Overview

Kasonso Busanga Camp is a 4-tent seasonal bush camp strategically positioned in the prime game-viewing corridor of Busanga Plains, Kafue National Park. The camp is managed by Northern Kafue Safaris and operated in partnership with Ntengu Safaris, which has invested significantly in conservation protection of the Kasonso Busanga Game Management Area [1]. Known for: exceptional predator sightings, particularly lions and leopards; large concentrations of red lechwe (the plains' signature antelope); and intimate, rustic accommodation in an exclusive wildlife zone. Best for: photographers seeking authentic wildlife encounters; travelers prioritizing value-for-money safaris; couples and small groups wanting personalized guiding; and birders targeting the region's 491 avian species.

Accommodation & Rooms

The camp features 4 safari tents designed for comfort without luxury excess. Each tent accommodates 2 guests and includes en-suite facilities with hot water. The tents are elevated on wooden platforms, providing panoramic views across the Busanga Plains wetland. Furnishings are simple but functional, with emphasis on minimizing environmental footprint while maintaining guest comfort. The main boma (gathering area) serves as the social hub, featuring dining facilities and a lounge area for evening game discussions and wildlife observation.

Dining & Cuisine

All meals are included in the camp rate and served in the main boma with views across the plains. The kitchen prepares a mix of Zambian and international cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Breakfasts typically feature fresh fruit, eggs, and baked goods prepared for early-morning departures. Lunches accommodate returning game drive schedules, often featuring light options or hearty stews. Dinners are communal affairs served under the stars, fostering guest interaction and guide storytelling. Local beverages including Zambian wines and spirits are included; premium imported drinks are excluded.

Wildlife & Activities

Busanga Plains hosts 158 mammal species and is particularly renowned for Big Five sightings [2]. Red lechwe dominates the plains in herds numbering thousands, alongside sitatunga (papyrus-dwelling antelope), puku, wildebeest, roan antelope, buffalo, and elephant. Predators include lions (the focus of regional recovery programs), leopards, cheetahs, and the endangered African wild dog. The wetland's 491 bird species include African fish eagles, wattled cranes, and Denham's bustards, making it exceptional for birdwatchers [2].

Activities include twice-daily game drives (morning and afternoon/evening) in open vehicles, guided bush walks for closer wildlife observation and tracking, and night game drives for nocturnal species. Game drives typically last 3–4 hours; bush walks are 2–3 hours. The camp can arrange private vehicle hire on request. Photography is facilitated with minimal vehicle restrictions in the prime plains area.

Location & How to Get There

Kasonso Busanga Camp is located approximately 460 kilometers (285 miles) northwest of Lusaka, Zambia's capital. The camp sits within the 8,600-square-mile Kafue National Park, nested within a 25,000-square-mile complex of protected areas forming the remote northern frontier of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) [1]. Access is via charter flight from Harry Mwanga Nkomo International Airport in Livingstone (approximately 2.5 hours flight time) or from Lusaka's Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (approximately 1.5 hours flight time), followed by ground transfer. Road access from Livingstone takes approximately 6–8 hours; from Lusaka, 8–10 hours. The camp provides ground transfers from airstrips; visitors typically fly into Livingstone or Lusaka and arrange onward charter flights through their operator.

Best Time to Visit

Kasonso Busanga Camp operates seasonally from July 1 to November 10 annually, aligning with Zambia's dry season when wildlife concentrates around water sources and vegetation is minimal, maximizing sightings [2]. July–September offers the coolest, driest conditions and peak predator activity; October–November sees higher temperatures and increasing vegetation as rains approach. The wet season (December–June) closes the camp due to impassable roads and dispersed wildlife. Green season (December–May) remains closed; the camp reopens in July. Birdwatching peaks during the dry season when residents are supplemented by migrant species.

Conservation & Community

Ntengu Safaris, the camp operator, has invested in protection and management of the Kasonso Busanga Game Management Area, working alongside Zambia's Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), Musekese Conservation, and Panthera to monitor carnivores and remove snares [1]. The camp employs local guides and support staff, contributing to community economic development. The property uses 100% renewable energy (solar power) and implements waste prevention and recycling protocols. LED lighting covers 80% of installations. The camp sources 80% of food from organic suppliers, minimizing environmental impact. Multi-night stays across Northern Kafue properties (Kasonso, Kafue River Lodge, Kikuji Camp) offer "stay longer, pay less" packages, incentivizing extended conservation-focused travel.

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