Shumba Camp (lion's camp) is shaped like a horseshoe, with the main building taking central position and three rooms connected by high wooden walkways on either side. The rooms sit on high platforms and come with a large double bed, desk, en-suite facilities, double washbasin and outdoor shower.

The main building features a large terrace with fire pit where breakfast is served. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the sun rise over the Busanga Plains. The indoor area houses a bar, lounge and dining area with large glass windows leading out onto the deck.

Puku and red lechwe tend to gather in front of the camp as well as hippo during the flood season. Guests can loll in the hanging chairs and simply take in the spectacular surroundings. Lions regularly visit the camp, keeping everyone on their toes. Shumba Camp is most certainly one of the most beautiful camps in Kafue. Located just 15 minutes away, Busanga Bush Camp is suitable for those looking for a less luxurious bush experience.

Situated in the north of Kafue National Park and the very heart of the Busanga Plains, Shumba Camp is accessed by air from Lusaka or Livingstone, 1.5 and 2 hours flight time respectively. The open plains are not home to annoying tsetse flies, which are all too often found in the rest of Kafue National Park.

Kafue National Park covers an area of 22’400 km² which makes it one of the largest parks in Africa. The northern part of the park is home to the spectacular Busanga Plains, which flood during the wet season and gradually dry up again as October approaches. As the dry season progresses and the surrounding water holes dry up, more and more wildlife find their way onto the plains. Most camps open in May/June and close again in November when the rains arrive.

The Busanga Plains offer a broad spectrum of wildlife, but none of them in large numbers. Nevertheless, a visit is still highly recommended - where else can one encounter wattled cranes, crowned cranes, sitatunga, puku, red lechwe, wildebeest, sable and roan antelope, leopard and lion all on the same day?

Several lion prides live in and around the camp; a whole wing was once closed because a lioness gave birth to cubs and the rest of the pride decided to join her for the duration! Cheetah and wild dog may also be encountered and small groups of elephant can be seen roaming the plains. With 491 different species recorded to date, the Busanga Plains is a veritable paradise for bird lovers from April until June.

The camp offers game drives in an open 4x4 vehicle and boat trips if water lelvels permit. The Busanga Plains flood with water up to a metre deep during the rainy season meaning many animals have to retreat to the surrounding forests. April/May/June is therefore ideal for birdwatchers. The game drive vehicles are taken back to camp from the edge of the woods as soon as the plains are dry again. From mid-September, boat trips are normally no longer possible.

Eric from Namib Sky offers balloon flights during the dry season. Flying low over water, grassland and trees, the balloon trips offer a truly unique safari experience.

SwissAfrican Travel Service
Dammstrasse 27
8702 Zollikon
Zurich, Switzerland


Telephone: +41 (0)44 451 40 51