Seasonal, intimate camp in Kafue’s Busanga Plains, perfect for big cat lovers, birders and authentic, wild African safari experiences.
Location
Wilderness Shumba Camp sits in one of Zambia’s most remote wilderness areas, on a raised “island” in the vast Busanga Plains of Kafue National Park. This wildlife-rich floodplain landscape is legendary for its diverse antelope species and the dramatic predator dynamics that unfold across open grasslands and braided channels. The camp operates during the drier season (typically June to October), when receding waters concentrate game and reveal front-row lion, wild dog and cheetah activity.
Rooms
There are just six elevated luxury tented suites, each built on wooden platforms to maximise views across the plains. Spacious and elegantly appointed, the tents offer en-suite facilities with both indoor and outdoor showers, large beds, and private verandas for relaxed wildlife watching from your own deck.
Facilities
The main lodge areas are designed around the natural setting, with shaded lounge, bar and dining spaces beneath mature trees overlooking the plains. A plunge pool invites cooling dips between activities, while complimentary Wi-Fi and optional in-tent massage treatments add moments of comfort to your stay. Meals draw on local and international influences, often served al fresco under the sky or around a starlit boma fire.
Activities
Shumba’s safari experiences are deeply immersive. Expert guides lead day and night game drives through the plains, while seasonal boat excursions let you glimpse hippos, crocodiles and water birds when channels are still flowing. Birders will relish sightings from a remarkable list of species, and stargazing on clear nights is a nightly highlight. Depending on water levels and season, additional walking options and curated wildlife encounters enhance the experience.
Sustainability
Wilderness Shumba operates with a focus on responsible tourism and conservation. Its seasonal presence helps protect this fragile ecosystem by supporting anti-poaching efforts and creating employment opportunities for local communities. The camp adheres to high environmental standards, from careful waste management to community engagement initiatives that ensure Safari tourism benefits both people and wildlife across the Busanga Plains.
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Kafue National Park Trip Inspiration
When to visit Zambia
Find out the best time to visit Zambia with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a good time to visit Victoria Falls, but the rest of the country is very humid and wet leading to many camps shutting during January.
February
February remains wet, so its a good month to visit the thundering Victoria Falls, however only a few camps stay open for boating and walking. The rains have created lush vegetation, during this time of year it is alive with the sound of migratory birds in their breeding plumage, an excellent time for birders to visit Zambia.
March
If you want to witness Vic Falls at its fullest, March is the month to visit, with huge volumes of spray often obscuring the view. The birding is still magnificent in March, and camps offer fantastic value for money as there are no crowds.
April
In April the weather starts to dry, however rain remains a prominent feature of April. In the Lower Zambezi National Park, lush vegetation is at its thickest making animals more difficult to spot. April is seen to be the best time of year to witness the rarely seen Wild Dog in South Luangwa National Park.
May
May is a mixed month, the onset of the dry season means rains are unlikely, however access to certain camps is tricky due to sodden grounds. Game viewing in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi begin to improve as the vegetation things and waterholes begin to dry up, forcing wildlife together.
June
June is a great time to visit Zambia, the ground starts to dry out and camps are offering excellent deals and there are few visitors to share safari vehicles so you may have some areas to yourself.
July
July is high season, temperatures rise and all the camps are officially open. If you want to see game then South Luangwa is the best option, whereas the Lower Zambezi is perfect for river cruises and fishing.
Victoria falls is at its best, without being overly wet and clouded with spray.
August
August's hot and dry weather kicks off what Zambia is famous for, walking safaris. It is the prime time to combine game viewing with Victoria Falls.
September
Temperatures sore in September reaching high 20's making the long days particularly pleasant. This month sees Carmine Bee Eaters arrive, flocks of hundreds nest in river banks providing a thrilling spectacle of colour and sound.
October
October sees temperatures sore again, game viewing is best done in the early mornings to avoid the hot midday sun.
November
November brings the start of the rainy season, but the good news is the sporadic showers are not too disruptive and visitors get to see dramatic skies and stormy skies brewing. Temperatures are high and it can be humid, but the mixed weather brings great value stays. Plus many young animals are being born, making it a fantastic time to see the parks come to life.
December
The rainy season is in full force in December, grasslands begin to lengthen, foliage thickens and game viewing becomes a little trickier. The rivers rise and dependant on water levels travellers can visit 'devils pool' at Vic Falls, providing high excitement and a head for heights needed if you want to get close to the drop off.
Speak to a Zambia expert today
and start planning your tailor-made holiday
Alistair
