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Set in western Zambia's massive Kafue National Park, Shumba Camp has nearly exclusive access to the famed, wildlife rich Busanga Plains. It's a little bit tricky to get to, but you'll know why you've come as soon as you arrive. This elegant, intimate camp sits on a tiny tree island surrounded by seemingly endless floodplains and mesmerizing vistas in every direction. Because of the fluctuating water levels, the camp is only open from May to October, during which time the activities may vary substantially. No matter when you come, you're likely to experience a vast array of wildlife - including world-class birding - and will no doubt indulge in a good dose of luxury.
From $1,590 person/night
A hot air balloon ride over the plains ends in a champagne breakfast (of course) and comes complimentary for those staying three nights or more.
Photograph the beautiful roan and sable antelope on the picture-perfect mist-enshrouded plains.
Get up close and personal with the camp's namesake (Shumba means "lion") when the local pride comes roaring by.
Raised wooden decks provide superb panoramic views over the game-rich plains. A few impressive fig trees provide the bar and outside dining area with a bit of shade, while the rest of the deck is open to the sky, making for some spectacular star-gazing. There's also a small boma, great for a dinner accompanied by some Zambian song and dance. A fire pit on the main deck is surrounded by generous and comfortable seating, while a small swimming pool sits alongside. A peaceful bird hide at the one end of camp completes this perfect retreat.
Six tented suites are spacious and decorated luxuriously. Fine linen, long white curtains, four-poster beds, comfortable couches and a writing table adorn the open-plan rooms; the ensuite and outdoor bathrooms have every amenity you need, including a shower with a view. Spectacular views through the tents' mesh sides come standard. Each extensive private deck has a slightly lowered sala seating area with several cushions along a wooden bench. Classy accommodation in the middle of the bush!
This is one of the least visited, most pristine and potentially productive game regions in Africa. Come early in the season (May/June) if you want to get out on the water, or later on (August-October) for top game viewing.
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There are a lot of ways to stay busy at Shumba. A host of wildlife beckons from the plains, including puku and red lechwe, big herds of buffalo and if you're lucky, roan and sable antelope. Lions are relatively numerous here and tend to provide plenty of action - whether on game drive or in camp. Night drives often produce sightings of genets, civets and owls. If you visit in May or June, the Busanga Plains are usually still largely covered in water, providing an opportunity to explore the channels and lagoons by boat. There are nearly 500 species of birds here, so you'll be sure to get your twitch on with a specialist birding safari. Bush walks here certainly give you a sense of the space around you, but are subject to environmental conditions and availability of an official scout and a qualified walking guide. But the pick of the activities is the balloon ride over the plains, watching game far below while birds fly alongside. This experience is complimentary for guests who stay three or more nights, but only available from August to October.
Shumba Camp is owned by Wilderness safaris which aims to double its conservation impact by 2030, protecting 6 million acres of land. Their framework focuses on Educate, Empower, and Protect pillars, building a conservation economy, nurturing future leaders, and preserving unfenced wilderness. Through immersive hospitality experiences and partnerships with nonprofits like Children in the Wilderness and the Wilderness Trust, they engage guests in conservation efforts and address diverse threats to wilderness, wildlife, and communities.