The word Mukambi comes from the Luvale tribe, where it is a popular surname meaning Waterbuck. Hence the lovely logo of a waterbuck which is the emblem of Mukambi Safaris, a Dutch family run safari company in Zambia. Although the company has three different camps in Kafue National Park, one of the largest unspoiled wilderness areas in the world, the main Mukambi Safari Lodge is the location from where your transfers will depart from to take you to one of the other 2 camp locations.
Mukambi Safari Lodge is situated on the Lusaka – Mongu road, 270km from Lusaka (all tarmac road). For fly in guests, Mukambi has its own airstrip which is a 5 minute drive from the lodge. Mukambi Safari Lodge is open year round and access with saloon cars is no problem, even in the green wet season.
Following Mukambi’s motto of “unique by nature,” each of the 3 camps has its very own character and style. The three camps are:
1. Mukambi Safari Lodge
Centrally located in the park, the main lodge is locally known as “The Gateway to The Kafue National Park.” Built on the banks of the Kafue River, it was originally opened in 1993, but was taken over by the current owners in 2001.
The main entertainment area consists of a thatched building with several decks overlooking the Kafue River, with an infinity pool, complemented by a pizza oven area next to it and even a floating deck on to the river. As an added extra there is a small library with board games available for rainy days. There is a curio shop near the reception.
Mukambi Safari Lodge has 3 different room types:
Chalets & Family Chalet
- 8 x en-suite chalets (rondavel type) for 2 persons
- 1 x en-suite family unit chalet for 4 persons
Chalets come with either one queen size bed or two single four-poster beds. All the beds are made up with cotton sheets, duvet (extra blankets available) and mosquito nets, with 24hrs solar electricity and hot water.
The family chalet has two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and one with two single four-poster beds, a lounge for relaxation, 24hrs electricity and hot water. Bathroom comes with shower, toilet, basin and mirror.
All chalets face the Kafue River with garden and bush in front up to the river’s edge.
Riverside Villa
- 1 x Riverside Villa
The luxury family Riverside Villa has two large bedrooms (one with a queen-sized bed and the other with two single beds), both rooms are en-suite with a shower, toilet and basin.
All beds are made up with cotton sheets, duvet (extra blankets available) and mosquito nets. The Villa has a fully furnished living room, an extensive wooden deck overlooking the Kafue River, 24hrs solar electricity and hot water.
*This accommodation is right on the banks of the river and ideal for families.
- 32″ LCD TVs
- Full Bouquet Digital Satellite Television
- High-Speed Wi-Fi
- Laundry & Maid Services
- Private Pool
- Gym
- 24 Hr Secure Parking
- Standby Generator
Luxury Safari Tents
- 4 x luxury tents (2 persons) that have a private deck with comfy seating overlooking the Kafue River and each unit privately surrounded by natural riverine bush. Romantic mosquito nets enclose luxurious box spring beds which are standard made up as king beds but can be made up as twins on request. A free-standing ball and claw bathtub is found on each deck. The tents have an open bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. The furniture is made of recycled wood from Dhows that used to sail the Indian Ocean.
*Sliding glass doors provide spectacular views and light into the tents.
2. Busanga Plains Camp
The Plains Camp is the seasonal luxury bush camp of Mukambi Safaris located deep in the heart of the famous Busanga Plains in the North of beautiful Kafue National Park. Transfers from Mukambi take about 6 hours in a game driving vehicle, with guests leaving early and arriving by lunch time. The Busanga Plain is 720km2 of palm groves on termite hills, papyrus-choked reed beds and lily-covered lagoons representing one of the few wetland wildernesses in the world − a place where authentic African wildlife thrives, and the safari experience is second to none.
The communal area is comprised of an informal raised boma, with open camp fire and dining area, overlooking the openness of the plains. There is an infinity pool near the wooden deck overlooking the surrounding wetlands and a wooden viewing platform on stilts tucked away high up in a fig tree above the boma, offering breath-taking views directly onto the flood plain. There is 24hrs solar electricity in the boma and all the tents and the paths to the tents are lit by paraffin lamps.
- 4 x luxury safari tents (2 twin and 2 double) with en-suite open air bathrooms and flushing toilets, each one overlooking the Busanga Plains. The tents are light, airy and spacious with large beds draped with mosquito nets.
Star-bed:
There is a new activity at Busanga Plains Camp: a star-bed to give you a truly unique experience! The star-bed is on 4 meter platform with a railing and mosquito net with at 2 meters high, a flushing toilet and hand basin. Each platform will have a handheld radio and paraffin lamps for your safety and comfort. Guests can book the star-bed on arrival in camp at no extra costs.
3. Fig Tree Bush Camp
This luxury bush camp was opened in 2015 and is located about 1,5 hour’s drive from Mukambi Safari Lodge. It is named after the giant fig tree next to the central area overlooking a unique sandy lagoon. The open-plan communal area has an intimate dining area adjacent to the relaxing lounge area. There is a small infinity pool built in a 3 meter high mound made of sand bags, with a couple of sun loungers to relax while watching the wildlife that comes to drink at the watering hole in front of the pool. There is 24hrs solar electricity in the boma and all the tents and the paths to the tents are lit by paraffin lamps.
- 4 x Safari en-suite luxury safari tents on stilts (2 twin and 2 double) located on 3-meter platforms above the ground. Three tents overlook the lagoon but one also has a private view of the plains and the watering hole in front of the swimming pool offering unique opportunities to spot wildlife.
Star-bed:
Like Busanga Plains Camp, Fig Tree also has a star-bed to give you a truly unique experience! The star-bed is on 4 meter platform with a railing and mosquito net with at 2 meters high, a flushing toilet and hand basin. Each platform will have a handheld radio and paraffin lamps for your safety and comfort. Guests can book the star-bed on arrival in camp at no extra costs.
Mukambi Safaris offers a range of activities in the National Park; at Mukambi they offer game drives twice a day, a sunset cruise at the end of the afternoon or fishing trips throughout the day. Walking safaris are on offer in the dry season in the morning. At Mukambi you can also pay the local community school a visit.
At Busanga and Fig Tree there are game drives, walking safaris and the star-bed.
- Morning or afternoon game drive (approx. 4hrs)
- Walking safari (from June-Oct) (approx. 3hrs)
- Sunset cruise/Boat cruise (approx. 2.5hrs)
- Fishing trips (incl. basic tackle hire) (approx. 3hrs)
- Community School Visit (approx. 2hrs)
- Star-bed (approx. 8hrs)
Mukambi Safaris also offers a unique opportunity to enjoy all 3 of their properties located throughout Kafue National Park, by combining the packages below:
- Full Kafue Experience: 3 camps – 8 days/7 nights
- Mukambi & Busanga Package: 2 camps – 6 days/5 nights
- Mukambi & Fig Tree Package: 2 camps – 6 days/5 nights
- Bushcamp Package: Fig Tree & Busanga – 6 days/5 nights
- Early Bird Special (valid until 31st March): full Kafue package: 8 days/7 nights
The Safari Packages offer a great discount on multiple nights at two or more of their camps.
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