Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp

• Only camp in the quiet, southern Kafue—big skies, few vehicles
• Predator country with excellent night-drive odds for serval, civet, and big cats
• Owner-run warmth and a classic, thatched main area on a teak deck with dambo views
• Six rooms only (5 chalets + 1 tent)—properly intimate, all en-suite
• Open mid-June to mid-October when wildlife viewing peaks on the plains

Tucked on the edge of a wide, grassy dambo (seasonal floodplain) in the far-south of Kafue, Nanzhila Plains Camp is our pick for travellers who prefer wild places to Wi-Fi speeds. With only six rooms, a breezy thatched lounge and dining deck, and a soundtrack of cracking twigs (impala snacking) and the occasional elephant rumble, it feels like old-school safari in the best way. It pairs neatly with Livingstone/Vic Falls—just note it’s a 5.5–6 hour road adventure from Livingstone, or come in by charter flight to the nearby airstrip.

Activities at Nanzhila Plains

Nanzhila is the only camp in Southern Kafue which means you have nearly 3000km² of wilderness to yourself to explore. Days here are happily simple: guided game drives (day and night) and guided bush walks, with time for birding along pans and waterholes.

Whilst Kafue is not a 'see the Big 5 in 24 hours' park, Southern Kafue is famous for its antelope diversity, elephants and steady big-cat encounters with lion, cheetah, or even a glimpse of wild dog or leopard. Bird walks are a feature here as the birding in Kafue is renowned. And night drives can deliver the smaller, secretive stars - serval, genet, civet - alongside owls and chameleons. Armed with a packed lunch, full-day forays can include Ngoma Forest and Lake Itezhi-Tezhi where you might see buffalo and hippo, as well as the Elephant orphanage. Cultural visits to Shezongo village can be made by arrangement if you're keen.

Sleep & creature comforts

The camp has a picturesque setting,  situated on the edge of a large Dambo (seasonal floodplain) amongst Jackelberry and Sausage trees. Nanzhila Plains has the benefit of being owner managed and has just 6 rooms in total - 5 thatched chalets plus 1 Meru-style tent, all en-suite. Each are well-spaced along the treeline to enjoy an unintrusive view of the dambo: prime sunrise coffee territory. Expect solar power (with plug points), Wi-Fi in the main area only, hot showers

After a day on safari, make your way to the main area with it's unique insaka comprising of a teak floored deck, bar and fireplace or enjoy the African night sky in the boma outside. Enjoy simple, homely meals served either out by the boma fire or on the elevated teak deck.

All in all, it’s relaxed, owner-run hospitality—no frills you don’t need, and all the atmosphere you do.

Option: Team Nanzhila Plains Camo with Nanzhila Lake Camp and/or Kaingu on the Kafue River for water-based activities and a broader wildlife mix.