If you are looking to traverse the unbeaten path and immerse yourself in the vast beauty and tranquillity of true African wilderness, all in while experiencing true luxury, then look no further than Mukambi Safari Lodge, the Gateway to the Kafue National Park. With over 22,000 Km2 of unspoilt parkland to explore, you’re in for a truly memorable experience. Mukambi is located right in the heart of Kafue National Park, on the banks of the Kafue River.
The lodge itself consists of a multi-decked thatched building overlooking the Kafue River. There’s also a small library, lounge and bar area and a curio shop where you can purchase hand crafted ornaments from nearby villages. On hot days one can relax in the infinity pool, also overlooking the river, or enjoy a spectacular view of the sun setting on one of the building’s decks.
A short hour’s drive away from Lodge is Fig Tree Bush Camp. It’s aptly named after the humongous fig tree that stands at the centre of its dining boma is Fig Tree Bush Camp. It’s nestled in a remote, unexplored area of Kafue National park. The camp overlooks a large lagoon; one of the many that are formed seasonally along the Shishamba River, leaving, long winded sandy beaches along its length. Fig Tree Bush Camp has one such beach of its own, allowing guests to unwind under the illustrious African star studded night sky after a delicious meal, sitting cosily around a hearty campfire, and entranced by the distinct sounds of the wild all around it.
The sprawling area around Fig Tree Bush Camp is known as one of the most prolific game areas in Kafue National Park. It has an extremely diverse amount of game in its habitation for your viewing pleasure. The wildlife includes the rare, Blue Duiker and Yellow Backed Duiker. Other notable animals like the Sable, Roan and Sable antelopes, Steenbok and Sharpe’s Grysbok can also be seen among the Zebra, Impala and majestic Elephant. Sightings of predators such as Lions, Serval and Wild Dog are also common, all attracted into the camp by the Kafue River. The river itself also offers plenty of entertainment for a lazy afternoon, with Hippo and Crocodile sightings aplenty. For the avid birdwatcher, there is no shortage of birdlife for you to see, the park is home to over 500 recorded bird species, nearly more than any other park in Africa. These include the Chaplin’s Barbet, Zambia’s only endemic species. You can also catch glimpses of others like the Black cheeked lovebird, Pel’s fishing-Owl and Shelley’s Sunbird among many others.
If you’d much rather see game on the move, take a drive of discovery and adventure through the wilderness. You will be in the safe company of the experienced tour guides, who make it their personal mission to track the elusive creatures and critters for you to witness. The game drives last an average of 3 and a half to 4 hours and operate 2 times a day; in the morning, at Sunrise, and in the evening just a couple of hours before the Sun sets.
For an even more intimate wilderness experience, you are welcome to go on a walking safari around the Park. The walks begin very early, before the heat of the day sets in. Again experienced tour guides canvas the wide plains with you, at a safe enough distance for you to view all the Park has to offer to your heart’s content. The walks are best taken during the cool dry seasons from June to November; the wet conditions during the other months are not conducive for this activity. Other activities on offer are fishing and boat cruises on the river.
The day’s activities are sure to leave you famished; guests can savour the serenity of the lagoon over a delicious meal under the Fig Tree. The Camp offers a choice of either a three course meals or buffet at meal times, typically at dinner. A full English breakfast is also served, complete with pastries, and your choice of either tea or coffee.
Wind down for the night in one of the four fully furnished safari tents that are raised on 3m high platforms. The raised tents offer a spectacular view of the lagoon to the front of the camp, as well as a private view of the plains behind the camp. Each safari tent has an en-suite bathroom and veranda presenting a unique view from the tree canopy.
Fig Tree Bush Camp has a commitment to the environment in which it’s set and is committed to greatly reducing its carbon footprint on the environment while still maintaining it quality service. The Lodge and all its facilities run completely on solar energy and the Freedom Won battery.
The camp is open only during the dry season, which runs from May to December. You can choose from a range of holiday packages for your stay, from an entire Kafue experience, which includes stays at Mukambi Safari Lodge, Fig Tree Bush Camp and Busanga Bush Camp. You could also chose a safari to any of the camps and lodge individually or have a tailor made safari experience.
