Reviews of Shumba Camp

"Shumba Camp’s location on a large tree island overlooking the floodplains in Busanga Plains couldn’t be prettier. The raised boardwalk takes you through tall grass and short palm trees and brush. We had tent #5, which has both a sunrise and sunset view; sunrise on our final morning was beautiful after an overnight rainstorm. Our room was large and comfortable, impeccably clean and our laundry was returned wrapped in a raffia bow. A sweet touch. The double vanity sinks overlook the floodplain and outdoor private patio. There is a small charging station in-room on a desk with South Africa-type outlet, UK outlet and a universal outlet. WiFi was available in the room.

In the morning we had a quick cup of coffee, yogurt/cereal and fruit so we could be in the safari vehicle before 5:30. When we returned, brunch included salads, bread, bacon, sausages, eggs cooked to order and more. High tea before the evening game drive included cool beverages with sweet and savory choices to eat. Dinner was three courses, always delicious and featured delicious Zambian vegetable dishes. We were the only guests in camp and our table was always set in a different location so we could enjoy various views of the lodge and floodplains. The fire pit is the perfect place to relax before or after dinner.

We visited October 11-14, in the dry season, but there was still water flowing in the small channels and the papyrus swamp was green. The landscape was mostly dry grassland with tree islands; a few areas had been burned by recent wildfires. Wooded areas line the grassland in the direction of the airstrip. There were tsetse flies both in the woodlands and near the airstrip. Repellent is available in the safari vehicles. We didn’t notice any tsetse flies in camp, however. They don’t bother me much but my wife had several souvenir bites that swelled up and were quite itchy.

Temperatures were comfortable. We needed long sleeves just in morning and evening, short sleeves in daytime.

Game viewing was very good with large numbers of red lechwe, sable and roan antelope, bushbuck (even in camp), oribi and puku. We enjoyed a leisurely viewing of a large family of lions including five or so youngsters that were very playful. Birds were common in the wetter areas.

We were fortunate to have Isaac as our guide at Shumba. He knows Busanga Plains well in both the wet and dry seasons and knows every member of the resident lion pride by name and their history. Camp staff couldn’t have been more efficient or friendly. Shumba did not disappoint." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia; 10n in Botswana; 6n in Zimbabwe

"This was our first trip to Kafue and it may well not be our last. The open expanses were wonderful to behold, whether it be from your deck, the jeep or a balloon. The variety of animals seen in our 4 nights was hugely impressive - 42 species of birds, 22 species of mammals and, most exciting of all for both guests and staff, a pangolin that wandered into camp after we had our dinner. Some animals are more cautious around jeeps than in some other parks but we had some fabulous lion sightings, in particular Queen and her cub.

The room was a good size with a comfortable bed, plenty of hot water and a charging station. The public area was always a welcoming space with staff available to provide a drink or just a smile. All the staff were delightful and we had many long chats on topics as diverse as climate change, sustainable farming, and politicians. You immediately felt like you were joining a big family reunion. Coming back from a game drive to a glass of sherry or Amarula was delightful.

We were fortunate enough to have our guide Pyben almost entirely to ourselves for the duration of our stay. He was a mine of information as well as great company. Rather unusually in our experience he acted as his own spotter on the night drives but somehow he was able to navigate the roads, wave the light around and still find us animals in the dark. On the last night, a bar was set up in the bush for all the guests and we all sat around the fire whilst Evidence told stories as the sun went down.

The food was delicious, be it the brunch after the morning drive, the afternoon cakes and savoury bakes, or the evening meals - there was no chance of going hungry.

All in all, we had the best time in Kafue." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 5n in Malawi

"We had a very good time at Shumba Camp. Hot air ballooning was great,
Camp was perfect( accommodation, food, nice attention paid to our anniversary).

Only two important things:

- No more lions climbing in the trees for years at Busunga plains
- To many tse-tse flys: we've been bitten hundred times maybe." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 6n in Botswana

"Our first camp on trip. Good transfer and pickup. Excellent wildlife viewing on drive to camp. Very comfortable accommodation and friendly staff. We were in room 3 which did become very hot in afternoons as no cross ventilation and the wind went past not through the tent. Would have preferred room 4,5 or 6 which also had better views of resident fauna. We had two excellent guides (Idos and Richard), good vehicles with canopy but bumpy roads ( unavoidable).

Particularly enjoyed the surprise sundowner on last evening. Enjoyed the balloon trip with Eric including the super bumpy landing but breakfast not as good as balloon breakfast in Namibia.

Have suggested that bowls of water be put out to attract the several resident small birds for closer viewing. As the breeze seemed to blow mostly through the main area. hammocks or loungers in the shade would have been welcome." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia

"Had the most amazing welcome at Shumba from the hosts Daniel and Laura, there is a really special atmosphere here and in a stunning location.

The food was of a very high standard and the rooms were lovely and spacious. the game can be sparse and this makes this camp a good one to do at the start of your trip. the inclusive hot air balloon trip was incredible and we felt safe in the hands of the company running the trip." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia

"We really enjoyed our time at Shumba. The tents are beautifully appointed with indoor and outdoor showers and indoor and outdoor couches to sit on. There is also a decanter filled with port in the room and biscuits in case you feel peckish. The service is outstanding – the staff are all brilliant and also very friendly. Special mention must also go to the food. It was by far and away the best we had on our trip, which, when you consider the logistics involved is nothing short of miraculous. It wouldn’t be out of place in an expensive London restaurant.

We had some brilliant wildlife sightings while we were at Shumba. In our three days we had really good sightings of a pack of wild dogs, a group of 3 cheetahs (at night), 2 leopard cubs, several groups of lions, about 5 different servals (at night), elephants , hippos, water monitor and roan antelope. The only thing we wanted to see that we didn’t manage was the sable antelope.

However, the game in this area can be sparse and it is also quite possible to drive around for an hour and see absolutely nothing. However, when you do spot something the quality of the sighting is often very good.

I would also have liked a bit more focus on birds, antelope and smaller animals on the game drives. Our guide (who was generally very good) had a bit if a tendency to search for big cats and ignore everything else. However, we found this to be a common issue throughout Zambia." See all these reviews: 21n in Zambia

"Shumba Camp is a beautiful camp. The tents are very nice and have a very homey feel. The staff was really great and welcoming. I really enjoyed my stay.

The game viewing was a little more sparse than other camps I've visited, but we still managed some good sightings: fighting hippos, swimming lions, and a rather large group of roan antelopes.

I really enjoyed the hot air balloon ride as well, definitely an activity worth doing; it was one of my best sunrise views I've ever had." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 9n in Zambia

"Excellent accommodations with exceptional staff and guides.

Well planned activities during the day.

Wonderful sun rises from the main deck early morning" See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia

"Arriving by helicopter to such a fantastic setting was mindblowing. We were then met by hosts Rob and Ingrid and from the minute we arrived to the minute we left we were made to feel special throughout the whole trip. A truly wonderful three days.

We were also fortunate to have our guide Sam to ourselves for all our drives who was extremely informative and entertaining and kept the trainee guide on his toes. We loved the all day trip and having the head chef along to cook us lunch was pretty special....even if we didn't get to see that elusive Leopard!!

We are already saving to come back!" See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia

"A beautiful camp in a stunning position. Very special to arrive by helicopter, flying low over the hippos and antilope. We found it amazing to enjoy such luxury so far from anywhere. The staff were very anxious to make our stay a good one, and our guide - Lex - tried very hard to find us some big cats to see. Despite not doing so, we loved the variety of game and birds to be seen here, and the boat trip on the water hole to see hippos and crocs close-up was memorable.

But we were even more glad we took Expert Africa's advice about warm clothing here: the nightime temperatures must have been close to freezing-point.

Andrew, Shannon and Mwami were excellent hosts." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia