Description
The Busanga Plains are one of Zambia’s most significant wetland resources and one of the few areas in the world untouched by development and human activity. The plains are home to a wealth of game and a big attraction to predators, including wild dog, cheetah and prides of lion.
The seasonal camp is designed to blend in with the environment and natural materials have been used as much as possible to great effect. The six luxury rooms have spacious interiors with all the modern conveniences one could ever want or need. Tents and the main area are all shaded by a canopy of majestic fig trees and on raised wooden platforms to enhance the panoramic view across the plains. Gentle, muted colours of aqua and sand characterise the main area, comprising a lounge, dining area, camp fire and small pool under a shady tree.
The guides are famously knowledgeable and take guests on game drives in and around the plains, and night drives offer the added excitement of the nocturnal wonders of the area. This camp is perfectly situated to see the antelope that make the Plains their home: lechwe, the ubiquitous puku, stately roan antelope as well as the diminutive oribi. Herds of wildebeest, zebra and buffalo are all commonly seen as well as smaller groups of Lichtenstein's hartebeest. This wealth of game is also a big attraction for predators, including wild dog, cheetah and prides of lion. A birder's special, the Böhm's Bee-eater, can be seen in the parking area of the camp!
Accommodation
The accommodation is in just 6 tents which are all shaded by a canopy of majestic trees and on raised wooden platforms to enhance the panoramic view across the plains.
Childcare
There are no specific child care facilities and the camp has a minimum age of 8 years. Meal times and food can easily be adjusted to suit younger guests.
Facilities
The main area comprises a lounge, dining area, camp fire and a small plunge pool under a shady tree.
Activities
Activities from Shumba all revolve around the amazing game viewing that can be spotted from camp. Guests have the option of guided game drives including night drives and also specific birding trips. Walking safaris are also an option where guests get the chance to explore the smaller signs of the bush, and will learn about tracks and spore.
Services
Massages are available in the privacy of your tent.
When to travel
Shumba Camp is closed seasonally between 01 December and 31 May.
Zambia has a moderate to sub-tropical climate with three distinct seasons: from November to March is the Emerald, or the rainy season, April to July is Zambia's winter, when the weather is cool and dry, and August to October is summer, when the weather is hot and dry. In terms of game-viewing, the dryer months, meaning a higher concentration of game at the permanent water sources, are a superb time to visit. Alternatively come for some superb bird-watching at the end of the rains.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Kafue and western Zambia, Zambia
Shumba Camp is situated in the north-west corner of the vast Busanga Plains of Kafue National Park in Central Zambia. Surrounded by open floodplains dotted with palm and fig tree-filled islands.
How to get there
10 hour international flight to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lusaka. From there, a small plane goes to the Busanga airstrip, and then it is an exciting helicopter transfer straight into Shumba.
