Commonly known as “The Gateway to The Kafue National Park”, Mukambi Safari Lodge is centrally located in the park, right on the banks of the stunning Kafue River. The Kafue National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa (roughly the size of Wales at more than 22,000km²) therefore we recommend you book with us for at least a week so you have time to explore this vast park and combine time at Busanga, Fig Tree and Mukambi. However, shorter bookings of 3 to 4 nights at Mukambi will also guarantee a truly unique safari!
Commonly known as “The Gateway to The Kafue National Park”, Mukambi Safari Lodge is centrally located in the park, right on the banks of the stunning Kafue River. The Kafue National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa (roughly the size of Wales at more than 22,000km²)
Accommodation
ï‚· 8 Thatched chalets each facing the Kafue river (4 doubles and 4 twins)
ï‚· 4 Luxury tents (all doubles, but can be re-configured on request)
ï‚· Every room is en-suite with hot shower, wash basin and toilet as a
minimum, luxury tents also have open-air baths on the veranda
ï‚· Toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner & skin moisturiser) are supplied
in each room
ï‚· Bug spray, insect repellent and mosquito coils are provided in each
room, along with mosquito nets
ï‚· Hot water bottles in winter time provided with turndown service
ï‚· Each room has a 3-pin (UK) plug socket for charging electricals
Lodge Facilities
ï‚· Main lounge with open fireplace and integral, fully stocked bar
ï‚· Central dining area with lower deck, housing a clay oven for outdoor
cooking and fire-cooked pizzas
ï‚· Sunset viewing deck offers stunning views over the Kafue river
ï‚· Circular, seated fire area also overlooking the river
ï‚· Infinity swimming pool and kids paddling pool with sun-loungers and
kikoyi towels provided poolside
ï‚· Curio shop selling locally made products which can be paid for in
Kwacha or Dollars at the reception desk
ï‚· Complimentary laundry service (same day return in the dry season)
ï‚· Baby-sitting service available on request
ï‚· Cots and high chairs are available for children and ba
Game Drives
The game drive offers the greatest opportunity for spotting game as a large area is covered. At Mukambi we start the game drive by crossing the Kafue River by boat. We start the game drive on the other side of the river in an area where other game drive vehicles are seldom seen. The game drives are in the early morning or later afternoon/evening when animals are most active. The main focus of many guests are the big animals, in particular the big cats and elephants. The Kafue has all the big African cats as well as the smallest. But with our experienced and highly qualified guides you will experience much more. They will tell you about the ecosystem with all her flora and fauna. A game drive with an experienced guide is much more than just looking for big animals. Birds are fascinating as well and our guides can probably show you birds that you have never seen before.
Sunset Boat Cruise
The boat cruise is more of a relaxing activity which allows guests to put their feet up and enjoy the scenery. What impresses most guests is that no other boats are seen. You can experience the vastness of the Kafue River without any disturbance of mass tourism. Sightings are always different, but hippos, crocodiles, different antelopes and sometimes elephant (drinking or crossing the river) are common sightings. Birdwatchers will be in their element with common sightings like the African Finfoot and other rare birds. Regular sightings include; Jacana, Wattled crane, open and saddle billed stork and a variety of kingfishers.
Nature Walks
Nature walks last a few hours and are more of an educational activity. Large game can be sighted and the guests are also taught about the plant and insect life at their feet. Guests are completely safe as the walks are conducted by our well trained guides, accompanied by a DNPW scout who carries a firearm
Fishing Trip
The fishing trip also gives the opportunity to relax and try one’s hand at catching some large fish. Some of the most common fish caught include Bream, Kafue Bream, Silver and Black Barbel and Kafue Pike.
Community School Visit
Mukambi Community School provides education to those living in an area where no good schools exist. Results are spectacular; the school now provides eighty local children with a high standard of education, and five teachers have permanent employment.
Massage
Massages take place in the comfort of your chalet and are based on availability of the therapist. A minimum of 2 hours’ notice is typically required.
RATED
4 Star
TYPE
Safari Lodge
NO. ROOMS
14
CHECK-IN TIME
1400hrs
CHECK-OUT TIME
1100hrs
CHILD POLICY
All ages are welcome
PET POLICY
Not allowed
OPERATIONAL PERIOD
All year around
POKEN LANGUAGES
Dutch, English
SPECIAL INTERESTS
Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife, Wine
Kafue National Park details
Kafue National Park is a unique area. The enormous size (one of the biggest National Parks in Africa), the many different habitats and the huge variety of mammals and birds make it an area waiting to be explored. It is Zambia’s biggest and oldest National Park and is easily accessed from both Lusaka and Livingstone. But the best of all is the untouched wilderness that the park has to offer as mass tourism does not exist; leaving the park pure and unexplored. This is what a real safari should be like, excellent game viewing with a rich diversity of wildlife, stunning landscapes and unspoiled by mass tourism. Although the park has a lot to offer, relatively few people visit this Zambian treasure.
The Kafue National Park is named after the Kafue River that runs through the park for over 250 km. It enters the Park in the North East and forms Lake Itezhi-Tezhi South of the Park, a beautiful dam with big herds of wildlife roaming around on its shores. Other well-known rivers in the Kafue are the Lunga and Lufupa River, which both feed into the Kafue River. The Kafue river then joins the Zambezi river in Chirundu before finding it’s way through Mozambique to the Indian ocean. The Kafue River itself has spectacular riverine forests on its banks and flows throughout the year, changing from a wide, slow flowing river to stretches broken up by islands with fast flowing water. The river attracts a wide variety of animals and birds and is filled with hippos and crocodiles of all sizes. Boat cruises and fishing trips are a must for guests visiting the river. Most safari lodges and camps within the Kafue National Park are based on the Kafue River.
Kafue Wildlife
The breeding herds of elephant are numerous and the large predators are back in numbers. Among them several prides of lion, cheetah and leopard. Also packs of the endangered wild dog regularly pay a visit. Other animals that you are likely to encounter are buffalo, zebra, hippo and various antelope species like impala, puku, sable, hartebeest, bushbuck, roan and waterbuck.
Kafue Birds
The diversity of habitat makes Kafue National Park also one of the best locations in Africa for birding. The Kafue River, wetlands, savannah and woodland boast an impressive 478 of Zambia’s 733-recorded bird species. Among them African Wattled and Crowned Crane, Fish Eagle, Woolly-Necked Stork, Saddle Billed Stork, Goliath Heron, Ground Hornbill, African Fin Foot, Pel’s Owl, Purple-Crested Lourie and Chaplin’s Barbet amongst others.
Getting Here
GPS coordinates;
S1458.663, E2559.577
Air Charters to/from our main lodge
(Chunga airstrip);
• Lusaka – Chunga 1 h 15min
• Livingstone – Chunga 1 h 15mins
• Chunga – Busanga 30 minutes
Our road transfers;
• Lusaka - 3 – 4 hrs (270kms) Self-drive from Livingstone and Lusaka;
• Tar roads from Livingstoneand Lusaka
• Well graded roads in Kafue National Park
• 4x4 not required to reach main lodge, even in the green season
Child Policy
ï‚· Mukambi main lodge welcomes children of all ages, but parents take
their children on activities at their own risk
ï‚· Guests with children will be either grouped together or given a
separate vehicle.
ï‚· Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to join a walking
safari for safety reasons
ï‚·. Children under 12 and 4 years and older pay 50% providing they are sharing with adults. Children younger than 4 stay free.
What to Bring?
Early mornings in winter (Jun-Aug) can get a little chilly whilst out on an open game-viewer, and whilst Mukambi provide fleece-lined ponchos on the vehicles for our guests, it is advisable to bring along some suitably warm clothing for these activities. A warm fleece hat and gloves is also recommended. If visiting between November and April we provide raincoats, but you might prefer to bring your own. Mukambi provide towels in the rooms and around the pools, so feel free to bring along your swimming costume to enjoy the view from our infinity pool. Whilst we have a few sets of binoculars available to borrow from the main lodge, it is advisable to bring along your own if you have them – the bird life here is incredible. Standard safari clothing (neutral coloured, not white or black) is recommended for all activities as well as sturdy, closed-toe shoes should you wish to join a bush walk. Please bring any medication you may need as well as spares; we are a long way from the nearest pharmacy or doctor.
Park Fees
Park fees are payable in Kwacha cash or USD to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Park on departure at reception unless included in your rate. Mukambi falls into a game management area (GMA) so park fees and bed night levies are not compulsory and park fees are paid only once the park is accessed for activities. Park fees are; ·
Citizen: K34 pppd
Resident: $15 pppd
International: $20 pppd
Money
ï‚· Mukambi Safari Lodge accepts payment at the reception in USD and
Kwacha (cash or cards – Mastercard/Visa/American Express)
ï‚· Our nearest ATM is in Lusaka
ï‚· Airtel airtime can be purchased at the bar
ï‚· Exchange facility (US Dollars into Kwacha or vice versa only) is offered if
we have sufficient cash on site
ï‚· Our nearest Foreign Currency Exchange can be found at several
locations in Lusaka including Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
Parking
Complimentary Parking is available at the side of the rooms for all guests as well as space in front of the main lodge. Mukambi cannot be responsible for items left in vehicles on the property.
Special Occasions
If your visit to us includes a special occasion, birthday or anniversary, do let us know in advance so that we can make preparations accordingly.
Communications
There is a decent phone signal at the main lodge. We also sell Airtel airtime.
Guest wifi is available to use in the main lodge area.
Check In
Check-in time is 1400hrs. But feel free to arrive earlier and pre-book lunch with us.
Welcome to 2022 Safari Packages
Mukambi Safaris has three properties located throughout Kafue National Park, and these properties all combine to make great safari itineraries. Each camp has its own unique style and character and offer the ultimate in an African wildlife Safari experience. Friendly, yet luxurious. Mukambi Safaris can host you throughout your entire stay here in Kafue National Park.
Our Safari Packages offer a great discount on multiple nights at two or more of our camps. The pristine African wilderness of Kafue National Park remains vastly undiscovered and offers a variety of activities in diverse ecosystems. Our safari packages ensure that visitors have the opportunity to explore it from all angles with well-rounded land and water-based adventures.
FULL KAFUE EXPERIENCE
This 7-night package includes 2 nights at Mukambi Safari Lodge, 2 nights at Fig Tree Bush Camp and 3 nights in our Busanga Plains Camp.
Day 1, Lusaka: Meet & Greet at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (or other location in Lusaka) with your private transfer guide. Transfer to Mukambi Safari Lodge for tea break and afternoon activities to include a sunset boat cruise or afternoon game drive. Or, simply relax at the lodge by taking take a dip in the pool or enjoy a massage. Dinner and overnight at Mukambi Safari Lodge.
Days 2 & 3, Fig Tree Bush Camp: Game drive from Mukambi Safari Lodge to Fig Tree Bush Camp. Brunch followed by tea break and afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight Fig Tree Bush Camp. Morning activities on day 4 to include a game drive or guided bush walk in Kafue National Park. Or, simply relax at the camp by taking take a dip in the pool or having an afternoon rest in the hammock overlooking the lagoon.
Days 4, 5 & 6, Busanga Plains Camp: Game drive en-route to the Busanga Plains stopping on the way for a packed breakfast. Lunch followed by tea and cakes before the afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Busanga Plains Camp. Morning activities on day 6 & 7 to include a game drive or guided bush walk on the Busanga Plains. Or, simply relax at the camp by taking take a dip in the pool or reading a book on our viewing platform overlooking the Plains.
Day 7, Mukambi Safari Lodge: Game drive from Busanga Plains Camp to Mukambi Safari Lodge. Brunch followed by tea break and afternoon activities to include a sunset boat cruise or afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Mukambi Safari Lodge.
Day 8, Lusaka: Depending on guest travel itinerary morning activities to include a game drive or guided bush walk in Kafue National Park. Alternatively spend time on the river on a fishing trip or visit our community school. Or, simply relax at the lodge by taking a dip in the pool or enjoy a massage followed by departure for Lusaka by private transfer.
Welcome to 2022 Safari Packages
Mukambi Safaris has three properties located throughout Kafue National Park, and these properties all combine to make great safari itineraries. Each camp has its own unique style and character and offer the ultimate in an African wildlife Safari experience. Friendly, yet luxurious. Mukambi Safaris can host you throughout your entire stay here in Kafue National Park.
Our Safari Packages offer a great discount on multiple nights at two or more of our camps. The pristine African wilderness of Kafue National Park remains vastly undiscovered and offers a variety of activities in diverse ecosystems. Our safari packages ensure that visitors have the opportunity to explore it from all angles with well-rounded land and water-based adventures.
MUKAMBI & BUSANGA PACKAGE
These 5-night Safari packages includes 2 nights at Mukambi Safari Lodge and 3 nights at Busanga Plains Camp.
Day 1, Lusaka: Meet & Greet at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (or other location in Lusaka) with your private transfer guide. Transfer to Mukambi Safari Lodge for tea break and afternoon activities to include a sunset boat cruise or afternoon game drive. Or, simply relax at the lodge by taking take a dip in the pool or enjoy a massage. Dinner and overnight at Mukambi Safari Lodge.
Days 2, 3 & 4, Busanga Plains Camp: Game drive en-route to the Busanga Plains stopping on the way for a packed breakfast. Lunch followed by tea and cakes before the afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Busanga Plains Camp. Morning activities on day 6 & 7 to include a game drive or guided bush walk on the Busanga Plains. Or, simply relax at the camp by taking take a dip in the pool or reading a book on our viewing platform overlooking the Plains.
Days 5, Mukambi Safari Lodge: Game drive from Busanga Plains Camp to Mukambi Safari Lodge. Brunch followed by tea break and afternoon activities to include a sunset boat cruise or afternoon game drive. Or, simply relax at the lodge by taking take a dip in the pool or enjoy a massage. Dinner and overnight at Mukambi Safari Lodge.
Day 6, Lusaka: Depending on guest travel itinerary morning activities to include a game drive or guided bush walk in Kafue National Park. Alternatively spend time on the river on a fishing trip or visit our community school. Or, simply relax at the lodge by taking take a dip in the pool or enjoy a massage followed by departure for Lusaka by private transfer.
Welcome to 2022 Safari Packages
Mukambi Safaris has three properties located throughout Kafue National Park, and these properties all combine to make great safari itineraries. Each camp has its own unique style and character and offer the ultimate in an African wildlife Safari experience. Friendly, yet luxurious. Mukambi Safaris can host you throughout your entire stay here in Kafue National Park.
Our Safari Packages offer a great discount on multiple nights at two or more of our camps. The pristine African wilderness of Kafue National Park remains vastly undiscovered and offers a variety of activities in diverse ecosystems. Our safari packages ensure that visitors have the opportunity to explore it from all angles with well-rounded land and water-based adventures.
MUKAMBI& FIG TREE PACKAGE
This 5-night Safari packages includes 2 nights at Mukambi Safari Lodge and 3 nights at Fig Tree Bush Camp.
Day 1, Lusaka: Meet & Greet at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (or other location in Lusaka) with your private transfer guide. Transfer to Mukambi Safari Lodge for tea break and afternoon activities to include a sunset boat cruise or afternoon game drive. Or, simply relax at the lodge by taking take a dip in the pool or enjoy a massage. Dinner and overnight at Mukambi Safari Lodge.
Day 2, Mukambi Safari Lodge: Morning activities to include a game drive or guided bush walk in Kafue National Park. Alternatively spend time on the river on a fishing trip or visit our community school. Or, simply relax at the lodge by taking take a dip in the pool or enjoy a massage. Brunch followed by tea break and afternoon activities to include a sunset boat cruise or afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Mukambi Safari Lodge.
Days 3, 4 & 5, Fig Tree Bush Camp: Game drive from Mukambi Safari Lodge to Fig Tree Bush Camp. Brunch followed by tea break and afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Fig Tree Bush Camp. Morning activities on day 4 & 5 to include a game drive or guided bush walk in Kafue National Park. Or, simply relax at the camp by taking take a dip in the pool or having an afternoon rest in the hammock overlooking the lagoon.
Day 6, Lusaka: Game drive from Fig Tree Bush Camp to Mukambi Safari Lodge followed by departure for Lusaka by private transfer.