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Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush Camp

About Potato Bush Camp

Potato Bush Camp is located in a game-rich area of the Lower Zambezi National Park, overlooking the confluence ...

... of the Chifungulu Channel and the Zambezi River. The camp is small but fairly luxurious, and is open for a longer season than other camps in the area.

Potato Bush is a newer camp, and has a lot to live up to when compared with its more luxurious sister next door, as well as some of the other excellent luxury camps in the Lower Zambezi - but Potato Bush Camp certainly met and exceeded our high expectations when we visited. We found it very difficult to find any significant faults with it. It’s small and intimate and we loved the unique, unusual design, the variety of the activities and we think it’s run very well by a great little team.

Our view

Potato Bush is a newer camp, and has a lot to live up to when compared with its more luxurious sister next door, as well as some of the other excellent luxury camps in the Lower Zambezi - but Potato Bush Camp certainly met and exceeded our high expectations when we visited. We found it very difficult to find any significant faults with it. It’s small and intimate and we loved the unique, unusual design, the variety of the activities and we think it’s run very well by a great little team.

Amanda Bond

Amanda Bond

Country manager: Zambia

Accommodation

4 tented chalets

Children

Best for aged 12+

Open

1 April to 30 November

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Canoeing

Canoeing

Fishing

Fishing

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Night drive

Night drive

Traveller reviews of Potato Bush Camp

20 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
20 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
20
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mrs & Mr FfromBC

Arrived 29 Sep 2024, 4 nights

"Potato Bush Camp review"

"A lovely camp on the river where we could watch elephants crossing every day. …" Read Mrs & Mr F’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs SfromLeicester

Arrived 10 Jun 2024, 5 nights

"Idyllic location"

"The most wonderful camp with exceptional experiences...the views are stunning …" Read Mr & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs SfromUK

Arrived 17 Sep 2023, 4 nights

"Potato Bush Camp review"

"wildlife sightings were very good... staff and guiding first rate …" Read Mr & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dr/Mrs FfromTexas

Arrived 10 Sep 2023, 4 nights

"Potato Bush Camp review"

"Potato Bush ended up being one of our favorite camps. …" Read Dr/Mrs F’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Liz CfromSussex

Arrived 25 Jul 2023, 4 nights

"Potato Bush Camp review"

"We just loved this place and missed it when we carried on with our trip. …" Read Liz C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms D and Mr BfromNC

Arrived 7 Aug 2022, 6 nights

"Potato Bush Camp review"

"expansive river views.. animal sightings were excellent.. outstanding guide …" Read Ms D and Mr B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr and Mrs CfromKent

Arrived 7 Aug 2022, 3 nights

"Potato Bush Camp review"

"We loved this camp, the rooms are enormous and the staff are wonderful. …" Read Mr and Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

CristinfromOregon

Arrived 20 Jul 2022, 4 nights

"Potato Bush Camp review"

"wonderful staff.... went out of their way to make our stay lovely …" Read Cristin’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs MfromVermont

Arrived 20 Jul 2022, 4 nights

"Potato Bush Camp review"

"We are so happy that Maruska suggest this camp …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs M & Mr DfromGermany

Arrived 30 May 2022, 4 nights

"Potato Bush Camp review"

"excellent location on the Zambezi river.. activities offered are brilliant …" Read Mrs M & Mr D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Potato Bush Camp reviews

Potato Bush Camp: Our full report

Potato Bush Camp is located in a game-rich area of the Lower Zambezi National Park, overlooking the confluence ...

... of the Chifungulu Channel and the Zambezi River. The camp is small but fairly luxurious, and is open for a longer season than other camps in the area.

Just a short distance downstream from its sister property, Sausage Tree Camp, Potato Bush is more affordable than its larger and more established sibling, and is open for much longer at the end of the year. Indeed, it has been built with rain in mind, with raised wooden walkways connecting each area of the camp, thus keeping your feet out of any mud. This allows the camp to operate comfortably during the early stages of the rainy season, until the beginning of January.

The main area at Potato Bush is set back a small way from the river and is raised slightly above ground level. Constructed from moulded stone, it is covered by a large canvas tent that is open at one side, giving guests a fantastic view of the Zambezi and the wildlife that comes down to drink. These views can be enjoyed whilst eating meals at the long wooden dining table, having a drink from the well-stocked bar in the corner, or while lounging on the comfy sofas during the afternoon.

A short dirt path leads from the main area towards the river, to a campfire surrounded by canvas director’s’ chairs. This is a lovely spot for after-dinner drinks, or a cup of coffee while watching the sun rise. The path then continues towards the river to the camp’s small jetty.

At the back of the main area, the raised walkway extends to Potato Bush’s four tented rooms. Each of these is well constructed, its sturdy wooden frame covered with a neutral-coloured canvas.

  • Three luxury tented rooms have floors and partitioning walls made from the same orange moulded stone as the main area, and the rooms at Sausage Tree Camp. In each room, double beds are positioned in front of large doors at the front, allowing you to enjoy the views of the river from the comfort of your bed. These doors lead out to a private deck, which is a pleasant spot to spend the afternoon in a deckchair, or in your own private plunge pool, while at night, they are closed for extra security.

    Each of the en-suite bathrooms has a semi-open shower with a large open window that lets you look out over the Zambezi while you shower. The bathrooms also feature his and her basins and a flushing toilet.
  • A two-bedroom family tented room comes complete with a huge central living and dining area, a fully stocked fridge and a private balcony area, which is great for a family or a party of four adults. The balcony area includes a swimming pool and deckchairs for your afternoon siesta. Both bedrooms are en suite, with twin showers, claw-footed baths, his and hers basins and a flushing toilet.
Activities at Potato Bush focus on game drives (day and night), walking safaris, canoeing, scenic boat cruises and fishing. On our most recent visit in October 2014 we canoed down the Chifungulu Channel, spotting, elephant, lion, breeding herds of buffalo, crocodiles and many hippo. This channel is also excellent for birding, and highlights on our last visit included a close look at a goliath heron, and a yellow-billed kite being mobbed by white-crowned lapwings. The quality of the guiding is excellent, easily on a par with Sausage Tree Camp, the only difference being that activities at Potato Bush are shared with other guests, so you may not experience the same level of flexibility regarding your activities.

Geographics

Location
Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
Ideal length of stay
We recommend at least 3 to 4 nights to take maximum advantage of the variety of activities on offer.
Directions
The flight from Lusaka to Jeki airstrip takes approximately 35 minutes. From here, it’s around a 10-minute drive to the river, where a boat will transfer you to camp in about 40 minutes.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
We have visited on multiple occasions and the food has been consistently excellent.

Just prior to your early-morning activity a light breakfast of toast, muffins, cereal, yoghurt and porridge is served around a camp fire on the riverbank, along with tea, coffee and fruit juices.

Lunch is served around midday in the main area of the camp.

Dinner is a three-course set menu, usually served at around 8.00pm.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Yes
Drinks included
Drinks are included, except for champagne and premium imported wines and spirits.

Special interests

Solo safaris
Potato Bush offers a very personal experience in the Lower Zambezi. Activities and meals are shared making the camp very sociable, and there is no single supplement, making Potato Bush a more affordable option for solo travellers in Zambia than many other camps.
See ideas for Solo safaris in Zambia
Birdwatching
Potato Bush is great for birdwatching in Zambia, with land and water birds seen from drives, walks and canoeing. When last there, our best sightings included goliath herons, giant kingfishers, a Gabar goshawk and numerous fish eagles.
See ideas for Birdwatching in Zambia
Wildlife safaris
Potato Bush is one of the few camps in the game-rich Lower Zambezi National Park itself. This location, combined with excellent guides and a variety of activities, makes Potato Bush one of the best camps for a wildlife safari in Zambia.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Zambia

Children

Attitude towards children
Children over the age of four are welcome at Potato Bush Camp, but note that the minimum age for walking and canoeing in the Lower Zambezi National Park is 12 years.
Property’s age restrictions
There is a minimum age of four years of age.
Special activities & services
Children’s programmes can be arranged, including such activities as spoor tracking, and making candles and cards.
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
We would recommend Potato Bush for sensible, mature children who are interested in wildlife and will understand the full safety implications of being in an area of dangerous big game.
Notes
Potato Bush Camp is located on the edge of the Zambezi River and within the Lower Zambezi National Park. There are no fences around the camp and dangerous animals do roam freely through the camp at any time of the day. The private plunge pools are not fenced. Parents must supervise children at all times.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Potato Bush Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Potato Bush 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.

Buffalo

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Lion

100% success

Leopard

93% success

Spotted Hyena

86% success

Zebra

75% success

Wild dog

58% success

Sable antelope

10% success

Eland

8% success

Aardvark

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
Power is available 24 hours a day. There are plug points in the tents for charging batteries.
Communications
There is no cell phone reception at Potato Bush Camp.
TV & radio
No
Water supply
Other
Water supply notes
The showers are plumbed in with hot and cold running water, and there are flushing toilets.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The camp managers are first-aid trained. In an emergency guests would normally be evacuated by air to Lusaka and then possibly to Johannesburg.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
Guests are escorted to their rooms after dark, and radios are provided in the tents to summon help in case of emergency.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers and a bucket of sand outside each tent.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Canoeing

    Canoeing

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Night drive

    Night drive

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
Full Laundry Service - Included
Money
No exchange facilities are offered. There are no safes in the tents, but valuables can be stored in the office safe if necessary.

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Potato Bush Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Potato Bush Camp.


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When to go to Lower Zambezi National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Potato Bush Camp in Lower Zambezi National Park


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Lower Zambezi National Park in January

At the peak of Lower Zambezi's green season, expect heavy rainfall for a few hours on many days with sunny spells in between. Temperatures remain high, reaching over 30°C/86°F with high humidity. The landscape is lush and green, but wildlife disperses, making game viewing challenging. The thick vegetation limits walking safaris. However, this is an excellent time for birdwatching as migrant species boost the park's bird count.

Many camps close during this period, but those remaining open offer their lowest rates. The Zambezi River swells, creating spectacular scenes along its banks. Boat safaris can be particularly rewarding, offering chances to spot hippos, crocodiles, and various waterbirds. Despite the challenges, the park's beauty during this wet season is undeniable, with vibrant colours and dramatic skies.

  • Peak of rainy season, hot and humid
  • Most camps closed, limited accessibility
  • Lush green landscape, great for photography
  • Dispersed wildlife, challenging game viewing
  • Lowest visitor numbers, cheapest rates

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in January

Lower Zambezi National Park in February

February remains in the heart of the green season in Lower Zambezi National Park. Dramatic thunderstorms deliver a few hours of rain most days, interspersed with clear sunny skies.

The abundance of water disperses game, making wildlife viewing more challenging. However, the swollen Zambezi River allows for unique boat safaris, offering close encounters with hippos and crocodiles. Birdwatching is excellent, with many migratory species present. The lush vegetation creates a picturesque backdrop for photography.

While game drives may be less productive, canoeing trips can be particularly rewarding, allowing quiet approaches to wildlife along the riverbanks. The few camps that remain open charge their lowest rates, providing an opportunity for budget-conscious travellers to experience the park's wet season beauty.

  • Continued rainy season, hot and humid
  • Many camps still closed, limited options
  • Green landscape, photographic opportunities
  • Difficult game viewing due to thick vegetation
  • Low visitor numbers, affordable rates

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Lower Zambezi National Park in March

March marks the last month of the green season in the Lower Zambezi. Heavy downpours still occur most days, with water levels at their highest. Temperatures reach over 30°C/86°F, with high humidity.
While many camps remain closed, those few remaining open offer unique wet season experiences. Boat safaris are particularly exciting, with the swollen Zambezi River providing extended exploration areas. Wildlife sightings may be sporadic, but many animals are raising young, offering heartwarming scenes.

Predators like lions and wild dogs are active, taking advantage of vulnerable prey. The lush, green landscape and clear air create stunning photographic opportunities. Birdwatching remains excellent as thousands of birds prepare for their winter migration. Despite challenges, March offers a different perspective of the park's ecosystem.

  • Late rainy season, occasional showers
  • A few camps begin to reopen
  • Landscape still green, good for photography
  • Improved wildlife viewing as vegetation thins
  • Few visitors; rates for camps low

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in March

Lower Zambezi National Park in April

As the rains transition to lighter, sporadic showers, April marks a period of change in Lower Zambezi National Park. The landscape remains exceptionally green and lush. While larger wildlife viewing may be sparse, this is an excellent time for birding enthusiasts.

The Zambezi River is at its highest, creating spectacular scenes along its banks. Boat safaris offer unique perspectives of the flooded landscape. As camps slowly start to reopen, visitors can enjoy lower off-season rates. The park's famous canoe safaris become increasingly viable as water levels stabilise.

Night game drives can be particularly rewarding, offering chances to spot nocturnal animals like civets and genets. April's transitional nature provides a blend of wet and dry season experiences.

  • End of rainy season, drier conditions
  • More camps open, better accessibility
  • Landscape transitioning, good for photos
  • Improved game viewing, animals more visible
  • Visitor numbers rise, rates remain low

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in April

Lower Zambezi National Park in May

May typically marks the start of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. While there's a chance of an odd shower, most days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, daytime temperatures reach highs of around 26°C/79°F. The landscape begins to dry out, improving access throughout the park.

Most camps reopen, offering a wider range of accommodation options. Game viewing improves significantly as animals start to congregate around permanent water sources. Boat safaris on the Zambezi River become increasingly popular, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.

Walking safaris resume, providing intimate wildlife experiences. May's pleasant weather and improved game viewing make it an excellent time to visit, with some camps still offering shoulder season rates.

  • Start of dry season, cooler temperatures
  • Most camps open, full range of activities
  • Landscape drying, clearer wildlife sightings
  • Excellent time for walking safaris
  • Visitor numbers increase, rates go up

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

Lower Zambezi National Park in June

The Lower Zambezi sees virtually no rainfall in June, with sunny days predominating. Humidity drops dramatically, and temperatures range from 10°C/50°F at night to 25°C/77°F during the day. The landscape remains relatively lush, but vegetation starts to thin, significantly improving game viewing.

All camps in the park are open, some offering shoulder-season rates. The Zambezi River's water levels begin to recede, concentrating wildlife along its banks. This is an excellent time for canoe safaris, offering unique perspectives of the park's ecosystem.

Game drives become increasingly productive, with higher chances of spotting predators like lions and leopards. June's pleasant temperatures and improved wildlife sightings make it a popular month for visitors.

  • Dry season, cool days and cold nights
  • All camps open, peak activity options
  • Improved wildlife viewing around water sources
  • Prime time for walking safaris and game drives
  • High season begins, increased rates

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

Lower Zambezi National Park in July

As the dry season continues in Lower Zambezi National Park, vegetation thins and water becomes scarcer. Wildlife is starting to cluster around major water sources, particularly the Zambezi River, leading to excellent game viewing opportunities.

July marks the heart of winter, with daytime temperatures in the 20s Celsius / 70s Fahrenheit but dropping to single digits at night. Early morning and late evening game drives can be very chilly, with camps often providing blankets and hot water bottles.

This is prime time for walking safaris, offering exciting wildlife encounters. Canoe trips on the Zambezi River are particularly rewarding, with high chances of spotting elephants coming to drink. Visitor numbers increase, and properties charge peak season rates.

  • Peak dry season, clear skies
  • Excellent game viewing, especially near river
  • Popular time for canoe and boat safaris
  • Night drives offer nocturnal wildlife sightings
  • Peak season, highest rates and visitor numbers

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Lower Zambezi National Park in August

August in the Lower Zambezi offers excellent game viewing as wildlife congregates around remaining water sources. With virtually no chance of rain, sunny days are almost guaranteed. Temperatures can drop below 5°C/41°F at night but climb to the 20s Celsius / 70s Fahrenheit during the day.

The thinned vegetation provides clear views of animals, making this one of the best months for photography. Boat safaris on the Zambezi River offer close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. Tiger fishing is at its peak, attracting anglers from around the world.

Walking safaris provide thrilling up-close wildlife experiences. This is one of the most popular months to visit, with camps charging their highest rates and often fully booked well in advance.

  • Very dry, animals concentrate near water
  • Outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Ideal for photography and walking safaris
  • Zambezi River cruises highly recommended
  • Peak season continues, advance booking needed

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Lower Zambezi National Park in September

September is one of the best times to visit Lower Zambezi National Park for wildlife enthusiasts. Rain is almost unheard of, humidity is low, and daytime temperatures climb to the low 30s Celsius / high 80s Fahrenheit.

Water is scarce, concentrating wildlife around the Zambezi River and remaining water holes. Game viewing is at its peak, with high chances of seeing predator-prey interactions. Elephant herds are frequently spotted crossing the river.

Canoe safaris offer thrilling close encounters with wildlife. Night game drives provide opportunities to spot nocturnal animals like leopards and genets. Birdwatching remains excellent, with many species nesting. However, this popularity comes at a price: camps charge their highest rates and are often fully booked far in advance.

  • Hot days, warm nights, very dry
  • Excellent month for wildlife viewing
  • Zambezi River at its lowest, great for canoeing
  • Increased elephant sightings near water
  • High season, camps can be fully booked

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Lower Zambezi National Park in October

October marks the peak of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. Away from the Zambezi, the national park is brown and barren, with little ground-level vegetation. Temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, often exceeding 40°C/104°F during the day.

Despite the heat, this is considered the best month for game viewing. The scarcity of water forces animals to congregate around the main river, leading to frequent wildlife sightings and predator-prey interactions.

Boat safaris offer relief from the heat and excellent opportunities to observe elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Walking safaris may be challenging due to the heat but provide thrilling wildlife encounters. October is prime time for spotting large predators like lions and leopards.

  • Hottest month, animals congregate at river
  • Peak time for wildlife viewing and photography
  • Excellent for boat safaris and fishing
  • Chance to see elephants crossing the river
  • End of high season, some rate reductions

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Lower Zambezi National Park in November

November typically marks the end of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. While the timing of rains is uncertain, temperatures remain high and humidity builds.

Early November may still offer excellent game viewing, with animals concentrated around water sources. As the month progresses, the arrival of rains leads to rapid vegetation growth and wildlife dispersal. This transition period can be fascinating to witness. The initial rains bring relief to the parched landscape, with new growth attracting grazing animals.

Birdwatching improves as migratory species arrive in the valley. While some remote camps close, those that remain open significantly drop their rates. November offers a unique opportunity to experience both dry and wet season aspects of the park.

  • Start of rainy season, occasional showers
  • Wildlife disperses as water becomes available
  • Good birding as migratory species arrive
  • Lush landscapes return, photography improves
  • Shoulder season, lower rates and fewer visitors

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Lower Zambezi National Park in December

December marks the start of the green season in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Heavy thunderstorms occur most days, interspersed with sunny spells. Temperatures reach over 30°C/86°F with high humidity.

The rainfall brings abundant water to the landscape, encouraging lush vegetation growth. While game viewing becomes more challenging due to the thick bush and dispersed wildlife, this is an excellent time for birdwatching. Migratory birds arrive, boosting the species count. Boat safaris on the swollen Zambezi River offer unique perspectives of the flooded landscape.

Many camps close for the season, but those remaining open charge their lowest rates. Despite the challenges, December offers a green and vibrant aspect of the park, with dramatic skies and fewer visitors.

  • Rainy season in full swing, hot and humid
  • Some camps close, limited accessibility
  • Newborn animals, great for bird watching
  • Challenging game viewing, but lush scenery
  • Low season, cheapest rates, fewer tourists

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in December

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