Ntemwa-Busanga

OVERVIEW:

This is a super-simple bushcamp, basic in design with all the comforts you could wish for. The focus here is on the quality of guiding and the wilderness experience. It’s an authentic safari experience for people who love to be out in the wild bush.

Ntemwa–Busanga is owned and run by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris. Phil Jeffery and Tyrone McKeith grew up visiting the Kafue as children and working here at various camps before establishing their own camps. Their reputation and unbridled passion for Zambian wildlife conservation have seen them develop ‘Classic Zambia’, which encompasses YZ favourites Musekese and Ntemwa camps, along with two tented camps in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi. The camp is open from 1st July to 31st October every year.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

The camp can be accessed via a 40-minute game drive transfer from Busanga Plains Airstrip. Ntemwa–Busanga is situated in the far south of the Busanga Plains, within Kafue National Park. Charter flights to Busanga can be arranged to and from Lusaka, Livingstone, and all other key parks in Zambia.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT NTEMWA-BUSANGA:

There are four guest tents, all mounted on a stone platform. Each is positioned far enough away from the neighbouring tent to ensure a very private feeling, enhancing the ‘in the wild’ vibe. Every tent has a shaded veranda, from which you can enjoy the view between game drives. As far as beds are concerned, you have a choice of a double or twins. On the bedside tables you’ll find extra mosquito repellent, and small additional solar lanterns supplement the subtle lighting over your bed. Each chalet also has a radio, should you like some reassurance about passing wildlife. You can also call for an escort to take you to and from dinner, or you can order a hot shower. In each room, you will find a reusable water bottle for you to use during your stay. There is also a hanging rail, a small chest of drawers, and a modest-size shelf for your luggage. The ’open to the sky’ ensuite bathroom is positioned at the back of the tent, and it contains a flush toilet, a jug-and-basin, and a classic bucket shower! Hot water is provided every morning and water for the bucket showers on request at other times.

The main area is super-cosy, with big soft leather sofas and a great view of the plains. An imaginative breakfast bar has canvas seats, which are the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner as the sun drops away. Some daytime meals are served here in the shade. Breakfast and dinner are usually served around or next to the campfire. Food is important to Ntemwa (and Musekese), with the focus being on very healthy and creative food. Interesting fact: the menu was designed, and the camp chefs were trained, by a Cordon Bleu chef/conservationist, and it shows. As you would expect from an authentic safari camp like this, there’s a welcoming campfire where guests gather with guides to share stories.

ACTIVITIES AT NTEMWA-BUSANGA:

Flexibility is foremost, and so days will keep you as busy as you wish. Game drives on the open plains are the best way to approach wildlife, and Ntemwa–Busanga is all about vehicle safaris!

• Morning and afternoon/night game drives

  - For a fully immersive experience, if you wish, your guide will take you for a full-day drive out onto the plains, taking a picnic lunch. This is highly recommended. Days begin early and follow a plan with a pre-dawn wake-up call.

• Wildlife sighting

  - During your game drive, make sure to look out across the plains. Mornings and evenings are a procession of birds migrating to and from the Busanga swamps. Pools are crammed with hippos, and there are chances to see breeding herds of elephants crossing the plains to drink and bathe in the early morning or later in the afternoon. The lions of the Busanga and Ntemwa are legendary, and are often a feature of a safari here. Among some of the other notable sights are resident herds of roan antelope. Zebra, wildebeest, diminutive oribi… there is so much to see here. Arguably the best place in Zambia to see cheetah, the plains are home to wild dogs also. There are literally thousands of red lechwe on the greener lush grass plains.

• Night drives

  - Night drives are usually enjoyed after sundowners on the plains. These offer chances to see nocturnal species such as porcupine, bushbaby, and genet, and guests frequently encounter leopards as they become active and hunt on the treeline edge of Busanga. With such a mix of habitats and wildlife species, anything is possible.

*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.