The allure of Kafue National Park is its complete and utter untamed beauty. It is so off-the-beaten-track that most of it is only accessible by light aircraft, especially the north-east where most of the park’s camps are situated. Nanzhila Plains, however, offers a superb alternative to the hard-to-reach north-east corner of Zambia’s biggest conservation area.

Conveniently located in the remote southern section of Kafue, Nanzhila can be reached by driving from the airport of Livingstone (near Victoria Falls). Being the only safari lodge in the southern Kafue means that you will have a pristine wilderness of about 741 300 acres all to yourself – that’s almost double the size of greater London.

Nanzhila overlooks a well-frequented dambo  (a set of complex shallow wetlands) and is tucked underneath the canopy of a huge jackal berry tree. Go on daily game drives to encounter four members of the Big 5 (there is no rhino in Kafue), in the Miombo and Mopani woodlands where you may spot elephants or the black cotton soil plains in search of lion, cheetah, wild dogs, and hyena. You will also have an excellent chance of sighting at least 10 distinct species of antelope including rare sable, roan, and oribi. The area is a birdwatcher’s mecca of over 500 recorded species and offers near-guaranteed sightings of black-cheeked love birds. Other feathered varieties include Chaplin's barbet, wattled crane, racket-tailed rollers, and Pel's fishing owl. Fascinating night drives give you a chance to spot the shy, nocturnal creatures of Nanzhila Plains like bushbabies, civets, genets, and porcupines.

This area of the park is best known for its diversity of wildlife and for enjoying the surroundings with no other vehicles. Experience the traditional search from tracks, no radios, and respectfully watch animals who are not used to vehicles as this area is flooded for 7 months of the year leaving the environment in peace every year. Visit their sister Lake Camp in the central region of the park from here for a different and complimentary game experience then onward to the Northern Busanga Plains or Lusaka.

Highlights

• The only bush camp in southern Kafue National Park - 741 300 acres to explore
• Very remote, yet easily accessible by road from Livingstone or Lusaka
• Overlooks a large wetland area where animals come to drink
• Over 500 recorded bird species in the area
• Enjoy the traditional safari of searching for the game using tracking and sound and appreciate no other vehicles or radios like lion, leopard, and buffalo

Activities

• BIRD WATCHING
• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKS
• NIGHT DRIVES

Rooms

Chalet

The three chalets can each accommodate two guests and are situated along the tree line, giving guests an unobstructed view of the dambo. Here, peace and tranquility reign. The chalet’s en suite facilities include a hot and cold shower, toilet, and double basins.

Safari Tent

The three Meru-style safari tents can accommodate up to six people. They have separate en suite toilets, single basins, and hot-and-cold shower areas for greater privacy and their walk-in structures provide fantastic views of the bush and the dambo. They are lit with solar and hot water is provided by donkey boilers.

Facilities

The main area at Nanzhila is an inviting insaka (a raised, grass-thatched structure) that features teak floors. Overlooking the large wetlands where big game and birds come to drink, the lodge’s communal area consists of an open side lounge with a view over the plains, a dining area with tea and coffee all day, a bar fridge, and a veranda viewing point. Sink into a comfortable couch with one of the lodge’s many nature books, before heading to the open-air fireplace to swap stories of the day’s wildlife search. Soak in the magic of relaxing next to a crackling campfire under the African night sky. Hosted by owners Steve and Cindy who believe no wifi in camp allows for a pure digital detox, bring your book or Kindle for midday siesta time. Satellite available for emergencies.

Dining

Wholesome meals are prepared with traditional cooking techniques and can be enjoyed in the main lodge’s dining area or alfresco on the deck. Meal portions and times are flexible.