Fig Tree Bush Camp

Fig Tree Bush Camp sits on the bank of the Shishamba River in Kafue National Park, overlooking a lagoon one-and-a-half kilometres long and about sixty metres wide. That lagoon holds water through the dry season, which draws elephant, puku, impala, zebra, hartebeest, sable and roan to the water's edge — and behind them, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, and wild dog that follow the concentration of game. Hippo and crocodile are in the river itself.

The camp holds four raised luxury safari tents, each on a three-metre platform. Two are configured as doubles, two as twins; all have en-suite bathrooms and private verandas looking out over the lagoon on one side, with views across the open plains behind the camp on the other. A starbed on a raised platform is also available for sleeping under open sky. The central boma, shaded by the large fig tree that gives the camp its name, seats all eight guests at a single table with a clear view of the lagoon.

Game drives run twice daily — sunrise and late afternoon. Walking safaris go out in the early morning from June to November, once the May grasses have dried back and the ground is firm enough to walk. Night drives are also on offer. The camp is linked to Mukambi Lodge, a short drive away, and its guides cover both properties.

Fig Tree Bush Camp is open from May to November only, closing when the rains make the roads into camp impassable.