Zambia · Camping Safari

6-Day Kafue National Park Camping Safari to the Busanga Plains

8 Days Round trip from Lusaka Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Journey through Kafue National Park from the southern woodlands to the Busanga Plains
02 Discover diverse ecosystems and remote, wildlife-rich regions
03 Track lions, leopards, elephants, and rare antelope on daily game drives
04 Experience guided bush walks with a licensed scout in the heart of the park
05 Witness sweeping landscapes from woodlands to open floodplains

Embark on a 6-day camping safari through Zambia's vast Kafue National Park, one of Africa's largest and most untouched wilderness areas. Travel from Lusaka into the southern woodlands, explore the predator-rich central zone, and venture into the iconic Busanga Plains in the north. Enjoy daily game drives, optional guided bush walks, and unforgettable nights under canvas.

Embark on a 6-day camping safari through Zambia's vast Kafue National Park, one of Africa's largest and most untouched wilderness areas.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Lusaka, Kafue National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Depart from Lusaka and Enter Southern Kafue

Begin with an early morning pick-up from Lusaka.
Drive west toward Kafue National Park, watching the urban landscape fade into miombo woodlands.
Enter the park through the southern gate near Hook Bridge and proceed to a designated wilderness campsite.
Settle into the mobile tented camp.
Embark on a short sunset game drive for a first glimpse of the park's wildlife.
Return to camp for a bush-cooked dinner and a night under the stars.

Overnight: Mobile Tented Camp (Southern Kafue - Entry Zone)
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 02

Journey into the Heart of Central Kafue

Break camp after breakfast and travel northward into the heart of Kafue.
Pass through varying landscapes and encounter diverse wildlife such as zebra, puku, hartebeest, and warthog.
Stop for a picnic lunch en route.
Arrive at the central sector by afternoon and establish a new mobile camp.
Enjoy an evening game drive through predator-rich terrain.
Dine and relax around the campfire.

Overnight: Mobile Tented Camp (Kafue Central - Camp 1)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 03

Explore Central Kafue by Vehicle or on Foot

Wake up early and choose between a guided morning bush walk with an armed scout or a game drive.
Track wildlife activity along rivers, plains, and woodland ecosystems.
Return to camp for lunch and rest during the heat of the day.
Head out again for a late afternoon safari, focusing on predator sightings or scenic river routes.
Spend your second night in the central zone, immersed in the sounds of the wild.

Overnight: Mobile Tented Camp (Kafue Central - Camp 1 or Nearby)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 04

Travel to the Remote Busanga Plains

Depart early and begin the long drive toward Kafue's remote northern frontier.
Pass through varied habitats, observing the subtle ecological transitions en route.
Reach the famed Busanga Plains area by late afternoon.
Set up camp in one of the most isolated and scenic corners of the park.
Relax after the journey and enjoy the tranquility of the open grasslands.

Overnight: Mobile Tented Camp (Kafue North - Busanga Area)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 05

Safari Adventure Across the Busanga Plains

Set off before sunrise for an extended morning game drive across the Busanga floodplains.
Spot large lion prides, roan antelope, elephants, and possibly cheetahs among the tree islands.
Return to camp for a late breakfast or brunch.
Rest during the afternoon or birdwatch from camp.
Head out again for a sunset safari and enjoy your final evening in the wilderness.

Overnight: Mobile Tented Camp (Kafue North - Busanga Area)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 06

Return to Lusaka

Wake early for a light breakfast.
Optionally enjoy a short final game drive.
Break camp and begin the journey south back to Lusaka.
Stop for lunch en route.
Arrive in Lusaka by evening and proceed to your hotel or the airport.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Where this trip takes you

miombo woodlands, Kafue National Park, Busanga Plains

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Lusaka 2 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Enjoy freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner at camp each day.
Participate in daily game drives led by a professional safari guide.
Choose one guided activity per day, such as a game drive, bush walk, or cultural visit.
Embark on a full-day game drive to the iconic Busanga Plains in northern Kafue.
Stay hydrated with bottled drinking water provided throughout the safari.
Receive soft drinks and light snacks during game drives.
Stay comfortably in mobile camping setups with tents, beds, and chairs.
Rely on an experienced guide and camp chef for all camp logistics and meal preparation.

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights are not included.
Transfers to and from Lusaka airport or accommodation are not included unless pre-arranged.
Personal travel insurance is not included.
Visa fees are excluded where applicable.
Alcoholic beverages are not included and may be purchased or brought where permitted.
Gratuities or tips for guides, drivers, and camp staff are not included.
Park and conservation fees must be paid separately.
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, phone calls, and laundry are not included.
Optional activities outside the main itinerary are not covered.

What to bring

Stay in basic but comfortable mobile tents with camp beds and shared bush toilets.
Expect limited electricity; bring power banks and necessary charging equipment.
Mobile phone reception is limited or unavailable in most areas of the park.
Prepare for variable weather - hot days and cold nights, especially during May to October.
Wildlife sightings are likely but never guaranteed; Kafue hosts lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and more.
Follow all safety instructions from guides, particularly around camp and wildlife.
Take malaria prophylaxis as advised by your healthcare provider.
Drinking water, soft drinks, and snacks are included; alcoholic drinks are not.
Respect wildlife and the environment - follow a strict leave-no-trace policy.
Obtain travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.
Park and conservation fees are payable at the gate or in advance.
Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral or earth tones (avoid bright colors).
Warm layers for chilly mornings and nights (fleece, jacket, thermal wear).
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
Wide-brimmed hat or cap for sun protection.
Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
Insect repellent with DEET or a natural alternative.
Personal toiletries and any prescribed medications (including anti-malarials).
Reusable water bottle (optional - bottled water is provided).
Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
Binoculars (optional but useful for wildlife viewing).
Small backpack or daypack for daily outings.
Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.
Swimsuit (optional - for any water-based activities or lodge stops).

Know before you go

Expect basic but comfortable mobile tents with camp beds and shared bush toilets.
Electricity is limited - bring chargers and power banks for essential devices.
Mobile phone reception is unreliable or unavailable in most parts of the park.
Prepare for hot days and chilly nights, especially during the dry season (May-October).
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, though Kafue supports abundant species including lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo.
Always follow safety instructions from guides, particularly around wildlife and in camp.
Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended - consult your healthcare provider before travel.
Drinking water, soft drinks, and snacks are included; alcoholic beverages are not.
Respect the environment and local customs - follow a strict leave-no-trace policy.
Travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is highly advised.
Park and conservation fees must be paid separately at the park gate or arranged in advance.