After an exhilarating year of travels, my final adventure took me deep into the wild heart of Zambia for an unforgettable 2.5-week journey. From the remote Busanga Plains to the ethereal Winterthorn Forest of Lower Zambezi and finally the intimate setting of Mwamba Bush Camp in South Luangwa, this was a safari experience like no other.
Busanga Bush Camp - Kafue National Park
We began our journey in Lusaka, where we boarded a small plane and headed north to the remote and untamed Busanga Plains, where we spent five unforgettable nights at Busanga Bush Camp. Having this small, intimate bush camp all to ourselves was a real treat, and our guide, James, went above and beyond to ensure that we made the most of our time here.
For those unfamiliar with the Busanga Plains, this region of Kafue National Park is renowned for its vast open landscapes and abundant wildlife. The lion prides are truly spectacular, and witnessing these majestic predators roam the plains was nothing short of magical. Over the course of our stay, we saw a total of 31 different lions, including two of the newest additions to the population. The dynamics within these prides are fascinating—one lioness even took on the role of caring for some of her nieces and nephews while still socializing with her own cubs, a rare behavior in lion populations.
The Busanga Plains are also home to herds of lechwe, roan, sable, buffalo, and elephants, making every game drive a unique wilderness experience. Whether we were photographing the sunrise as it lit up the misty plains or watching herds move gracefully across the grasslands, the Busanga Plains truly encapsulate what it means to experience wild Africa.
More on Busanga Bush Camp:
Nestled in the heart of the Kafue National Park, Busanga Bush Camp offers an immersive experience in one of Zambia's most remote areas. With only four tents, the camp provides an intimate, personalized safari that focuses on both adventure and relaxation. The camp is perfectly positioned to explore the nearby floodplains, which attract a variety of wildlife throughout the year, including lions, cheetahs, and large herds of herbivores. The area is particularly famous for its unique lion prides, which have adapted to life in these seasonal wetlands. The camp is an excellent base for exploring the unspoiled wilderness that Kafue is known for.
Kutali Camp - Lower Zambezi National Park
Next, we moved on to the Lower Zambezi and stayed at Kutali Camp, a wonderful camp in a prime location. The Lower Zambezi is truly a photographer’s paradise, and the Winterthorn Forest here is unlike anything I’ve seen before. These towering trees create an ethereal backdrop for nearly every subject as they wander through the forest, providing unique photographic opportunities. Think of it as Mana Pools but with more predator activity and fewer opportunities to photograph elephants standing on their hind legs. The natural setting begged for us to capture stunning panoramas, offering an incredible sense of scale that highlights the animals within their environment.
Photographing in this forest was an exhilarating challenge. We worked hard to capture various panoramic shots using prime lenses, a technique that can elevate a great image into something that tells an entirely different and more powerful story. We worked hard on capturing panoramas with the compliment of prime lenses, a technique that can take a great image like this:
And transform it into something that tells an entirely different, and in my opinion, more powerful story. Here are some examples of these panoramas (multiple images shot with the intention of stitching them together in Lightroom). PS: I know, these images aren’t done any justice displayed here or on Instagram and I’ve set a personal goal to get my butt into gear and start updating galleries on my website in the coming months. Keep an eye out for that…
While I would have loved to catch up with the well-known pack of 30+ wild dogs that frequent this region, their erratic movements kept them elusive during our stay. Nevertheless, the Lower Zambezi delivered more than enough photographic opportunities to keep us inspired and excited.
This was my first visit to Lower Zambezi and I can assure you that it wont be my last. I can see why our “Treasures Of The Lower Zambezi ” scheduled departures are so popular and would encourage every avid safari goer to add this to your ever growing list of destinations to explore.
More on Kutali Camp:
Situated on Kulefu Island within the Lower Zambezi National Park, Kutali Camp offers a remote and rustic wilderness experience. The camp features Meru-style tents, providing comfort while blending seamlessly into the environment. Its unique location, surrounded by Winterthorn and Acacia trees, offers visitors access to some of the best wildlife viewing in Zambia. The Lower Zambezi is renowned for its large elephant herds, leopards, and lions, and Kutali is ideally positioned to explore the park's most beautiful and remote corners. With a strong focus on walking safaris, the camp provides guests with an up-close and personal experience of this remarkable ecosystem.
Mwamba Bush Camp - South Luangwa National Park
We concluded our journey in South Luangwa at Mwamba Bush Camp, an intimate and recently refurbished camp that serves as a perfect base for small groups. Mwamba is well-known for its proximity to the “Last Waterhole,” which consistently delivers exceptional wildlife sightings, even while sitting in camp. During our stay, we were treated to herds of buffalo, elephant, and several lion visits, making it a thrilling finale to our trip.
The newly updated rooms at Mwamba were comfortable and functional, with plenty of charging points to keep our gear ready for action. The camp’s warm hospitality and the beautiful surroundings made it the ideal place to unwind and reflect on the adventure. If you’re traveling with a small group, Mwamba’s setup allows for exclusive use, providing a personal and peaceful safari experience.
More on Mwamba Bush Camp:
Located within South Luangwa National Park, Mwamba Bush Camp is a hidden gem for safari enthusiasts seeking a more intimate experience. The camp, which features just four rustic, eco-friendly chalets, has recently undergone a thoughtful refurbishment, adding modern touches while maintaining its authentic bush camp feel. Mwamba’s highlight is its “Last Waterhole,” which attracts a variety of wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for close-up game viewing right from camp. With its secluded location and personalized service, Mwamba is the perfect base for a memorable safari, especially for those interested in exploring the park's prolific predator populations and diverse ecosystems.
Each of these camps offered something unique, from the endless horizons of the Busanga Plains to the magical light of the Winterthorn Forest and the secluded charm of Mwamba. This journey through Zambia will remain one of my most memorable safaris, and I’m already looking forward to returning to these incredible places in the future.
Keep an eye out for my updated galleries on my website in the coming months, where I’ll be sharing some of my favorite shots from this trip!
