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Mukambi Safari Lodge

Very well-presented lodge with expert staff

A prime location for enjoying amazing wildlife in comfort

Mukambi Safari Lodge is centrally located in the park, right on the banks of the stunning Kafue River. The Kafue National Park is roughly the size of Wales, so there is plenty to explore in this vast wilderness!

Accommodation at Mukambi Safari Lodge consists of three options: firstly, there are eight comfortable en-suite chalets with either one queen-size double bed or two single beds. Secondly, there is one luxury family Riverside Villa with two en-suite bedrooms, a fully furnished living room and a large wooden deck overlooking the Kafue River. Finally, there are four luxury tents suitable for couples with their own private deck, nestled in the bush on the river banks. All the tents have electricity and hot water and have been decorated stylishly and designed with comfort in mind. The Mukambi Safari Lodge also has a restaurant and bar beside the relaxing infinity pool, and the chefs are happy to cater to any dietary needs.

Mukambi Safari Lodge offers two game drives daily at sunrise and around two hours before sunset. These game drives are led by extremely knowledgeable guides who will ensure you see some amazing wildlife such as elephants, lions and leopards. Further activities include walking safaris, river cruises, fishing trips and local community tours.

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Mukambi Safari Lodge

About Mukambi Safari Lodge

In central Kafue,Mukambi Safari Lodge is a large property solidly built with concrete, stone, thatch and ...

... wood, based just across the river from the national park. Just off the main road from Lusaka, it's easy to reach using road transfers, and makes for a useful springboard for reaching the more isolated areas in Kafue. Mukambi Safari Lodge is a well built and very well run property. It's larger and more substantial than many other properties that we feature in Zambia, and it certainly won't suit those looking for a simple bushcamp. However, with it's convenient location and creature comforts it's a great place to start or end a trip to Kafue, combing it with some of the parks more remote bushcamps.

Birdwatching

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Mukambi Safari Lodge: Full Report

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Traveller reviews of Mukambi Safari Lodge

3 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.

Arrived 19 Sep 2022, 3 nights

"Mukambi Safari Lodge review"

Overall rating: Good

Arrived 28 Oct 2021, 1 nights

Arrived 1 Nov 2021, 2 nights

See all Mukambi Safari Lodge reviews

Expert Africa's gallery

When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 96 pictures of Mukambi Safari Lodge to get the candid view.

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Mukambi Safari Lodge's location

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When to go to Kafue National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mukambi Safari Lodge in Kafue National Park

Zambia in January

At the peak of Zambia’s rainy season, you can expect heavy rainfall for a few hours most days, with sunny spells in between. Temperatures remain high, reaching over 30ºC, with high humidity. The rainfall is yet to make a significant difference to the Victoria Falls, and the flow of water here remains low. The landscapes are green and lush and the air crystal clear, but with the abundance of water the wildlife disperses, and the thick bush can restrict sightings. It severely limits walking safaris too. Migrant birds boost the species count at this time. With seasonal rivers in flood and dirt roads and airstrips unusable, many camps in Zambia become inaccessible, and close. Only a few lodges in the central Kafue and the South Luangwa remain open. Few people visit in January, so the parks are incredibly quiet and the camps charge their lowest rates.

• Peak of rainy season: hot & humid, with rain for a few hours most days
• Majority of camps closed throughout the month
• Bush incredibly green & lush, with clear air – great for photography
• Big game dispersed & thick bush makes sightings difficult
• Very few visitors: the cheapest time to visit

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in January

Zambia in February

February remains in the heart of the rainy season, with dramatic thunderstorms delivering a few hours of rain most days, interspersed with clear sunny skies. There is still an abundance of water in the environment, dispersing game and closing camps. With the thick bush, game viewing is limited and walking safaris restricted, but the swollen rivers allow some activities that would be unavailable in the dry season, such as boat trips on the Luangwa River. After a couple of months of rain, water will once more be making its way to the Zambezi River, and the flow of water over the Victoria Falls will start to pick up. Visitor numbers and costs at the few open camps remain low.

• Peak of rainy season: hot & humid with rain for a few hours most days
• Most camps closed throughout the month
• Bush lush & green: good for photography but poor for game viewing
• Very few visitors, & the cheapest time to visit
• Water levels at Victoria Falls still low, but starting to pick up

Weather in February

Zambia in March

March is the last month of the rainy season in Zambia, and there are still heavy downpours most days. Water levels are at their highest making it difficult to get around the country. Temperatures still reach over 30ºC most days, too, with the rain causing high levels of humidity. Many camps remain closed, and the thick bush limits game viewing and walking safaris. However, many animals are raising young at this time of year, with predators taking advantage of the easy prey, so sightings can be incredible, if sporadic. Wild dogs in the South Luangwa are particularly active at this time of year. With clear air and increasingly frequent blue skies as a backdrop, photography can be spectacular. The birding remains excellent as thousands of birds prepare for their winter migration.

• Peak of rainy season, hot & humid, with rain for a few hours most days
• Bush remains green & lush: good for photography but poor game viewing
• High abundance of animals with young

Weather in March

Zambia in April

As the rains change from intense downpours to lighter and sporadic showers, April is very much a transitionary period in Zambia. The landscape remains exceptionally green and lush, with sparse viewing of larger wildlife. Although camps start to reopen in April, most remain closed, and others that were open at the start of the year may shut to prepare for the coming dry season. This is the first month of the year when it’s possible to visit the Lower Zambezi. The Zambezi River will be at its highest level with the Victoria Falls in full flow, but with huge amounts of spray kicked up views of the waterfall are often obscured.

• Tail end of the rainy season; hot & humid with light rain most days
• Some camps reopen; possible to visit the Lower Zambezi
• Bush still green & lush: good for photography; poor for game viewing
• Victoria Falls in full flow but with poor views

Weather in April

Zambia in May

May is typically the first month of the dry season. While there is the chance of an odd shower, the majority of days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, temperatures start to drop, with most days reaching highs of around 26ºC. As the landscape dries out, access to the parks improves, and all but the most remote bushcamps reopen. After five months of rain there is still a lot of standing water, but despite the thick bush May marks a distinct improvement in game viewing, and clear air is a continuing bonus for photographers. The end of the month can be a popular time for visitors, taking advantage of typically good weather, improved game viewing, and the last of the low-season rates offered by the camps.

• Start of the dry season in a typical year, with mostly clear & sunny
• Majority of camps open
• Bush still green & lush, with clear air for photographers
• Game viewing starts to improve
• Last month of low rates at the camps

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

Zambia in June

Zambia sees virtually no rainfall in June, with a strong chance of sunny days throughout. The humidity drops dramatically and, as winter approaches, temperatures reduce, falling to around 10ºC at night but still warming to 25ºC during the day. The landscape remains lush but the bush starts to die back significantly, improving visibility for game viewing and walking safaris. All the camps in the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi are open by the start of June. While some have a ‘shoulder season’, others start charging their highest rates. The water coming over the Victoria Falls starts to recede, reducing the mist and spray kicked up, providing better views of the waterfall itself.

• Reliably sunny days, but dropping temperatures, especially at night.
• All camps in the South Luangwa, southern Kafue & Lower Zambezi open
• Wildlife viewing continuing to improve
• Increased visibility & cool weather perfect for walking safaris.
• Viewing of the Victoria Falls at its best

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

Zambia in July

As the dry season continues, vegetation and long grasses have mostly died back and water starts to become scarce. Wildlife starts to cluster around the major sources of water and the game viewing approaches its best. July is the first month of winter, and while daytime temperatures are in the 20s Celsius, temperatures at night can drop to single digits. Early morning and late evening drives in open vehicles are particularly cold, and blankets and hot water bottles are often provided. Visitor numbers increase significantly and space at popular/small camps can get tight. Nearly all properties are now charging their highest rates. Even floodwaters on northern Kafue’s Busanga Plains have now receded, and all camps in Zambia are open.

• Warm, dry days; cold, crisp nights
• Significantly improved game viewing
• Walking safaris are unrestricted by vegetation, with good temperatures
• Approaching peak season, so significant increase in costs
• Northern Kafue now accessible

Weather in July

Zambia in August

By August, the vegetation has died back and wildlife is now congregating around the remaining water sources, providing excellent game viewing. With virtually no chance of rain you are almost guaranteed sunny days, although dust and smoke in the air means a visible haze starts to appear on the horizon. Temperatures can drop below 5ºC at night but climb to the 20s Celsius during the day. Jackets and gloves are recommended for morning and evening drives. This is one of the most popular – and most expensive – months to travel. European school holidays have little impact on travel within Zambia, but they do increase international flight costs, and all camps are charging their highest rates.

• Very dry with warm days but cold nights
• Excellent wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water holes.
• Haze developing on the horizon, potentially affecting photographs
• Cool temperatures & clear sightlines: ideal for walking safaris
• Peak season: camps & flights at their most expensive

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Zambia in September

September is the most popular, and arguably the best, time of year to travel. Rain is almost unheard of so humidity is low, and temperatures are starting to climb. Morning drives are more comfortable, with daytime temperatures normally in the low 30s Celsius. Water is scarce, so wildlife clusters around the few remaining sources. Game viewing is very nearly at its best, with a good chance of seeing interactions between species. Camps are charging their highest rates and are at their busiest, with popular camps often fully booked more than a year in advance. A significant haze sometimes appears on the horizon, impacting on landscape views and affecting photography. Depending on the rainfall in the wet season, the Victoria Falls can start looking dry, with more cliff face than waterfall on show.

• Dry hot days with clear skies, & warm nights
• One of the best months for wildlife viewing
• Dust & smoke creates a haze over the landscape
• Peak season: camps are expensive & often full
• Victoria Falls starting to look dry

Weather in September

Zambia in October

As the dry season peaks, the landscape in October is brown and barren, with little ground-level vegetation, though the promise of rain may bring the occasional shower. Temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, reaching over 40ºC in the daytime and rarely dropping below 20ºC at night. This is particularly challenging on walking safaris and in camps without air conditioning. A thick haze on the horizon sometimes turns photographic backgrounds grey-brown rather than sky-blue. The lack of water sees hippos and crocodiles cram themselves into the few remaining shallow rivers, with other wildlife carefully skirting around them in order to drink. Game viewing is at its absolute best, and you’re most likely to see hunts in October. On the Zambian side, stretches of the Victoria Falls become a dry cliff face.

• The best month for wildlife viewing
• Very hot both night & day, with little chance of rain
• Air can be very hazy with dust & smoke, so not great for photography
• Victoria Falls largely dry on Zambian side
• Camps less busy & some start to drop their rates

Weather in October

Zambia in November

November typically marks the end of the dry season. Although the timing of the rains is always uncertain, temperatures remain reliably high and the humidity builds as the rains approach. While you may avoid the rains in the first week of November, it’s not unusual to see some spectacularly heavy thunderstorms, followed by an explosion of green growth. Wildlife disperses rapidly after the rains, no longer restricted to limited waterholes closely monitored by predators. However, Kasanka’s bat migration is at its peak, and wildebeest gather on Liuwa Plains. Many remote camps close, and those that remain open significantly drop their rates. The initial rains have little impact on the Victoria Falls, but do significantly reduce the atmospheric haze.

• Typically the start of the wet season; very hot and humid
• Increased chance of heavy rain as the month progresses
• Greatly diminished game viewing once the rains arrive
• Bat migration in Kasanka, and wildebeest migration in Liuwa
• Camp rates lower, & visitor numbers reduced

Weather in November

Zambia in December

December is typically the first month in Zambia’s rainy season, with heavy thunderstorms most days interspersed by sunny spells. Temperatures start to fall, but still reach over 30ºC in the daytime, with high levels of humidity. As the rainfall increases it brings plentiful water into the landscape, encouraging the growth of thick green vegetation. Wildlife remains in the national parks and sightings are possible, but overall game viewing is poor. Access to the parks becomes problematic and all but a handful of camps around the entrance to the South Luangwa and the centre of Kafue national parks close. Those that do remain open charge their lowest rates and are very quiet. The rain removes any smoke and dust from the air, returning the sky to a dazzling blue that is great for photographers.

• Start of rainy season, with hot, humid & wet days
• Poor game viewing as wildlife disperses & bush thickens
• Majority of camps close; others charge their lowest rates
• Landscape green with blue skies; photographic opportunities improve
• Victoria Falls still dry

Weather in December

Other areas in Zambia

South Luangwa

Livingstone

Lower Zambezi

Lusaka area

North Luangwa

Northern Zambia

Liuwa Plain

Zambia fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Mukambi Safari Lodge

Flights to Zambia

How to get there & on to safaris camp destinations

LGBT travel in Zambia

Attitude, the law & our experiences

Tipping in Zambia

Expectations & guidelines for tipping

Zambia general info

Essential travel information

Weather & climate

The best time to visit Zambia

Other lodges in Kafue National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Musekese Camp

Musekese is a small owner-run tented camp, offering great guiding and a high degree of personal service in a stunning wilderness area, with modest game.

Busanga Bushcamp

Busanga Bushcamp is a small but comfortable tented bushcamp (max 8 guests) which makes a great base for a wildlife safari to the Busanga Plains.

KaingU Lodge

KaingU Lodge, in the centre of the southern part of Zambia's vast Kafue National Park, is in a great location for exploring this section of the Kafue River

Shumba Camp

Shumba is a high-spec camp built on a tree island in the magical Busanga Plains. It opens in May, when the birdlife is particularly amazing; as the dry season progresses, the game can become remarkable.

Ntemwa Busanga Camp

Ntemwa Busanga Camp is a simple but comfortable camp on the southern tip of the Busanga Plains which combines well with its sister camp, Musekese.

Chisa Busanga

Opened in mid 2021, Chisa Busanga Camp is a beautifully designed, small, intimate and rustic camp.

Mukambi Plains Camp

Mukambi Plains Camp is a rustic, tented property located in the middle of the vast Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park.

Fig Tree Camp

Fig Tree camp is in the centre of Kafue National Park, and in addition to having a stunning location is well placed to start or end your trip in the park.

Ila Safari Lodge

Ila Safari Lodge is a comfortable lodge just outside Kafue National Park, with convenient access from Lusaka.

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Popular safaris, east & central africa, southern africa, set departures, top destinations, indian ocean islands, mukambi safari lodge, “the gateway to the kafue national park”, why we like it.

• Owner run and operated lodge.
• Smaller sister bush camps work well in combination.
• Great community involvement.
• Wide range of activities and family friendly.
• Conveniently located for first entry to Kafue.

This owner run lodge is a great first stop and introduction to the massive Kafue National Park. It is from here that you will get your first glimpse at this incredible park and in combination with the smaller sister camps, Mukambi Safaris give you the full Kafue experience.

The lodge is located a few hours transfer from the capital city of Lusaka, in the Kafue National Park, where it sits along the bank of the Kafue river. The Kafue National Park is massive, at roughly the size of Wales, it takes more than two or three nights to capture the full picture and see everything that is on offer. Mukambi Safari Lodge being so closely located to the capital, but still inside the park, makes it the perfect place to start before heading to the smaller sister bush camps.

The main lodge area is a big thatched building with many different viewing decks with views onto the Kafue river. There is a large dining area, bar area, infinity pool and the essential fireplace.

There are three different types of accomodation on offer at Mukambi Safari Lodge:

• Eight comfortable en-suite chalets, of which one is a family chalet.
• A luxury family riverside villa which consists of two large bedrooms with two en-suite bathrooms and toilets.
• Four luxury safari tents with private decks looking over the Kafue River, open-air bathrooms and free standing claw bathtub on each deck.

Places to stay

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Shumba Champ

Busanga Bush Camp

KaingU Safari Lodge

Lunga Kikuji Camp

Nanzhila Plains Camp

Chisa Busanga Camp

Kafue River Lodge

Kasonso Busanga Camp

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Mukambi Safari Lodge

Commonly known as “The Gateway to The Kafue National Park”, Mukambi Safari Lodge is centrally located in the park, right on the banks of the stunning Kafue River. The Kafue National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa (roughly the size of Wales at more than 22,000km²) therefore we recommend you book with us for at least a week so you have time to explore this vast park and combine time at Busanga, Fig Tree and Mukambi. However, shorter bookings of 3 to 4 nights at Mukambi will also guarantee a truly unique safari!

The lodge itself consists of a thatched building with several decks overlooking the Kafue River and offers an infinity pool for ultimate relaxation on those hot days, looking over the vast Kafue River. Upon return from your activities, relax with a drink in hand in one of our lounge areas, all offering stunning views of the river. You might want to chat with one of our guides while gazing up at the stars in the night sky by our campfire. Don’t hesitate to visit our curio shop, which offers a selection of products made by the local village, or to ask for one of our massages on offer, which take place in the comfort of your room.

Finally, don’t forget to look out for the many animals, which find sanctuary around the lodge area; impalas, baboons, monkeys, elephants, hippos, even a small pride of lions, and of course our resident Wild Cat Mauw!

Why Choose Absolute Zambia Safaris?

Absolute Zambia Safaris is a specialist in bespoke and private safaris in Zambia. Through our large safari operators, we proudly assist our guests in designing custom-made safaris.

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Mukambi Safaris is a Dutch family run safari company in Zambia with three camps in Kafue National Park, one of the largest unspoiled wilderness areas in the world. The three camps are Mukambi Safari Lodge, Busanga Plains Camp, and Fig Tree Bush Camp, each surrounded by unique, untouched areas of remote African bush.

Mukambi Safari Lodge is open all year round and is also the gateway to Kafue National Park. Activities consist of game drives in open-canopy vehicles, boat and fishing trips, along with walking safaris where you are likely to see elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, puku, impala, hippo, many other animals and an incredible array of birds. Back at the lodge delicious food, friendly staff and comfortable accommodation will make your stay an unforgettable one.

Mukambi Safari Lodge is situated in the central part of Kafue National Park overlooking the Kafue River. Normally accessed via road transfer from Lusaka – approximately 3 – 4 hours drive. Clients can self drive or transfers can be organised. Charter flights into Chunga Airstrip can also be organised.

• Camp Features

There are 8 Standard Thatched Chalets and the rooms facilities include:

En suite bathroom with shower, basin and toilet Small cozy living room and a patio with comfortable seating to take in the scenery Mosquito Nets

There are 4 x Luxury Safari Tents and features include:

Private deck with comfy seating overlooking the Kafue River Each unit privately surrounded by natural riverine bush Further enhancing the African theme, the furniture is made out of recycled wood from Dhows that used to sail the Indian Ocean off Tanzania Mosquito nets Plug points The tents have an open bathroom setup with shower, toilet and wash basin A freestanding ball and claw bathtub is found on each deck

There is 1 Luxury Family Villa

The Villa has two large bedrooms (one with a queen-sized bed and the other with two single beds) Both rooms en-suite with a shower, toilet and basin Mosquito nets The Villa has a fully furnished living room and extensive wooden deck overlooking the Kafue River Located right on the banks of the river and ideal for families

Main lounge with open fireplace and integral, fully stocked bar Central dining area with lower deck, housing a clay oven for outdoor cooking and fire-cooked pizzas Sunset viewing deck offers stunning views over the Kafue river Circular, seated fire area also overlooking the river Infinity swimming pool and kids paddling pool with sun-loungers and kikoyi towels provided poolside Curio shop selling locally made products Massage treatments are offered in guest rooms

Inclusive Activities include:

Game Drives, Boat cruises, Fishing, Nature walks, Community visits

Children of all ages are welcome at Mukambi

There is a Family Chalet and a Luxury Family Villa

Mukambi Plains Camp is open all year round

Use of renewable energy - all three Mukambi camps run on 100% renewable solar energy and at Mukambi Safari Lodge they were the first in Zambia to install the most environmental friendly battery technology (LiFePO4). The Freedom Won battery gave Mukambi the opportunity to reduce its Carbon Footprint and greatly reduce their negative environmental impact, whilst maintaining the high standard of service.

Plastic Free - Mukambi strives to be plastic-free – they have water bottles for their international guests which are reusable and can be filled at the water dispenser. They have introduced glass and biodegradable straws, glass refillable amenities, and biodegradable packaging on all their goods from Lusaka PLUS they use eco-friendly cleaning materials. They also have a fantastic vegetable garden, growing as many of their own herbs and vegetables at the lodge.

Conservation – Mukambi is working closely with several NGOs, including Zambian Primate Project(ZPP), Panthera and Zambia Carnivore Programme (ZCP), as well as Department of National Parks and Wildlife, supporting anti-poaching as well as other conservation goals.

Support of local communities - Long-term conservation only can be accomplished in close cooperation with the local communities. Some of the projects launched by Mukambi to support the local community included a borehole for clean drinking water, giving the Mukambi Women’s Group an outlet for their handmade crafts in their curio shop, and supporting the local chieftainess with farming inputs, like oxen, ploughs and fertilizer. They also have a job training programme and 50 members of the local community now have permanent employment.

Guests at Mukambi can visit the projects to learn more about conservation and the local communities.

The Power Source is Solar

There is Wifi available in the main area

Babysitting can be organised and the lodge also has cots and high chairs  

Sorry, we can’t seem to find any matches.

Destinations

©Mana Meadows

Mukambi Safaris

Busanga Plains Camp

Fig Tree Bush Camp

Mukambi Safari Lodge

Unique by Nature

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Responsible tourism must come from a real desire to make a difference. Our passion for conservation is deeply ingrained in our culture and ethos and implemented through our various projects and initiatives. Sustainability is something shared and encouraged, from our guests, to our staff and the local community. We aim to tread gently on the earth and continuously explore new ways of reducing our footprint for a future of sustainable tourism.

Use of Renewable Energy

We are proud to say that all our camps run on 100% renewable solar energy. Mukambi Safari Lodge was also the first in Zambia to install the most environmentally-friendly battery technology We prioritize both sustainability and safety by using Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. These are a unique variant of the lithium-ion rechargeable battery family. Compared to the conventional cobalt-based Li-Ion batteries, LiFePO4 batteries boast several advantages. Firstly, they provide a higher power output, ensuring that our lodge always has the energy it needs. They also charge more swiftly, weigh less, and promise an extended lifespan. A notable highlight of these batteries is their enhanced safety features; they are designed to remain stable and won’t explode even in extreme conditions.

Furthermore, by adopting LiFePO4 batteries, we are also making an environmentally conscious choice. Once these batteries reach the end of their life cycle, their disposal won’t result in harmful cobalt byproducts entering our environment. Rest assured, by staying with us, you are supporting a facility that champions both technological advancement and environmental responsibility.

Plastic Free

Mukambi strives to be plastic-free. We have exclusive reusable water bottles for our guests which also serve as a great keepsake. We have introduced biodegradable straws, glass refillable amenities and biodegradable packaging on all our goods from Lusaka. Plus, we use eco-friendly cleaning products. We have a flourishing vegetable garden which supplies many of our herbs and vegetables, which not only reduces packaging and transport but also adds a delicious homegrown flavour to your meals.

Conservation

Conservation is key for responsible tourism and is a huge part of what we do in Kafue National Park. At Mukambi we work closely with several NGOs, including Panthera and Zambia Carnivore Programme (ZCP), and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and African Parks where we support anti-poaching and other conservation goals. The Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) is a non-profit Zambian registered organization dedicated to the protection of Zambia’s large carnivores and their ecosystems.

Together with the Zambia Department of National Parks and Wildlife ZCP we have a three-pronged approach to their work:

1. Conservation Science: aimed at identifying and evaluating the primary threats to Zambia’s large carnivores and their ecosystems through long-term, field-based work.

2. Conservation Action: Guided by science, our actions are aimed at addressing both immediate and future threats such as snaring, habitat loss, disease, wildlife trafficking, and other factors.

3. Conservation Empowerment: To ensure sustainability, we endeavour to make our efforts as Zambian-led as possible. We develop conservation leadership through training, employing and educating aspiring conservationists in all aspects of the work. We also conduct an array of educational programmes at both primary and secondary school levels. From there students are encouraged and offered full support to enrol for international graduate degree programmes. We also run intensive training programmes tailored for women in conservation, conservation biologists and wildlife vets.

ZCP currently work with the country’s largest remaining populations of wild dog, cheetah, lion, leopard and spotted hyena, primarily through three field-based projects: the Luangwa Valley, the Greater Liuwa Ecosystem, and the Greater Kafue Ecosystem. Their collaborative work provides the only scientific data on large carnivores and their prey throughout much of Zambia, and they are proud that their findings are utilized extensively in guiding conservation policy in the country.

African Parks

African Parks is a non-profit NGO founded on conserving Africa’s wildlife and remaining wild areas, with an added focus on socio-economic development for the surrounding local communities. The Zambian government invited the organization into a long-term management partnership to manage the Kafue National Park; the official sign-up took place in June 2022. We already see positive changes in the area, the biggest being the road grading program and tsetse trap/blankets. The future looks bright for Kafue National Park as further initiatives are being implemented.  

“ African Parks’ core focus is on strengthening law enforcement and securing Kafue National Park against the most immediate threats to its wildlife populations. Infrastructure development, conservation monitoring and skills-based training to provide local employment are also a top priority. Our vision is to establish Kafue as a globally significant wildlife sanctuary and a premiere tourism destination.” African Parks

~   https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/kafue   ~

Support of Local Communities

Long-term conservation can only be accomplished by working closely with the local communities. Some of our community projects have included digging a borehole for clean drinking water, giving the Mukambi Women’s Group an outlet for their handmade crafts in our curio shop, and a Women’s group who produce honey in the South of the park . We also have a job training programme which has given 50 members of the local community permanent employment. Guests at Mukambi can visit the projects to learn more about our conservation efforts and the local communities.

The Azimai Women’s Group

We are proud to support The Azimai Women’s Group, made up mainly of our staff members’ wives. They get together on a Saturday afternoon to make various crafts that they then sell to several lodges throughout the Kafue National Park. Their wares include bags, clothing (dresses, shirts, headbands) made from local chitenge material, baskets (made of recycled plastic bags), beaded bracelets and other travel-friendly trinkets. This initiative allows a creative outlet for the women and creates an extra source of income for their families.

Community School

The Mukambi Community School was founded in 2006 to provide a good standard of education to our staff’s children and the local community. The results have been fantastic and the well-equipped school now provides 80 local children with a high standard of education, as well as permanent employment for 5 community teachers and 5 government teachers. The school received generous funding from a donor a couple of years ago which meant that they could invest in iSchool Tablets. The high-tech devices allow the pupils to engage in active learning as well as developing key IT skills for later in life. And of course, it goes without say that conservation is an important subject at the school with our ever responsible tourism goal in mind. Every year all the grade 7 pupils graduate with flying colours and go on to attain places at secondary schools and universities throughout Zambia. Two former students have been sponsored in their te rtiary education at leading universities in Lusaka, these 2 students are now doing their masters degrees, and Chicoko and the lodge are now sponsoring 5 new students in their further uni and hospitality studies. The school is supported by a charity called Cikoko, which you can read more about below.

Staff Development

• Guide Training:  For the guides to train and write their guiding exams 
• First Aid Training 
• Mukambi sends a chef and either a waiter/room attendant to do a 2-week placement at a lodge/hotel in Lusaka. This offers great exposure to other work environments other than Mukambi.
• Chef’s training at a leading Hospitality College Fairview in Lusaka.
• Masseuse training at a reputable Spa Relax Destination Parlour in Lusaka.
• Food & Beverage courses training at a leading Hospitality College ZICTHA in Lusaka .

Art for a Cause

Heinrich Filter is a South African sculptor whose keen eye for nature is accurately reproduced in his detailed works. His love for the African bush has been an enduring hallmark of his life – from his early days spent walking Southern Africa’s game trails through to adulthood working as a professional safari guide.

Heinrich creates many splendid African wildlife beauties and through his art we can drive awareness about conservation & communities and the challenges each are facing during these difficult times. Sales of each sculpture through the Mukambi platforms will generate a donation towards the Mukambi Community School. An exciting collaboration that is the essence of our story… together we are stronger.

Enquiries: [email protected] Ref: Mukambi Art

Mulberry Mongoose

The Mulberry Mongoose workshop is located on a well-trodden elephant path in Mfuwe, in the remote Zambian bush. 

They love to show people how they make things, how the sale of each piece supports local conservation work, and how they deal with the occasional elephant mischief.

The jewellery is inspired by life in the Zambian bush. So it’s only fitting that with every piece of jewellery sold they make a donation to antipoaching patrols to help remove the snare wire traps that kill and injure many of the area’s iconic wildlife.

By buying their accessories, you’re helping raise thousands of dollars for this vital work to save elephants, big cats and antelope.

Umtha jewelry

We’re ecstatic to introduce our new range of Mukambi Safaris Jewellery, made especially for us by Umtha. A Xhosa word, Umtha means “a ray of light”.! Carefully selected to match the colors of our wildlife and wild spaces, each piece is a harmonious blend of elegance and love for the Zambian wilderness, serving as the perfect memento of your unforgettable experience with us. Umtha designs innovative Africa-inspired jewelry, weaving in the essential characteristics of high quality and affordable pricing. They are an excellent team of jewelry producers that highlight empowerment, community, and kindness. The team consists of marginalized women from both Xhosa and French-speaking-refugee communities who are trained to creatively craft each piece to tell a story.

Positive Impact Travel

The sustainability of the lodge allows the continuation of community and conservation projects in the Kafue National Park. As a safari company we work closely with the local community and conservation programmes for a sustainable future and the protection of a vital ecosystem – not only the wildlife but the livelihoods of the people.

Painted Wolf Wines

“Remarkably Persistent, Persistently Remarkable”

There are fewer than 6,000 painted wolves, or African wild dogs, left in the world today. We are dedicated to the production of authentic, distinct and delicious wines and to the conservation of African wild dogs and their natural habitat. To achieve our goals we adopt the never-give-up attitude of a pack of painted wolves. Download our wine list below.