Musekese Camp

OVERVIEW:

The story behind Musekese is fascinating – a long history of conservation and the pioneering spirit of two men, all within this very remote area in Zambia’s Kafue National Park. Setting up this iteration of Musekese in 2012 at ‘the old camp’, and establishing the current location as a seasonal camp in 2015, Phil Jeffery and Tyrone McKeith made their mark on the safari industry, a mark that has earned them recognition as first-rate guides and camp-owners. This camp was designed with a focus on the activities and experiences available. A stay here involves being taken out to explore the Musekese region by the camp’s team of expert guides, all of whom know the area like the back of their hand.

ACCESS & LOCATION: 

Situated in a very remote and untouched region in Northern Kafue, the camp overlooks the ‘Eden’ lagoon with its access to the broad Kafue river. The Lufupa Airstrip is easily reachable from camp, allowing access from Lusaka and all other destinations within Zambia.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT MUSEKESE CAMP: 

Musekese’s guest accommodation comprises just five canvas chalets, all with a lovely authentic flavour. Each chalet offers either a king-size or twin beds, a vanity station, chairs, and a wardrobe with a chest of drawers. On-demand hot- and cold-water showers are located within the chalet, with views of the lagoon in front. At the front of each room is a small deck, upon which are positioned two director’s chairs. The rooms are a great place to sit and enjoy the spectacular views, and sightings of elephant and lion are not uncommon. 

The main area at Musekese houses a comfy lounge with sofas, armchairs, and plenty of colourful cushions, as well as an open front, affording 180-degree views of the Eden Lagoon from the deck below. There is a central charging station, a small well-stocked library, information on Musekese Conservation (the NGO created and run by the team), and maps of the region. A small bar offers cold refreshments all day.

ACTIVITIES AT MUSEKESE CAMP: 

Less about the accommodation and much more about the activities available and the movement of the wildlife, a stay here involves being taken out by either Phil or Tyrone to explore the area, which they genuinely know like the back of their hand.

• Walking safaris

  - Historically, the most popular activity at Musekese has been walking safaris, enjoyed in the mornings. Guests can head out in the safe hands of Phil or Tyrone to explore the region, an untouched area in Kafue nicknamed ‘Eden’.

• Expertly guided game drives

  - Thanks to the anti-poaching efforts of Musekese Conservation, the area has had an increase in the populations of its predators, particularly those of leopard and lion. Morning and afternoon game drives are now just as productive as in any of the better-known regions of Zambia.

• Wildlife spotting

  - All the wildlife species you would want to see can be found here, from wild dog to elephant. The only exemption for the Kafue mammal list is the giraffe and rhino.

• Boating safaris

  - Boat trips along both the Kafue and Lufupa rivers are some of the most rewarding safari activities, especially for photographers and bird enthusiasts. Later in the dry season, it is not uncommon to see leopard and lion from the river too, cooling off in the shade of the Waterberry trees.

• Visit an anti-poaching unit

  - Another unique activity on offer is a visit to the anti-poaching unit (APU) and research base camp for Musekese Conservation, situated some 15 km south of Musekese Camp itself. A morning game drive through the miombo woodland, for a chance of seeing sable antelope, gets guests to the APU for an hour or two of discussion and a presentation of the work being done in the area. Finally you’ll be driven back to camp for a late lunch.

*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.