Welcome to Kafue National Park, Zambia’s vast and untouched wilderness, where the sights and sounds of the African savannah come to life. As one of the continent’s largest and oldest national parks, Kafue is a treasure trove of wildlife and natural beauty, offering a truly authentic safari experience away from the crowds. For those seeking an exclusive and immersive journey into the heart of the African bush, we invite you to explore the best camps and lodges that grace this captivating park.
Join us as we delve into the world of exclusive wilderness retreats, where personalized service, luxurious accommodations, and a deep connection with nature converge to create memories that last a lifetime. The best camps and lodges in Kafue National Park are waiting to welcome you into their enchanting embrace, promising an unparalleled safari experience that will leave you in awe of the untamed beauty of Africa. So pack your bags, embark on an extraordinary adventure, and let Kafue’s best-kept secrets unfold before your very eyes.
Here are the best camps and lodges in Kafue National Park.
Busanga Plains – Wilderness Safaris
Nestled in the northern reaches of Kafue National Park, the Busanga Plains is a wildlife paradise and a sought-after destination for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Within this expansive floodplain lies an exclusive safari experience offered by Wilderness Safaris, a renowned and trusted operator with a dedication to conservation and responsible tourism. Here’s more information on Busanga Plains – Wilderness Safaris and what makes it a standout destination in Kafue.
The Busanga Plains are a unique ecosystem characterized by vast open grasslands, dotted with islands of lush vegetation and dotted with seasonal floodwaters. The diversity of habitats in the plains attracts a rich array of wildlife, making it one of the most prolific game-viewing areas in Kafue. From large herds of antelope to prides of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and even the rare and elusive wild dogs, the Busanga Plains offer an unrivaled opportunity to witness the drama of predator-prey interactions and the majestic beauty of the African wilderness.
Wilderness Safaris operates the intimate Busanga Bush Camp, which embodies the spirit of authentic and eco-friendly luxury. The camp features well-appointed tented accommodations with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas that provide breathtaking views of the plains. Its raised wooden deck, central dining area, and fire pit offer spaces for relaxation and conviviality amidst the wild setting.
Ila Safari Lodge
Nestled along the banks of the mighty Kafue River, Ila Safari Lodge is a hidden gem in Kafue National Park, Zambia’s largest and oldest national park. This exquisite lodge offers a tranquil and intimate escape into the heart of the African wilderness, providing guests with a captivating blend of luxury, natural beauty, and exceptional wildlife encounters.
Ila Safari Lodge enjoys a prime location on the lush banks of the Kafue River, offering sweeping views of the river and its resident hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. The lodge’s serene setting immerses guests in the sights and sounds of the wild, creating a sense of harmony and peace with nature.
The lodge features 10 spacious and elegantly designed tented suites, providing guests with a perfect blend of comfort and authentic safari living. Each suite is raised on wooden platforms, offering privacy and breathtaking views of the river. The en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers add to the sense of immersion in the wilderness.
Guests at Ila Safari Lodge can also explore the river’s waterways on tranquil boat cruises, providing opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, and various water birds. Additionally, the lodge caters to fishing enthusiasts, offering catch-and-release fishing excursions for the famous tiger fish and other species found in the river.
Ila Safari Lodge welcomes families and provides a range of child-friendly activities and amenities, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a memorable and educational safari adventure.
Mukambi Safari Lodge
Mukambi Safari Lodge enjoys a prime location along the tranquil Kafue River, providing guests with picturesque views of the water and its diverse inhabitants, including hippos and crocodiles. The lodge’s serene setting fosters a sense of connection with nature, where guests can unwind and savor the peaceful ambiance of the African wilderness.
Mukambi Safari Lodge offers a variety of accommodation options to cater to different preferences and group sizes. From traditional thatched chalets nestled in the riverine forest to spacious tented rooms with private verandas, each accommodation type exudes comfort and immersion in the natural surroundings.
The lodge provides a range of safari activities led by expert guides, including game drives, walking safaris, and boat cruises. Each activity offers a different perspective of Kafue’s diverse landscapes and wildlife, giving guests a deeper appreciation of the park’s natural beauty and ecological significance.
Mukambi Safari Lodge warmly welcomes families and provides child-friendly activities and amenities, making it an excellent choice for families seeking an enriching and educational safari experience.
Mayukuyuku Bush Camp
Mayukuyuku Bush Camp is set in a remote and secluded part of Kafue National Park, providing a true sense of exclusivity and immersion in nature. The camp’s intimate size and limited number of guests ensure a personalized and peaceful safari experience.
The camp offers traditional safari tents, carefully designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Each tent is equipped with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and open-air bucket showers, offering an authentic bush camping experience without compromising on comfort.
Mayukuyuku Bush Camp is renowned for its walking safaris, which allow guests to explore the African bush on foot, accompanied by expert guides. Walking safaris provide a unique opportunity to delve into the finer details of the ecosystem, from tracking animal footprints to identifying indigenous plants and insects.
The camp offers night game drives, a unique experience that reveals a different side of the African wilderness. Under the cover of darkness, guests have the chance to spot elusive nocturnal animals and witness the predator-prey interactions that unfold in the quiet of the night.
Fig Tree Bush Camp
Fig Tree Bush Camp’s idyllic location on the banks of the Shishamba River provides a peaceful and picturesque setting for a safari retreat. The camp’s eco-friendly design and low environmental impact allow guests to connect intimately with nature without compromising on comfort.
The camp features spacious safari tents elevated on wooden platforms, offering guests a comfortable and rustic-chic living space. Each tent comes with en-suite bathroom facilities, hot bucket showers, and a private veranda that overlooks the river or the surrounding wilderness.
The camp is a small and exclusive camp with a limited number of guests, ensuring a personalized and attentive safari experience. The camp’s intimate size fosters a sense of camaraderie among guests and allows for tailored safari activities based on individual preferences.
Fig Tree Bush Camp places a strong emphasis on walking safaris, guided by experienced and knowledgeable bush guides. These safaris offer a unique opportunity to explore the smaller wonders of the African bush, from tracking animal footprints to learning about the intricate ecosystems that sustain life in the wilderness.
McBrides’ Camp
McBride’s Camp enjoys a picturesque setting along the banks of the Kafue River, providing guests with panoramic views of the water and its abundant wildlife. The camp’s tranquil ambiance and beautiful natural surroundings create a sense of serenity and connection with the wilderness.
The camp offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences. Guests can choose from comfortable thatched chalets or spacious tented rooms, each blending seamlessly with the natural environment. The chalets and tents are thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and authentic safari experience.
As a small and intimate camp, McBride’s offers personalized service and attention to detail. The dedicated staff and hosts ensure that guests feel at home and cater to individual preferences, making each stay unique and memorable.
McBride’s Camp offers both game drives and walking safaris, led by experienced guides who are passionate about the wildlife and ecosystems of Kafue. Game drives provide the opportunity to encounter a variety of wildlife, from large mammals to birdlife, while walking safaris offer a more intimate experience, where guests can learn about the smaller details of the bush.
River cruises along the Kafue River are a highlight of the camp’s activities, providing a serene and leisurely way to observe hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife that frequent the riverbanks. Fishing enthusiasts can also try their hand at catch-and-release fishing for the renowned tiger fish and other species.
Musekese Camp
Musekese Camp is situated in a remote and pristine corner of Kafue National Park, away from the crowds, offering a truly exclusive and undisturbed safari experience. The camp’s location allows guests to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness, fostering a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature.
The camp features comfortable tented accommodations that blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Each tent is thoughtfully designed to offer a rustic yet luxurious safari living experience. The en-suite bathrooms, open-air bucket showers, and private verandas allow guests to enjoy the simple pleasures of the bush while enjoying modern comforts.
Musekese Camp is a small and intimate camp, accommodating a limited number of guests. This intimate setting ensures personalized service and attention to detail, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.
Musekese Camp’s experienced guides are passionate about Kafue’s wildlife and ecosystems. They lead thrilling game drives and walking safaris that provide guests with a deeper understanding of the bush and the opportunity to track wildlife on foot. Walking safaris offer a unique perspective, where guests can learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem and feel a closer connection to the wilderness.
Musekese Camp conducts night drives, allowing guests to witness the wonders of the nocturnal world and spot elusive creatures in the darkness. The camp’s remote location also provides an exceptional opportunity for stargazing, where the African night sky comes alive with brilliant constellations.
Konkamoya Lodge
Konkamoya Lodge’s prime location along the shores of Lake Itezhi-Tezhi sets the stage for a serene and picturesque safari experience. The lodge offers panoramic views of the shimmering lake, where guests can watch wildlife gather to quench their thirst against the backdrop of the vast African landscape.
The lodge features spacious and elegantly designed safari chalets, each offering guests a private and comfortable sanctuary in the heart of the wilderness. With en-suite bathrooms, luxurious amenities, and private decks overlooking the lake, the chalets provide the perfect blend of modern comfort and authentic safari living.
Konkamoya Lodge is an intimate camp with a limited number of chalets, ensuring that guests receive personalized service and attention throughout their stay. The small number of visitors allows for a sense of exclusivity and privacy, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation.
Konkamoya Lodge offers a variety of safari activities, including game drives and boat safaris on Lake Itezhi-Tezhi. Expert guides lead guests on thrilling game drives, where encounters with elephants, lions, leopards, and other wildlife are a common sight. Boat safaris provide a unique opportunity to explore the lake’s shoreline and observe its diverse birdlife and aquatic species.
Kaingu Lodge
Kaingu Lodge boasts a prime location on the picturesque Kafue River, surrounded by lush riverine forest and offering panoramic views of the river and its resident wildlife. The lodge’s serene setting provides a tranquil escape where guests can unwind and connect with nature.
Kaingu Lodge offers a selection of creatively designed accommodations that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. From spacious thatched chalets to elevated safari tents and an exclusive family house, each accommodation type exudes comfort, privacy, and an authentic safari atmosphere.
Kaingu Lodge warmly welcomes families and offers a range of child-friendly activities and amenities. The lodge’s family house provides ample space for a memorable safari getaway with loved ones.
As a small and exclusive lodge, Kaingu ensures personalized service and attention to detail. The friendly and attentive staff go above and beyond to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests.
The lodge’s proximity to the Kafue River offers exciting activities such as boat cruises, fishing, and swimming in natural rock pools. Boat cruises allow guests to explore the river’s waterways and observe the diverse birdlife and wildlife that inhabit its banks.
Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp
Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp is nestled in a secluded corner of Kafue National Park, providing a sense of serenity and exclusivity. Its remote location ensures that guests are far away from the crowds, offering a truly immersive wilderness experience.
The camp features comfortable and spacious safari-style tents, providing guests with a luxurious retreat in the heart of the bush. Each tent is thoughtfully appointed with en-suite bathrooms, hot bucket showers, and private verandas that offer stunning views of the surrounding plains.
Kafue National Park is teeming with wildlife, and Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp offers exceptional game-viewing opportunities. Guests may encounter elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, predators, and a wide variety of bird species during game drives and walking safaris.
Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp specializes in walking safaris, providing guests with a more intimate and immersive experience of the African bush. Led by experienced guides, these safaris allow guests to track wildlife on foot, learn about the park’s ecosystem, and appreciate the smaller details of the wilderness. Night drives offer the chance to spot nocturnal creatures and witness the magic of the African night.
The camp’s location near the beautiful Lake Itezhi-Tezhi allows for boat safaris, offering a unique perspective of the wildlife that congregates around the lake’s shoreline. Fishing enthusiasts can also try their hand at catching tiger fish and other species found in the lake.
Nanzhila Plains is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 bird species recorded in the area. The camp’s experienced guides provide insightful birdwatching experiences, making it a paradise for ornithology enthusiasts.
