At Nanzhila, we are lucky to have two front-row seats to the greatest show in the Southern Kafue. But which seat is right for you?

One of the most common questions we get from travelers is: “Should I stay at the Plains Camp or the Lake Camp?” While both offer the signature “Nanzhila” hospitality and an exclusive, remote atmosphere, they provide two very different perspectives on the Kafue ecosystem.

To help you plan your perfect safari, here is the breakdown of what makes each location unique.

Safari Lodge Accommodation in the Kafue National Park

Nanzhila Plains Camp: The Heart of the Grasslands

Plains Camp is our original home, situated on the edge of a massive dambo (seasonal floodplain). If you are looking for the “classic” wide-open African vista, this is it.

  • The Vibe: Elegantly understated and deeply peaceful. Think morning coffee on your veranda watching the mist rise off the dambo.
  • The Wildlife: Apart from it being one of the best places to see predators (lion, leopard, cheetah). It’s also the best place to see the rare Sable, Roan, and the endemic Black-cheeked Lovebird
  • Camp Highlight: The “Dambo View.” Because the camp overlooks a waterhole, the wildlife often comes to you while you relax in the lounge.
Lion Cubs in the tree in the Kafue National Park

Nanzhila Lake Camp: Best Predator viewing in the Kafue

Located about 3 hours north of Plains Camp, Lake Camp sits on the shores of Lake Itezhi-Tezhi where the Musa River joins the water.

  • The Vibe: More dramatic and water-focused. The landscape is dominated by the vast expanse of the lake and the riverine thickets.
  • The Wildlife: High concentrations of Wild dog, Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, and Hippo.
  • The Highlight: The “Shoreline Bonanza.” During the dry season (October–December), as the lake recedes, it leaves behind lush green grass that attracts hundreds of animals—and the predators that follow them.
  • Best For: Travelers wanting to see the “Big Stuff,” fans of water-based landscapes, and predator enthusiasts.

Why Not Both? (The Plains and Lake Combination)

The truth is, these two camps were designed to complement each other. By staying at both, you experience the full spectrum of what the Southern Kafue has to offer.

Pro Tip: We offer a “6-Night Plains and Lake Combo” (Stay 6, Pay 5) that includes the transfer between the two camps. It’s the most seamless way to see the best of the South.

Whether you choose the golden grasses of the Plains or the bustling shorelines of the Lake, you’re in for an authentic, uncrowded Zambian experience.

Ready to decide? Or would you like us to help you build a split-stay itinerary?

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