About Chisa Busanga Camp
Imagine a giant weaver bird's nest: a luxurious bubble, shaded in the branches of a fig tree overlooking an expanse of green plains.
You're in your room at Chisa Bushcamp, overlooking the floodplains and watery dambos of Kafue's Busanga Plains.
Built in a great location, on a small tree-island close to the centre of the Busanga Plains, Chisa is small, smart and innovative - both in its design and your activities.
This bushcamp's four tree-house nests are comfortable and stylish: cosy bubbles with luxurious creature comforts and great views. Watch the sunrise before heading down for breakfast, saving a dip in the plunge pool until the middle of the day.
Perhaps the biggest innovation here is Chisa's game-viewing vehicles, which look like normal, open-air 4WDs - but are powered by solar electricity. These are the first electric game-drive vehicles on the Plains and they allow an almost 'silent safari'. They create minimal disturbance to the wildlife as they glide around, allowing you to get close to the wildlife.
Our view
We’re big supporters of Chisa’s sister camps’ impressive dedication to sustainability and local involvement, and we’d expect this new camp to have a similar commitment to these values. Twin this with the Busanga Plains’ opportunities for varying wildlife sightings and stunning wilderness, and it makes Chisa Busanga Camp a property we cannot wait to see when it opens in June.
Accommodation
4 rooms
Children
Best for 16+
Open
Jun to Nov
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Traveller reviews of Chisa Busanga Camp
7 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 7 Sep 2024, 3 nights
"Chisa Busanga Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 25 Jun 2024, 3 nights
"Chisa Busanga Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 11 Oct 2023, 3 nights
"Chisa Busanga Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 15 Sep 2023, 3 nights
"Chisa Busanga Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 3 Sep 2023, 2 nights
"Chisa Busanga Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 8 Aug 2023, 3 nights
"Chisa Busanga Camp review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 18 Jun 2023, 3 nights
"Chisa Busanga Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent







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 25 pictures of Chisa Busanga to get the candid view.
View galleryChisa Busanga Camp: Our full report
Opened in June 2021, Chisa Busanga Camp, also known as 'The Nest', has an innovative 'bubble' design, sitting ...
... on a remote island in the north of Zambia’s Kafue National Park, surrounded by the Busanga Plains’ vast floodplains and dambo wetlands.
Chisa Busanga Camp is new, and although we haven’t had the chance to visit yet, we have seen some of the designs and it looks to be a uniquely styled camp. ‘Chisa’ means bird’s nest in the local Nyanja language, and the camp is named for the nest-like rooms which will stand in the treetops on stilts.
We understand that the camp will have four rooms, each with an ensuite bathrooms and outdoor shower. Opening up to look out over the plains from private observation decks, they look to be a perfect spot to watch the mist rising with the sun each morning and wildlife wandering by below. The current design has a central boma area to the lodge, with a plunge pool which should enjoy similar views to the rooms. The plan is also for one tent, located closer to the main area, will have a lift making it more suited for those with limited mobility.
Activities at Chisa Busanga will include game drives, walking safaris and e-biking. Similar to its sister camps in the Kafue and South Luangwa, Chisa Busanga Camp will have a strong commitment to reducing its footprint and focusing on sustainable initiatives. The game-drive vehicles here will be electric and, charged by solar power – like the rest of the camp – it will not only be greener, but it should make for a near silent and more immersive exploration of the bush. There’s also no need to turn a rumbling diesel engine on and off - a real boon for photographers.
The Busanga Plains, vast open grasslands, are in contrast to Zambia's usual bush terrain, so the area combines well with other parks in the country for a diverse safari, both in terms of wildlife and scenery.
The plains are mostly flooded for at least half the year, making the plains largely inaccessible. For this reason, Chisa Camp will be closed during the rainy season, opening between June and November.
The wetland landscape attracts masses of birdlife, including cranes (both wattled and crowned), herons and other waders. In the wetter months at the start of the season, though the area can be challenging to travel around, there is still plenty of wildlife to be seen including large herds of buffalo, puku antelope and red lechwe.
As the water dries, the grasslands then increasingly start to attract other animals, most notably herds of zebra and blue wildebeest. 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.
Time at Chisa combines well with one or both of its sister camps, Ila Safari Lodge, located towards the centre of the Kafue, or Shawa Camp in the South Luangwa National Park.
Geographics
- Location
- Kafue National Park, Zambia
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Property’s age restrictions
- Chisa Busanga Camp welcomes children of 14 years and older. If families are wishing to travel with younger children then the camp must be booked on an exclusive basis.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Chisa Busanga
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Chisa Busanga Camp 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

86% success

86% success

83% success

83% success

60% success

57% success

33% success

29% success

17% success

17% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
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Chisa Busanga Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Chisa Busanga.
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.

Busanga Bushcamp
Busanga Bushcamp is a small but comfortable tented bushcamp (max 8 guests) which makes a great base for a wildlife safari to the Busanga Plains.

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.

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 Chisa Busanga 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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