Fantastic wildlife in wonderfully wild places
Northern Kafue Safari
- 01-01-2010
- Categorized in: The Kafue
$4000 2012 8 Nights
Safari in the North eastern sector of the Kafue exploring the Miombo woodland and Rivers, visiting the vast Busanga Plains amongst the herds of Buffalo and magnificent Lions. These are three really relaxed and informal camps where friends are easily made and the wildlife is interesting and varied. You will be guided by some of the Kafue's best and most experienced, searching out the wildlife and birds that abound here, but also you will also have the chance to just sit and watch as game comes and goes to the rivers between exciting and interesting day and night time game drives or walking expeditions.
Starting at Mayukuyuku for 2 nights, where you will be settled into the Kafue's smallest tented camp on the Southern edge of the Northern sector of the Park, situated between the lightly wooded tree line and the Kafue riverbank. Large shady trees and the views both upstream and downstream are magnificent. The Kafue river narrows through rapids and opens to a wide stretch of river edged with grassy banks and pools which draw game into view on a quite beautiful spot by the river. You will spend time on morning or evening / night game drives in open 4x4s with the chance to take part in bush walks, the hotter part of the day spent in the shade with your binos constantly to hand to get a sight of the myriad birds and with luck Otters that frequent the river at this spot.
The safari heads north up onto the Busanga Plains to “The Plains Camp”, a tiny bush camp nestled in a stand of trees in the middle of this important eco system. The Plains Camp, is a classic safari camp comprising just a few, very spacious and comfortable Meru safari tents tastefully furnished, complete with en-suite bathrooms, open to the sky with canvas bucket showers. Each tent has its own private verandah best enjoyed during day-light hours as at night hippos often wander through camp. Meals are eaten in a cosy thatched dining room, where hot tea and biscuits can be found before an early morning drive. A campfire is lit in the evening as a gathering place before or after a day game viewing. The size of the camp means that you will be given the most personal service possible, and the menu matches the quality of service. Your time at the Plains camp is an experience in itself but to get the most from your stay the day usually starts around 05.30 a.m. with tea before a game drive across the plains or a guided walking safari searching amongst the Tree islands and reeds for Lions and a myriad wildlife. Amongst the ungulates are large groups of red Lechwe, a semi-aquatic antelope, handsome roan antelope are present, as are huge herds of buffalo, groups of wildebeest and sometimes even Eland antelope. Lions are very abundant, not to mention cheetahs hunting for their prey in the open area or leopards roaming the tree lines bordering the plains. Witness skies filled with wheeling Black storks and rare wattled cranes.
After 3 nights you leave camp by 4x4 to rendevous with a long boat from “Hippo Lodge “ which takes you South east up the Kafue river for around 3 hours to Camp, this journey nearly always generates spectacular wildlife sightings.
On arrival at Hippo you will immediately be struck by the warm welcome and friendliness of the staff. The atmosphere here is completely relaxed and informal and you are encouraged to feel completely at home. Next to the seperate bar / lounge ls a small swimming pool in which to cool off and get a tan whilst keeping your binos close at hand. Trained staff create some great meals from the camp kitchen and even here clients are welcome to join in for a lesson in safari cooking on wood stoves. Although dinner can be interrupted by an impromptu drive out if a Lion is calling near to camp. Just a km from camp is a naturally occurring hot spring and which is sometimes the venue for an evening Braai and swim. In true safari style Hippo Lodge does not have electric lights and you will depend on paraffin lanterns and torches.
Hippo is full of character and has a formula which works as clients always seem to come back. Aiming to be flexible and professional while at the same time providing a gateway to a unique wildlife experience.
Game viewing by open 4x4 vehicles, on extensive loops of bush tracks east of the river are arranged in the early morning before the heat sucks the wildlife into the shade, or late afternoon/night. As dusk falls the hunt is on to track down the elusive cats: Lions, Leopard and African Wild Cat, as well as lumbering Hippo hauling out to feed and many other small and not so small creatures. It is not uncommon for impromptu evening drive-outs to be made, following the sound of a nearby Lion’s roar. Walking safaris are arranged at the clients request (and are subject to there being a national park scout available to accompany), the length of a walk is judged on the clients fitness and may vary from 5km to 15 km, in areas of complete wilderness, you will experience many fascinating aspects of the bush from The chance to see are antelope species that the Kafue is famed for, to visiting the remains of a Lions last kill, . Situated as it is on the Kafue river and with so many kms to explore game viewing from boat can be spectacular, and as Hippo Lodge has always had a tradition of fishing (angling is by no means compulsory,) but there is tackle available for guest to hire and always a willing hand to thread a worm and later serve your catch to you for dinner.
Island Excursions -
Trips to these small idyllic wooded islands within the Kafue River can be arranged in camp for the adventurous guest. These trips are entirely different bush experiences that never fail to excite.
Hot Springs -
A natural hot spring, situated about a kilometer from the lodge, provides guests with a perfect opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate in a unique sand bottomed natural Jacuzzi – bathing at the spring is one of our most popular activities. A BBQ dinner alongside the spring, under the starry African sky, makes for an unforgettable evening.
Itinerary
- Day 1. Arrive Lusaka and travel with a guide to Mayukuyuku camp for 2 nights
- Day 3,4 & 5. Game drive to The Plains camp, Busanga Plains for next 3 or two nights.
- Day 6, 7, & 8. Transfer by 4x4 & Boat to Hippo Lodge for next 3 nights
- Day 9. Transfer by road to Lusaka for night in Pioneer Lodge in Lusaka (extra cost) Or on forward to the Luangwa valley/ Victoria Falls
Notes
- All inclusive at Hippo & and The Plains camp. Full Board at Mayukuyuku
- Includes: Transfers to and from Lusaka. Park frees.
- Excludes: International flights.
- Can add a night in Lusaka Hotel approx. $170 single, $200 double.
