Kafue & Busanga Plains Safari
Zambia's Vast Secret Wilderness and Its Floodplain Lions
Overview
Kafue is Zambia's best-kept secret — a wilderness the size of Wales, so vast and uncrowded that you can drive for hours without seeing another vehicle. This five-day safari centres on its crown jewel, the Busanga Plains: a shimmering seasonal floodplain where tree-climbing lions drape from the fig trees, herds of red lechwe splash across the shallows, and hot-air balloons drift over the grasslands at dawn. Add the lush, green Kafue River and you have one of Africa's great under-the-radar safaris.
Kafue National Park is one of the largest in Africa and among the least visited, which is precisely its magic. The northern Busanga Plains flood in the wet season and dry to a golden savanna teeming with wildlife from July, drawing big prides of lion — famous for climbing trees — as well as cheetah, wild dog, huge herds of red lechwe and puku, and over 500 species of bird. Access is by light aircraft to seasonal camps, keeping this a true wilderness experience.
Who It's For
Made for wildlife purists, photographers and repeat safari-goers who want somewhere genuinely wild and uncrowded — and for anyone chasing the Busanga's famous tree-climbing lions and vast, cinematic floodplain.
Package Highlights
Tree-Climbing Lions
The Busanga's famous prides that lounge in the fig trees
The Busanga Plains
A vast, shimmering floodplain teeming with lechwe and puku
Dawn Balloon Safari
Optional hot-air balloon over the golden plains at sunrise
Cheetah & Wild Dog
Superb open-country predators across the northern plains
Kafue River
Boat cruises and fishing on the lush, green river
True Wilderness
One of Africa's largest, least-visited national parks
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly from Lusaka or Livingstone into Kafue and transfer to a riverside lodge on the lush green banks of the Kafue River. Settle in, then head out on an afternoon boat cruise or game drive, sundowner in hand, as hippos surface and fish eagles call across the water.
🏨 Accommodation: Ila Safari Lodge
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Ila Safari Lodge
📍 Kafue National Park, Zambia
A stylish, solar-powered Green Safaris lodge on the banks of the Kafue River, with river-view tents, a pool, and a silent electric game-viewer and boat for low-impact safaris.
From $620 per person per night
Shumba Camp
📍 Busanga Plains, Kafue National Park, Zambia
A luxury seasonal camp raised above the Busanga floodplain, the finest base for the plains' tree-climbing lions, red lechwe and dawn balloon safaris.
From $880 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Classic
(~$4,250/night)
Superb-value camps, shared game activities and all meals
Get QuoteLuxury
(~$0/night)
Premier riverfront suites, private guiding and premium touches
Get QuoteUltra-Luxury
(~$0/night)
Exclusive-use villas, private vehicle, guide and premium cellar
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ Return light-aircraft charter flights as per itinerary
- ✓ Luxury lodge and tented-camp accommodation
- ✓ All meals at the camps and lodges
- ✓ Open-vehicle day and night game drives
- ✓ Guided walking safaris with licensed guides
- ✓ Park fees and conservation levies
- ✓ Local drinks and house beverages
- ✓ Professional, licensed safari guides
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights to Zambia
- ✗ Zambian visa fees
- ✗ Travel and medical insurance
- ✗ Premium imported wines, champagnes and spirits
- ✗ Gratuities (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Personal expenses and curios
- ✗ Optional activities not specified
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
Zambia is a classic dry-season safari. June to October is prime, as the bush thins and wildlife concentrates on the shrinking lagoons and rivers — August to October is the spectacular peak for predators and walking. The green emerald season (December to March) is lush and superb for birds and newborns, though some bush camps close when the rains flood the roads.
Why Choose This Package
Zambia's Wild Secret
Kafue is one of Africa's largest and least-visited parks — vast, uncrowded and utterly wild.
The Famous Tree-Climbing Lions
The Busanga Plains' prides are renowned for lounging in the fig trees.
River & Plains in One Trip
Combine the lush Kafue River with the cinematic Busanga floodplain.
Dawn Balloon Safaris
Optional hot-air balloon flights over the golden plains at sunrise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Kafue & Busanga Plains Safari?
From $4,250 per person | 5 Days / 4 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
