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FROM US$8,240-US$8,670

Defassa Waterbuck Safari

Stay in three intimate, owner-run camps during this exploration of Kafue National Park. Remote locations, true wilderness and a range of activities make for a real adventure off the beaten track.

Defassa Waterbuck Safari: Day-by-day

More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Defassa Waterbuck 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.


Day 1

Starts: Lusaka International Airport

Day 1

Lusaka International Airport to Southern Kafue

After meeting your driver at Lusaka Airport, you’ll pass through bustling city suburbs before heading west on the open road. Beyond the Kafue park gate, undulating woodlands surrounded by game areas take over until you reach KaingU. The journey takes four–five hours, depending on any stops that you make.

KaingU Lodge
Days 1-4

KaingU Lodge

3 nights
Full Board & ActivitiesKafue National Park, Zambia

Historically the south of Kafue has been considered the poor relation of the north, but in the last few years KaingU Lodge has gradually started to change opinions on this. This owner-run lodge is set in a stunning location next to the Kafue River, and offers a variety of activities, making the most of the natural surroundings.

KaingU Lodge

Historically the south of Kafue has been considered the poor relation of the north, but in the last few years KaingU Lodge has gradually started to change opinions on this. This owner-run lodge is set in a stunning location next to the Kafue River, and offers a variety of activities, making the most of the natural surroundings.

"The scenery is spectacular.. food was exceptional.. staff excellent.."

Mr & Mrs CfromBerwick

Arrived 19 Oct 2022, 2 nights

KaingU is an excellent little lodge, with a focus on environmental preservation where comfort, combined with traditional design, has been executed with impressive attention to detail. The amount of wildlife in the area may not be enough for most people to visit KaingU by itself, but the river and the walking here are truly stunning from a landscape perspective. We think that combining KaingU with one of Kafue’s camps in the north will give you the best of both worlds, and a great chance to properly explore this diverse national park. See our full report on KaingU Lodge

91%
14 reviews of KaingU Lodge by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Canoeing

Fishing

Guided walking safari

Night drive

White-water rafting

Day 4

4WD & boat from KaingU to Musekese

This four–five-hour journey is largely a game drive, within (or beside) Kafue National Park. From KaingU, you’ll shadow the twisting Kafue River before hopping into a motorboat at Lufupa’s jetty to reach the eastern bank. Here you’ll meet up with a 4WD from Musekese for the drive south to camp.

Musekese Camp
Days 4-7

Musekese Camp

3 nights
Full Board & ActivitiesKafue National Park, Zambia

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.

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.

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 & JfromYork

Arrived 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

95%
39 reviews of Musekese Camp by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Fishing

Guided walking safari

Night drive

Day 7

Musekese to the Busanga Plains: 4WD & boat

After a short game drive and a scenic boat trip down the Kafue River to the Lufupa jetty, it’s a few hours’ 4WD drive north; watch for oribi as the landscape opens onto the Busanga Plains. Depending on water levels, you may boat or drive to Mukambi Plains' small tree island.

Mukambi Plains Camp
Days 7-10

Mukambi Plains Camp

3 nights
Full Board & ActivitiesKafue National Park, Zambia

Situated at the north western edge of Kafue National Park, Mukambi Plains Camp is a rustic tented property, sheltered under a shady tree island. The north of Kafue National Park is made up of the huge Busanga Plains, a floodplain that dries out in the dry season to create a sweeping grassland, which attracts large numbers of plains game, and with them predators.

Mukambi Plains Camp

Situated at the north western edge of Kafue National Park, Mukambi Plains Camp is a rustic tented property, sheltered under a shady tree island. The north of Kafue National Park is made up of the huge Busanga Plains, a floodplain that dries out in the dry season to create a sweeping grassland, which attracts large numbers of plains game, and with them predators.

"The setting of this camp is amazing."

ZfromZ

Arrived 29 Oct 2021, 3 nights

Mukambi Plains Camp is a well run property in a stunning location in Kafue National Park. Access to the camp is a bit trickier then for other properties in the park, and though this situation is improving, the journey may be better suited to hardier travellers. For those looking for a rustic wilderness experience, but with some of the comforts of a permanent camp, then this is a great property. See our full report on Mukambi Plains Camp

70%
2 reviews of Mukambi Plains Camp by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Night drive

Day 10

Busanga Plains to Lusaka by 4WD & light aircraft

You'll often have time for a last game activity at Mukambi Plains before the short drive to the airstrip for your flight to Lusaka. Heading east, the light aircraft traverses the northern Kafue before continuing to Lusaka Airport, arriving after about 1½ hours in good time for your onward connections.

Day 10

Ends: Lusaka International Airport

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