The Camp

Location: Kafue National Park, Zambia
Number of Tents: 6

A true remote wilderness experience, Shumba Camp is comprised of six spacious, luxurious safari tents with spectacular views of the surrounding plains. The raised platforms on which the camp is built allow animals to walk throughout the camp and guests to stay safe! Each well-appointed room contains en suite baths with both indoor and outdoor showers. Verandas offer sweeping views and plush seating areas are strategically located to provide optimal views of the surrounding wildlife congregating on the plains. The dining and bar area provides a vantage point to witness the serenity of the morning's sunrise, and dinner takes place here or in the cozy boma, which is accented with artistic touches from local Zambian culture. Guests are often treated to meals prepared in front of them on the open fire - enhancing the safari experience. Shumba Camp is an intimate and welcoming safari destination with the utmost comfort and charm.

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Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with indoor/outdoor showers
• Shampoo, soap, lotion, washing powder and insect repellent
• Room fan
• Tea/coffee in room
• 220v charging outlets in room
• In-room safe
• Central pool
• Wi-Fi in room
• Laundry included
• Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
• Credit cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard)
• No air conditioning, hair dryer, telephone or cellular coverage

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Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Shumba Camp is ideally situated within close proximity to permanent water and has easy access to seasonal and permanent floodplains. This region is home to large populations of red lechwe, ubiquitous puku, stately roan antelope and the diminutive oribi. Lichtenstein's hartebeest, wildebeest, zebra and buffalo make for a full set of plains wildlife, all of which moves onto the plains as the dry season progresses. These species attract predators, including wild dog, cheetah and lion. "Shumba," meaning “lion,” is named after a significant species in the area: prides of lion, sometimes up to 20 strong. Guests may view wildlife during daily drives on the plains, and on night drives, which unveil multiple nocturnal wonders. Viewing species such as puku, lechwe and hippo is also possible for much of the day from the comfort of individual tent verandas or from the main deck. The camp features spreading fig trees that ensure both shade and constant bird activity in the canopy above.

Kafue has a unique assortment of wildlife, and the below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in the area. Other typical sightings may include special antelopes such as roan, puku, oribi, red lechwe and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. This wetland is home to important birdlife, including half of the world’s wattled crane population. Exact sightings will depend on seasonality and wildlife movements. Camps here are typically closed for the green season November through May.

Climate

Conservation

As Shumba Camp’s operators have expanded their presence in Zambia and Kafue National Park, more opportunities have arisen to partner with the local people in caring for and learning about the environment. Employment opportunities at locations such as Shumba Camp have been the first step in this process, as more than 150 employees from remote surrounding villages have helped to build recent accommodations. Currently there are more than 130 men and women permanently employed in ecotourism positions in the newly established, eco-friendly camps. With permanent employment has come training and skills development and rural income is such that those employed in the 5-month construction period earned more than eight times the annual average for rural Zambians. Additional community projects are in store, including supporting local children’s education. Children in the Wilderness (Zambia), a unique educational program, hosted its first group of students in 2007.

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