Kaingu Safari Lodge

a pleasantly homely and old-fashioned feel

Kaingu Safari Lodge is set in the Itezhi-Tezhi area of southern Kafue of western Zambia.

The lodge is centred on a thatched main building, leading out to decks above the river.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Kaingu Safari Lodge is in four different categories …

Bottle Rooms : x1 : These two rooms are of a more modern design and feature coloured bottle glass inset into the walls.

Tented Chalets : x4 : Although called chalets, these older units are very much tented rooms, set up on low decks overlooking the river, with thatched roofs, indoor and outdoor bathrooms. One of these rooms is a Honeymoon Chalet, with an outdoor bath.

Finfoot House : x1 : This more substantial building has two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, connected by a central lounge, leading out to a deck area above the river. Suitable for a family of four or two couples.

Campgrounds : x3 : Within walking distance of the lodge there are three campgrounds by the river, each with private bathrooms and space for up to two vehicles and six guests.

Activities

Chisa Busanga Camp provides the following expertly-guided activities …

• vehicle safari
• walking safari
• motorboat safari
• canoe safari
• hides
• night vehicle safari

Kafue is generally considered to be the third best safari location in Zambia, after South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, but the lower visitor numbers and more remote feel definitely increase its appeal.

The usual stay duration in Kafue is 3-4 nights in one camp or 4-7 nights split across two camps.

Seasonality

Safari in Kafue is very seasonal and careful planning is extremely important.

Early dry season : May-Jun

The May-Jun season is a period of transition from the hot wet summer to the cool dry winter. Although it is generally considered to be a decent time to visit, before the harshness of the main dry season kicks in.

In dry years the green season should be reaching an end, the long grass should be yellowing and the animals starting to move back towards the permanent water sources, all of which should lead to an increase in sightings.

In wetter years some elements of the green season conditions may endure all the way into June, making wildlife viewing a little more challenging.

However the Busanga Plains can remain very difficult to access and get around during this period, the black cotton soils here are famously sticky. Some camps get over this by maintaining a helicopter for transfers in and out, others delay their opening until conditions become easier.

During May-Jun, temperatures can drop pretty low during the night, but this has little adverse effect on safari, the days are gorgeous and there are virtually no insects around.

The majority of camps are significantly discounted during this period, perhaps 20% less than during the peak dry season.

Dry season : Jul-Sep

The Jul-Sep dry season is the classic time to visit Kafue and is generally considered to be the best time for wildlife viewing, as serious numbers of animals are drawn into the permanent water sources from the vast dry hinterland.

During Jul-Aug the cooler temperatures of the preceding season can continue, but this has little adverse effect on safari, the days are gorgeous and there are virtually no insects around. The weather during Aug-Sep should be perfect.

This is very much the high season in terms of prices. Visitor numbers are also peaking. Although this is rarely a major issue in Kafue, it’s worth considering some traffic avoidance measures during the planning process.

Hot season : Oct-Dec

The Oct-Dec hot season represents the transition period between the peak of the dry season and the start of the rains.

During this period the temperatures and humidities can become uncomfortably high in advance of the rains. This can be a very significant issue, especially since the vast majority of camps do not have air-conditioning.

If considerable rainfall does arrive (usually during December) it usually brings a blessed relief from the high temperatures, but can be heavy and prolonged.

Of course the animals are delighted to see the rain and may start to migrate outwards from the permanent waterholes, potentially causing a marked drop off in sightings.

Some of the camps close for the end of the season in November, others continue through to the Dec-Jan holiday season.

The majority of camps are significantly discounted during Nov-Dec, perhaps 20% less than during the peak dry season.

Green season : Jan-Apr

The period Jan-Apr is the main green season in Kafue, when the area experiences the majority of its rainfall.

At this time the landscapes tend to be verdant and beautiful, the animals well fed and there’s lots of babies around, providing a great contrast to the harshness of the dry season.

With the wildlife being more dispersed and the long grasses providing extra cover, wildlife viewing can be a good deal more difficult, usually causing a drop off in sightings.

The temperatures and humidities are usually higher than usual, although not usually to the extent of the preceding season. Conditions are usually pleasant enough.

It’s the Dec-Feb period which threatens the greatest chance of more cloud and rain, with safari conditions potentially becoming a good deal more challenging.

Most of the camps in Kafue are closed at this time, only those which are within easy reach of the Great West Road tend to stay open. These camps also tend to be significantly discounted throughout this season, perhaps 30% less than during the peak dry season.

Getting there

Kaingu Safari Lodge is usually accessed by road transfer from either Lusaka in 5-6 hours or Livingstone in 7-8 hours.

It is also possible to arrive by air from Lusaka or Livingstone into Chunga Airstrip, from where it is a vehicle safari of around 1.5 hours to the lodge.

usually combined with Livingstone and other safari areas