Chisa Busanga Camp

OVERVIEW:

Located in a remote, wildlife-rich sector of Kafue National Park, Chisa Busanga combines innovative design with high-standard guiding and environmental awareness. As an entirely solar-powered camp, it offers a uniquely sustainable safari experience, utilising silent electric vehicles and e-bikes for non-intrusive wildlife viewing.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Chisa Busanga Camp is located on an island at the heart of the Busanga Plains, in the northern region of Kafue National Park. The camp can be accessed from Lusaka International Airport via a 1-hour charter flight or a 3-hour road transfer.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT CHISA BUSANGA CAMP:

Chisa Busanga Camp has a spacious, open-air communal area under canvas, providing a welcoming, informal space in which to relax and observe the active waterhole out front. As evening falls, the campfire is lit, inviting guests to gather round and exchange stories and conversation over sundowners. Dining is typically a cosy, communal affair, but private tables can be arranged in scenic locations for special occasions. For the hottest hours of the day, a small plunge pool overlooks the plains – a relaxing spot to cool off and marvel at the views.

The solar-powered accommodation at Chisa Busanga Camp comprises four elevated rooms hidden among the trees. Inspired by the nests of local weaver birds, these structures sit 4 metres above the ground, providing stunning views from all the beds, bathrooms, and private decks. Each canvas-lined ‘nest’ features a compact, cleverly styled interior with wood flooring and front-facing king-sized or twin beds with mosquito nets. An oval picture window includes a built-in nook, designed for gazing out over Busanga Plains. Each en-suite bathroom includes a partially open-air shower, while practical amenities such as hanging storage, a safe, and a fan are integrated into the design. To ensure accessibility, one room is equipped with a lift for guests with limited mobility. Each unit has its own private observation deck, ideally positioned for watching the sunrise and wildlife movements across the plains.

ACTIVITIES AT CHISA BUSANGA CAMP:

Chisa Busanga Camp offers a variety of wildlife-viewing experiences within Busanga Plains, including game drives, walking safaris, and e-biking.

• Game drives

  -  The Busanga Plains cover over 13,000 square kilometres. As the plains flood during the green season, the camp opens exclusively during the dry months. As the waters recede, an array of plains game returns to graze, followed closely by a high concentration of predators. Wildlife highlights in this region include black-maned lion, cheetah, and wild dog, alongside wildebeest, zebra, puku, and the elusive pangolin. Game drives depart in the early morning and late afternoon to catch wildlife at their most active. Notably, the camp utilises an electric vehicle – a near-silent alternative to standard diesel 4×4s – allowing for a less intrusive game-viewing experience.

• Walking safaris

  - Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, walking safaris allow you to focus on the finer details of the Busanga ecosystem. These excursions highlight the area's diverse plants, insects, and birdlife that are often missed from a vehicle. With more than 500 recorded bird species – including raptors, cranes, and an impressive variety of waterbirds – the plains are a premier destination for birding enthusiasts. Please be aware that the minimum age for walking safaris is 14 years.

• E-mountain biking

  - Explore Busanga Plains at a relaxed pace on an electric mountain bike. Led by an expert guide, these quiet excursions allow you to cover more ground than a walk while remaining immersed in the environment. Your guide will lead you to scenic viewpoints and birding spots, offering a unique perspective of the landscape that traditional vehicle safaris can’t match.

• Birding

  - Busanga Plains is home to approximately 470 bird species, making it a stunning destination for birdwatchers. Sightings include Africa’s endangered crane species and the distinctive saddle-billed stork. Keep a look-out for the elusive Pel’s fishing owl, often seen perched in the riverine trees overlooking the camp’s waterways.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.