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Gateway to the Kafue National Park
I was lucky enough to be able to spend a couple
of weeks in early November at Mukambi Safari Lodge, situated on the
Kafue River, opposite the National Park. I had not spent any time in
the Park for several years, and had memories of it being
spectacularly beautiful, but really having to get up into the
Northern sections in order to see any game, as the poaching
situation had taken a heavy toll in most areas. Although I had heard
that the wildlife had improved in some areas in recent years, and is
in fact still improving, it did not prepare me for the abundance and
diversity of species that are to be found around Mukambi!
 I
did one game drive in the park, and saw 2 leopard literally in the
first five minutes. It was a beautiful sighing not more than 20
metres away from the vehicle and one of them actually went about
stalking a puku with all the game viewers watching with baited
breath and snapping up some brilliant photos. Further on we found a
lone male lion who treated us to some powerful roars five metres
away, and anybody who has ever experienced that will know just how
impressive it is. The drive was not over yet, and after dark it was
more lion, this time two lionesses and a young male on the hunt,
bringing the tally to six big cats in a period of less than an hour
and a half. Having seen two Cheetah on the main road the day before,
I am now convinced that Mukambi Safari Lodge is an absolute cat
feast! Of course these are just the cat sightings; other species
including elephant and a huge variety of antelope make it a top
quality safari destination. Other activities on offer include game
walks, boat cruises and fishing trips, so guests have the option of
just relaxing and enjoying the environment, or really getting out
and keeping busy.
Another pleasant improvement is the road. To
reach Mukambi you take the road from Lusaka to Mongu, and turn left
9 kilomteres before Hook Bridge, and then it is only 2 kilometres of
excellent gravel to the lodge .The main road has just been
refurbished and is a perfect surface all the way. This makes it an
easy three hour drive from Lusaka that can be done in any vehicle,
very comfortably. Do slow down a good 50 kms before reaching the
Park, as there is a lot of game around, and speedsters run the risk
of hitting animals. The new speed bumps also need to be approached
very slowly, but they are very brightly painted and clearly
visible.
The lodge itself is also quite beautiful. They
have 10 en suite chalets, a villa which incorporates two en suite
rooms, a lounge and a wooden deck out over the river, a bush camp of
seven tents with a communal bathroom, and a campsite. A visit here
won’t require a bank loan either, with rates ranging from $70 pppn
to $90 pppn at the bush camp to $110 pppn to $130 pppn for a chalet.
These rates include all meals, so it really is good value.
Adding to the charm are the local residents:
Fred the elephant regularly enters the grounds just to check up on
things; Basil is a young male hippo who has found refuge from bigger
males in the river by spending a lot of time on the viewing deck, in
the reception and sometimes even takes a snooze in the bar! Puumba,
Piglet and Lucky are warthogs who are resident under the deck and
keep staff busy and guests amused with their cheeky antics. Although
all these animals come really close and provide amazing photo
opportunities, it is, of course, important to remember that they are
wild animals and should not be approached too closely. Staff are
always on hand to advise on what is safe and what is not.
 What
really makes the lodge special is the atmosphere created by Edjan,
Robyn, Rick, Marieke and all their crew. They have found a balance
between perfectionism in the service they provide, while maintaining
a very friendly and relaxed environment.
So, when you feel like a trip to the bush or
want to impress visitors by treating them to a top quality, but very
affordable safari, Mukambi Safari Lodge is highly recommended. You
can contact them through their website.
www.mukambi.com.
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December
2006