Shumba Camp is located in the northwestern corner of the Kafue National Park, in the centre of the famous Busanga Plains.
The Busanga Plains cover approximately 750 square kilometres, and this area is considered one of Zambia's most important wetlands, as well as hosting a wealth of plains game such as red lechwe, roan, the diminutive oribi, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, herds of wildebeest, zebra and buffalo. This is, in turn, a big attraction for predators, including wild dog, cheetah and prides of lion.
Shumba Camp is perfectly situated to take advantage of the wildlife concentrations of the Busanga Plains, being situated as it is within close proximity to permanent water and having easy access to the mix of seasonal and permanent floodplains.
A maximum of 12 guests can be accommodated at any one time and great emphasis has been placed on the guided experience. Guests are led by qualified, enthusiastic people with in-depth knowledge of the area and its wildlife, and have the option of daily game drives in and around the Plains combined with night drives, which provide the added excitement of the nocturnal wonders of the area.
The camp's fig trees ensure both shade and constant bird activity in the canopy above - some 491 bird species have been recorded on the Plains.
Shumba Camp comprises 6 spacious en-suite luxury safari tents on raised platforms with spectacular views of the surrounding plains. The rooms are large, and offer both indoor and outdoor showers. There is also one family tent which sleeps 4 comfortably.
The main dining and bar area is elevated so as to take in this vista and each morning's sunrise; dinner takes place either here or in the cosy boma where guests can also enjoy elements of local Zambian culture. Many meals are prepared and cooked on the fire in front of the guests enhancing the safari experience.
Rates Include
all meals; tea/coffee; 2 daily scheduled camp activities; Park fees; local drinks (premium imported brands are excluded); and a laundry service are included.
Children Policy
Children aged 6 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request. Children uder the age of 12 are not permitted on walking safaris.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on walking safaris. A walking safari can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.
Regardless of age, the final decision on whether a guest can join a walking safari remains with the guide and lodge manager.
General Information For Guests
The rooms are all en-suite and include a private verandah overlooking the surrounding plains. They also have a lounge area, personal safe, fan, tea/coffee making facilities and mosquito nets.
The main area consists of the bar, dining area, boma, indoor and outdoor lounge, deck area and swimming pool.
A complimentary laundry service is provided.
Credit cards are accepted.
A private vehicle is also available.
The activities at Shumba include day/night game drives, walking safaris, boating excursions, hot air balloon safaris and specialist birding safaris.
Night drives offer a glimpse into Busanga Plains’ unique, nocturnal world. A diverse range of species may be seen at night, including genet, civet, owls and occasionally the elusive leopard.
Walking safaris offer you the chance to enjoy the small wonders of the Park and to view general game and a variety of bird species. Walks are always done with a Department Of National Parks And Wildlife Scout (Seasonal and subject to availability of a DNPW scout and qualified walking guide).
Boasting 491 species, including the endemic Chaplin's barbet, birding enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice on a specialist birding safari. The area is also alive with rollers, bee-eaters, kingfishers, herons and large flocks of storks, to name a few.
Hot air balloon rides gives you the chance to take to the skies in style and gaze over the scenic splendour both above and below. This life-changing experience ends with a sumptuous champagne breakfast. (Available August to October; conservation fee applies)
Boating excursions are done early on in the season, when the Busanga Plains are still covered in much water. An excursion during this time allows for exploration of the channels and their wildlife.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on walking safaris. A walking safari can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.
Regardless of age, the final decision on whether a guest can join a walking safari remains with the guide and lodge manager.
