|
Evening sunset drinks at Shumba
Shumba Camp is situated in the northern region of the Kafue National Park, in the famed Busanga Plains area. The Plains, covering approximately 750 square kilometres, is considered one of Zambia's most important wetlands as well as a wildlife paradise with a wealth of plains game, predators and birds.
Shumba Camp comprises six spacious luxury safari tents on raised platforms with breathtaking views of the surrounding plains. A maximum of twelve guests can be accommodated at any one time and great emphasis has been placed on the "guided" experience - being led by qualified, enthusiastic people with in-depth knowledge of the area and its wildlife. The dining and bar area is situated under the shade of enormous trees, elevated to give splendid views of the plains. A large focus here is to involve guests in the safari way of life, so many of the meals are prepared and cooked in front of the guests.
Zambia is known as the birthplace of the "foot" safari, so guests have the option of walking safaris in and around the Plains, or game drives, while night drives provide the added excitement of the nocturnal wonders of the area.
This camp is perfectly situated to see large numbers of plains game and their predators - including some of the best lion and cheetah viewing in Africa!
For those interested in birding, Busanga Plains boasts some 390 species, including such specials as Wattled and Crowned Cranes, Fulleborn's and Rosy-throated Longclaws, Lanner Falcon and large flocks of Open-billed and Yellow-billed Storks.
The beauty of the Kafue National Park - and the Busanga Plains in particular - is evident in its diverse habitats with floodplains, miombo woodland and open grassy areas known as dambos - creating a paradise for wildlife and birdlife. The Park boasts 55 large mammal species - including 20 antelope and 6 cats - and 491 bird species, including the endemic Chaplin's Barbet.
The Busanga area is home to thousands of red lechwe, ubiquitous puku, stately roan and sable as well as the diminutive oribi and blue duiker. Defassa waterbuck, herds of tsessebe, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, zebra and buffalo make for a full set of antelope. This wealth of game on the plains is also a big attraction for predators, with cheetah, leopard and African wildcat often seen, wild dog, pangolin, and caracal spotted occasionally, and prides of lion up to 20 strong.
The birdlife is certainly an attraction for many people visiting the Busanga Plains, including five species of rollers, six bee-eaters, nine kingfishers and fourteen egrets and herons. There are also specials, such as Wattled and Crowned Cranes, Fulleborn's and Rosy-throated Longclaws, Lanner Falcon and large flocks of Open-billed and Yellow-billed Storks.
Kafue National Park
At 22 500 square kilometres, Kafue National Park is one of the largest National Parks in Africa. It is fed by three rivers, the Lufupa in the north-west and the Lunga and Kafue in the north-east. The Lufupa River floods in the summer, creating a large floodplain delta system that attracts thousands of waterbirds. The Lunga and Kafue rivers are wide and slow-flowing, banded by riverine forest.
Habitats in the Park are diverse, and include floodplains, miombo woodland and dambos. It has good concentrations of plains game and their predators as well as the largest species diversity in Zambia, including animals that are rare or non-existent in other southern African countries, such as Lichtenstein's hartebeest, roan antelope, Defassa waterbuck and oribi. Birdlife is spectacular, consisting of 491 species.
In the extreme north of the Kafue lies the Busanga Plains - one of Zambia's most significant wetland resources and one of the few areas in the world that remain untouched by development and human activity. Covering 750 square kilometres of breathtaking wilderness, it is considered the jewel in the Kafue crown; hence Wilderness Safaris' interest in bringing guests to this spectacular area. This is the best area in Zambia to see cheetah!
Location
Shumba Camp is situated in the Busanga Plains which lies in the northern part of the 22 500 square km Kafue National Park. The Kafue National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa. The Kafue is fed by the perennial Lunga, Lufupa and Kafue Rivers.
Climate
The concession has mild winter days from May to September with chilly evenings; however summers are generally very warm. Kafue National Park is seasonal, and traditionally only accessible from May to October, during the dry season.
Pricing/Child Policy
There are no child restrictions at these camps.
Accommodation
Number of tents
· 6 x twin tents (and 2 staff beds)
· All camps have twin beds but can be converted to doubles if need be.
Tent details:
· 6 Meru tents - Tents are en suite and include an indoor and outdoor shower.
Camp Description
· Dining and bar area are raised on platforms under a canopy of majestic fig trees.
Electricity and water
· Electricity is supplied by a small diesel generator which runs for a short period of the day while guests are out on activities. The energy is stored in a bank of batteries and this provides for lighting in the evening.
· Potable water to the camp comes from a borehole
· Overhead fans have 24-hour power; guests need to be conservative with the use of all electrical equipment.
Activities
· Game drives and game walks are available in the Busanga. A combination of the two is probably the most popular activity.
· Guided night drives ± 3 hours
· Shorter guided walks ± 2 hours
· Specialist birding walk/drive ± 3 hours
Drinks and extra payments
Local Drinks are included and premier brands are at an additional charge.
Extras can be paid for by cash, MasterCard, VISA, Amex and Diner's Club. Cheques are not accepted. Foreign currency and rand traveller's cheques are also accepted.
Laundry Policy
Same-day laundry facility is included.
Getting there
From Livingstone to North Kafue - 1hr 45mins
From Lusaka to North Kafue - 1hr 20mins
Airstrip Details
We utilise the Lunga Airstrip.
|
