufupa Airstrip after about 1¼ hours. Here, a guide from Musekese will be waiting to transfer you to camp by 4WD and boat, taking around 35 minutes.
Musekese Camp
In a truly remote area of the Kafue, the owner-run Musekese has made a real name for itself. Key to this reputation is the infectious enthusiasm of its owners, Phil and Tyrone, who have lived and worked in this huge park for many years.
In a truly remote area of the Kafue, the owner-run Musekese has made a real name for itself. Key to this reputation is the infectious enthusiasm of its owners, Phil and Tyrone, who have lived and worked in this huge park for many years.
With just five simple chalets, the camp feels almost dwarfed by its setting: backed by mature riverine trees and looking out over an expansive lagoon. Little wonder that the owners have dubbed it “Eden”.
Canvas walls with wide mesh windows fold around wooden frames under tented roofs, with en-suite bathrooms sharing the view.
At the heart of camp, rustic old tree trunks support a canvas roof above a polished stone floor. Take a drink from the bar and settle back on cushioned seating to watch for wildlife, or wander over to the split-level deck, which hosts the dining area – under cover or alfresco, depending on the weather – and a convivial firepit.
"Great camp with excellent staff and guides."
J & JfromYorkArrived 21 Oct 2023, 3 nights
Explore this pristine wilderness by 4WD, or on foot; walking is a strong focus here, allowing access to areas where driving is impossible. A couple of boats add a further dimension, ideal for birding – or fishing. Or climb Musekese’s treehouse hide, a superb vantage point for spotting elephants. The choice is yours. See our full report on Musekese Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Musekese to Ntemwa Busanga by boat & 4WD
After a short drive, you'll cross the Kafue River by boat, ready to board an open-topped 4WD for today's 3–4-hour transfer, stopping for refreshments and to spot wildlife. As you approach the Busanga Plains, the landscape opens out (watch out for oribi!) before arriving at the intimate Ntemwa Busanga Camp.
Ntemwa Busanga Camp
Located in the north of Zambia’s Kafue National Park, Ntemwa Busanga Camp is a simple, seasonal bushcamp located at the southern end of the Busanga Plains.
Located in the north of Zambia’s Kafue National Park, Ntemwa Busanga Camp is a simple, seasonal bushcamp located at the southern end of the Busanga Plains.
"Simple but charming camp. Great ambience. "
Mrs PfromSouth WalesArrived 1 Jul 2022, 2 nights
Ntemwa Busanga Camp is one of the most affordable camps in the Busanga Plains area of the Kafue, and although simple, this adds to the camp’s basic charm. Being isolated in the largest national park in Zambia, this is one of the best ways to camp out comfortably and explore a true wilderness area. See our full report on Ntemwa Busanga Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Night drive
Ntemwa to Musekese by 4WD & boat
Your 2½–4-hour game drive back to Musekese will start after breakfast, shadowing the course of the Lufupa River as it flows towards the Kafue. On arrival at the jerry, hop into a motorboat to reach the eastern bank, then it's just a short drive south to camp.
Musekese Camp
In a truly remote area of the Kafue, the owner-run Musekese has made a real name for itself. Key to this reputation is the infectious enthusiasm of its owners, Phil and Tyrone, who have lived and worked in this huge park for many years.
In a truly remote area of the Kafue, the owner-run Musekese has made a real name for itself. Key to this reputation is the infectious enthusiasm of its owners, Phil and Tyrone, who have lived and worked in this huge park for many years.
With just five simple chalets, the camp feels almost dwarfed by its setting: backed by mature riverine trees and looking out over an expansive lagoon. Little wonder that the owners have dubbed it “Eden”.
Canvas walls with wide mesh windows fold around wooden frames under tented roofs, with en-suite bathrooms sharing the view.
At the heart of camp, rustic old tree trunks support a canvas roof above a polished stone floor. Take a drink from the bar and settle back on cushioned seating to watch for wildlife, or wander over to the split-level deck, which hosts the dining area – under cover or alfresco, depending on the weather – and a convivial firepit.
"The tents were overlooked the lagoon. So you could watch wildlife all day long. "
MAHfromSt AlbansArrived 12 Sep 2023, 3 nights
Explore this pristine wilderness by 4WD, or on foot; walking is a strong focus here, allowing access to areas where driving is impossible. A couple of boats add a further dimension, ideal for birding – or fishing. Or climb Musekese’s treehouse hide, a superb vantage point for spotting elephants. The choice is yours. See our full report on Musekese Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Kafue to Lusaka by boat, 4WD & light aircraft
There may be time for a final activity at Musekese before the 20-minute trip by 4WD and motorboat to the airstrip, across the Kafue River. Here you'll board a light aircraft for the hour's flight east to Lusaka, over the national park, landing in time to make your onward connections.
Ends: Lusaka International Airport
