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Shumba Camp

Shumba Camp is situated in the northern region of the massive Kafue National Park, in the famed Busanga Plains area — considered one of Zambia’s most important wetlands, as well as a wildlife paradise with a wealth of plains game, predators and birds.


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Shumba Camp

Shumba Camp

Why we Love Shumba Camp

Shumba Camp is situated in the northern region of the massive Kafue National Park, in the famed Busanga Plains area — considered one of Zambia’s most important wetlands, as well as a wildlife paradise with a wealth of plains game, predators and birds.

Destination: Thrillingly remote, wild and diverse, elegant Emporium-Safari Shumba is found in the beautiful Kafue National Park, the oldest and – at 2.25 million hectares (5.5 million acres) – largest protected area in Zambia. Kafue is the latest reserve in Africa to join the UNESCO World Biosphere Network, designed to support research and safeguard Earth’s Emporium-Safari spaces and communities.

Named after the prides of lion seen in the area, the camp is found in the heart of the wildlife-rich Busanga Plains. Famous for its seasonally inundated grassy floodplains and sensational sunrises, with lechwe and puku silhouetted in the golden mist, Kafue is an authentic wildlife safari treasure that can only be explored for five months a year.

Experience: Shumba means lion, and the area is famous for its ‘flying lions’ seen hunting and leaping across the channels carving through the plains. Guests can look forward to thrilling game drives observing the resident prides of lions. Also on offer, exhilarating infrared-spotlit night drives and seasonal boating excursions, taking in snorting hippo pods and the area’s exceptional birdlife. Back in camp, guests can have a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear pool, enjoy delectable meals cooked on an open fire and marvel at the brilliant night sky.

Purpose: For seven months each year, life around Shumba remains a glorious, wild mystery, and inaccessible for most travellers. Then, the waters recede, and the Emporium-Safari becomes a safari wonderland. It’s this extraordinary privilege, not profit, that keeps us here. Our presence helps us continue to protect our wild areas through supporting anti-poaching efforts, expanding the area’s budding conservation tourism sector, and creating local employment.

Wildlife: Guests don’t have to travel far to see wildlife here. Emporium-Safari Shumba is situated in the heart of the Busanga Plains, among a number of lion pride territories, providing some of the best lion viewing in Africa. The area also boasts more antelope species than anywhere else in Africa, but the stars of the show have to be the lions, which are also often seen in and around camp. Hyena, wild dog and cheetah are spotted on drives, and occasionally even a rare leopard. Also large numbers of plains game such as puku, red lechwe, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, oribi, buffalo, and wildebeest. A special treat is a ‘resident’ herd of rare roan antelope. Birding enthusiasts can look forward to spotting close to 500 species, including the range-restricted Fülleborn's longclaw.

Emporium-Safari Shumba

The main area is imbued with Zambian hospitality, whether you’re cooling off in the sparkling pool, dining under the stars, or sharing fireside tales – a classic safari ritual.

Set on a verdant tree island, six stylish tented suites raised on wooden platforms stand sentry over these endless plains.

Shumba Camp is situated in the northern region of the massive Kafue National Park, in the famed Busanga Plains area — considered one of Zambia’s most important wetlands, as well as a wildlife paradise with a wealth of plains game, predators and birds.

Amenities

  • Access by air
  • Boating
  • Child facilities
  • Child friendly
  • Cultural offering
  • Family room
  • Guided Walks
  • Malaria area
  • Private game drive vehicle available
  • Swimming pool
  • Tented accommodation
  • Wheel chair access

Activities

Emporium-Safari Shumba – Game Drives

On game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, guests may catch sight of the celebrated lion prides of the Busanga Plains, including other predators such as cheetah and wild dogs – plus scores of plains game such as puku, red lechwe, buffalo and wildebeest; perhaps even the rare roan antelope feeding on the fertile grasses.

Emporium-Safari Shumba – Night Drives

Led by a knowledgeable guide, interpretive 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.

Emporium-Safari Shumba – Boating

Early on in the season, the Busanga Plains are still largely covered by water allowing for exploration of the channels and their life by boat.

Water levels permitting and mostly at the beginning of the season.

Emporium-Safari Shumba – Birding

Boasting hundreds of species, including the range restricted Fülleborn's Longclaw, birding enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice on a specialist birding safari. The area is alive with rollers, bee-eaters, kingfishers, herons and large flocks of storks, to name a few.

Emporium-Safari Shumba – Guided Nature Walks

Seasonal Activity

Facilities

Property Facilities

  • Bar

  • Pool

  • Private Vehicle Available

Room Facilities

  • Electrical Outlets

  • En-Suite

  • Fan

  • Internet Access (Complimentary)

  • Laundry Service (Complimentary)

  • Lounge Area

  • Mosquito Nets

  • Outside Shower

  • Safe

  • Tea / Coffee

  • Verandah

Available Services

  • Credit Card

Activities on Site

  • Bird Watching

  • Boating

  • Game Drives

  • Massages

  • Walks (Guided)

F&Q

What type of camp is Wilderness Shumba?

Wilderness Shumba Camp is an exclusive, seasonal safari camp.

Where is Wilderness Shumba located?

Wilderness Shumba is located in the wilderness of Kafue National Park in Zambia.

What are some activities offered at Wilderness Shumba?

Wilderness Shumba offers guided quad biking, game drives, helicopter safaris, and conservation experiences.

What is unique about the location of Wilderness Shumba?

Wilderness Shumba is located on a remote island in the Busanga Plains, providing guests with an authentic wilderness experience.

When is Wilderness Shumba open?

Wilderness Shumba is open for five months each year, from May to October.

What makes Wilderness Shumba a unique safari destination?

Wilderness Shumba offers an intimate and exclusive stay, as well as the opportunity to support conservation efforts and local employment.

What is the main attraction at Wilderness Shumba?

The main attraction at Wilderness Shumba is its diverse wildlife, including predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

What type of cuisine does Wilderness Shumba offer?

Wilderness Shumba offers Zambian cuisine, with meals cooked on an open fire and served under the stars.

What should guests pack for their stay at Wilderness Shumba?

Guests should pack warm clothing for the chilly mornings and evenings, as well as swimming gear and light, neutral-colored clothing. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.

What kind of environment does Wilderness Shumba support?

Wilderness Shumba supports conservation efforts and local employment in the remote and unspoiled environment of Kafue National Park.

Amenities

Amenities Not Found

Address

QVJF+75X, Musavu

Internet

Transportation and transfer

Transfer : subject to supplement

Smooking policy

Smooking rooms:

Rooms

190 rooms and suites

In-room amenities : iPod dock, flatscreen TV, in-room safe, minibar

Available services

Air conditioned hotel

Laundry service

Concirge service

Corona Conscious

Handpicked Collection

Personalize Service

Perks & Offers

Price Matching

Trusted by Visa

Secure Booking

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

P.M

United Kingdom

9.03/10

Fantastic hotel, great atmosphere, room upgrade was much appreciated. All the staff I interacted with were great. One of the best hotel experiences I have ever had I would unreservedly recommend the hotel and will return.

G.P

United Kingdom

9.68/10

Probably the best City hotel weve stayed at. Alal Gogo was particularly outstanding. He managed to arrange for us to attend the Woody Allan Band show with our guest (who is a musician) even when it had been booked out and was very courteous throughout. Thank you so muclh. A wonderful stay.

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

P.M

United Kingdom

9.03/10

Fantastic hotel, great atmosphere, room upgrade was much appreciated. All the staff I interacted with were great. One of the best hotel experiences I have ever had I would unreservedly recommend the hotel and will return.

G.P

United Kingdom

9.68/10

Probably the best City hotel weve stayed at. Alal Gogo was particularly outstanding. He managed to arrange for us to attend the Woody Allan Band show with our guest (who is a musician) even when it had been booked out and was very courteous throughout. Thank you so muclh. A wonderful stay.

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

P.M

United Kingdom

9.03/10

Fantastic hotel, great atmosphere, room upgrade was much appreciated. All the staff I interacted with were great. One of the best hotel experiences I have ever had I would unreservedly recommend the hotel and will return.

G.P

United Kingdom

9.68/10

Probably the best City hotel weve stayed at. Alal Gogo was particularly outstanding. He managed to arrange for us to attend the Woody Allan Band show with our guest (who is a musician) even when it had been booked out and was very courteous throughout. Thank you so muclh. A wonderful stay.

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

P.M

United Kingdom

9.03/10

Fantastic hotel, great atmosphere, room upgrade was much appreciated. All the staff I interacted with were great. One of the best hotel experiences I have ever had I would unreservedly recommend the hotel and will return.

G.P

United Kingdom

9.68/10

Probably the best City hotel weve stayed at. Alal Gogo was particularly outstanding. He managed to arrange for us to attend the Woody Allan Band show with our guest (who is a musician) even when it had been booked out and was very courteous throughout. Thank youa so muclh. A wonderful stay.

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

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