A Memorable Zambia Safari: 33 Mammals 75 Birds and Exceptional Lodges

Some safaris are remembered for one extraordinary sighting. Others stay with you because every few days bring a new rhythm, a new landscape and a fresh way of seeing the bush.

This Zambia journey was the second kind.

Over 12 days, the guests travelled through some of Zambia’s finest safari areas, staying at Ntemwa-Busanga Camp, Royal Zambezi Lodge, Kafunta and Three Rivers Camp. By the end of the trip, they had identified 33 separate mammal species, 75 bird species and 1 reptile, a flap-necked chameleon.

That kind of species count says a lot about great guiding, varied habitats and time spent in the right places. It also reflects what Zambia does so well: wild, low-density safari country with a strong guiding culture and lodges that each bring something different to the experience.

“We had a fantastic time in Zambia. All the lodges were exceptional. In most cases we had a private guide.”

Ntemwa Busanga Camp and the plains beyond.

This is a breakdown of the safari

• Ntemwa-Busanga Camp for the depth and drama of Busanga Plains

• Royal Zambezi Lodge for comfort, river activities and a slower pace

• Kafunta for strong guiding and classic game viewing

• Three Rivers Camp for a memorable walking safari and a more intimate bush experience

In most cases we had a private guide.  Our favorite was Ntemwa-Busanga camp.  Daniel, our guide, was highly knowledgeable and personable with an uncanny ability to find animals. While the accommodations are pretty basic we were very comfortable.  The camp is particularly well managed.  Busanga plains has extraordinary depth and variety of animals.  The schedule was rigorous but well worthwhile.

“Busanga Plains has extraordinary depth and variety of animals.”

Boat cruise at Royal Zambezi Lodge

Royal Zambezi Lodge provided a welcome opportunity to relax but the game drives and boat trips were most interesting.

Kafunta is another well run lodge.  Our guide, Enerti, was a delightful person  and accomplished guide.  We saw lions, leopards and many noteworthy birds.  The pontoon conveyance to get to the park is ingenious but it did not operate in our last day due to low water.  Three Rivers Camp was also memorable.  Our guide accompanied us there and we particularly enjoyed a walking safari with John who manages the camp.

Three Rivers Camp

The species count;

Wildlife recorded	Count
Mammal species	33
Bird species	75
Reptile species	1

What this feedback says about planning a safari in Zambia

Guest feedback like this is useful because it shows how the pieces of a safari fit together in real life.

A lodge can look beautiful on paper, but the guide shapes the day. A remote camp may have basic accommodation, yet deliver the strongest wildlife experience. A comfortable lodge may be valuable not because it is the most adventurous stop, but because it gives travellers time to rest and absorb what they have already seen.

This trip also shows the importance of matching expectation to place.