Elegant safari living in the heart of Zambia’s wild Busanga Plains

Set in the remote Busanga Plains, renowned for its extraordinary concentration of antelope and resident lion prides, Wilderness Shumba offers an intimate safari experience unlike any other. With only six luxury tented suites and operating for just five months of the year, this seasonal camp provides an exceptionally exclusive way to explore one of Zambia’s most spectacular wilderness regions.

Perched on its own island and overlooking the expansive floodplains, Shumba offers magnificent sunrise views and direct access to a landscape cherished by photographers and passionate safari travellers. From the camp’s contemporary viewing deck, guests can watch wildlife unfold across the plains, often without having to venture far.

The Busanga Plains support an impressive variety of antelope, creating a natural stage for dramatic predator encounters. Leopard, cheetah and African wild dog inhabit the area, while the famous “flying lions” are the undisputed stars. These powerful cats are known for bounding across the channels and leaping over the seasonal waterways in pursuit of prey.

Accommodation

Shumba is positioned on a small island surrounded by an immense network of floodplains and winding channels. Just six luxury suites ensure an intimate and peaceful atmosphere, including a family suite comprising a spacious room with one double bed and two three-quarter beds, separated by a privacy screen.

All suites are elevated on wooden platforms and feature:

• Indoor and outdoor showers
• Double vanity basins
• Comfortable luxury furnishings
• Elevated views across the surrounding wilderness.

Cuisine

Dining at Shumba is informal, generous and centred around fresh, wholesome ingredients.  The day begins with pastries and fresh fruit before heading out on the morning game drive. On returning, guests can enjoy an unhurried brunch featuring both sweet and savoury choices, with eggs prepared to order.

An afternoon treat provides a welcome pause before the next safari adventure. Dinner follows the evening game drive, with a choice of soup or salad, a satisfying main course and a traditional dessert.

Meet Shumba’s Lions

The name Shumba means “lion”, and the camp certainly lives up to its name. The Busanga Plains are famous for their impressive lion prides, including the remarkable “flying lions” that leap across channels and race through the seasonally flooded grasslands.

Large prides and playful cubs are regularly encountered, providing exceptional opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers to observe these magnificent big cats in their natural environment.

Activities

Game Drives

Set out with experienced guides on exhilarating drives across the Busanga Plains, following predators and exploring the diverse wildlife of this extraordinary ecosystem.

Boating

During the appropriate season, explore the waterways by boat and look for hippos, elephants and other wildlife along the channels.

Birding

With almost 500 recorded species, the Busanga Plains offer exceptional birdwatching opportunities and an impressive variety of habitats to explore.

Stargazing

As night falls, the remote setting reveals a spectacular African sky. Stargazing is a nightly highlight, with minimal light pollution allowing the stars to shine brilliantly overhead.