Kafue National Park

Our family of four (two adults and kids aged 15 and 12) did a 6 day safari to Kafue with Bundu Safaris in August 2018. We're not usually campers, but the high cost of accommodation in Zambia is beyond our budget, so this was the only affordable option. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the camping proved to be. The tents are in good condition, and having the use of a collapsible stretcher bed (which comes with a mattress) rather than sleeping on the ground makes all the difference in terms of comfort. We brought our own sleeping bags and pillows, but these can also be hired from the company (as they take up a lot of luggage space). You are expected to help with erecting and dismantling the tents, but this isn't an onerous task and the kids in particular thought that it was great fun. The camp sites we stayed at were well laid out, with good communal bathrooms and flush toilet facilities. The bathrooms were kept clean, and there was always hot water and toilet paper available (not always a given). There's no escaping the fact that it's a nuisance to have to trek to the bathroom if you need to go to the toilet in the night, but that's the nature of camping (rather than 'glamping' with en suite bathroom facilities) and for this reason, you should be sure to pack a torch - one of the torches mounted on a headband is ideal. The food was standard bush catering, with generous portions and some degree of choice with the picnic-style breakfasts and lunches. As the vehicle is equipped with a fridge, the staff were able to buy and store fresh meat and vegetables en route, and it was nice to see that there was very little use of canned food. The highlight was a braai (BBQ), with some of the best steak I've ever eaten. All the cooking and washing up is done by the staff. Water and fruit juice is included in the price, but soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are for your own account, and you'll be given an opportunity to buy these before you leave town. The driver/guide and cook were friendly, helpful and competent, and the driver was safe and cautious. The vehicle was extremely comfortable, and as it pulls a trailer (which is where the tents, catering equipment and luggage is stored), there's lots of space. The vehicle has windows that can be removed, which maximises your game viewing and photographic opportunities. There are also power sockets in the vehicle so that you can charge important items like camera batteries (be sure to bring your own chargers). If you're considering this tour, then I would strongly recommend that you pack a selection of clothes with long sleeves and trousers. Usually you'd think that you'll only need these in the bush after sunset to minimise the risk of mosquito bites, but Kafue is tsetse fly territory, and those critters are huge, tenacious and pack a painful bite. Finally, make the most of the experience and the memories by bringing the best camera equipment you can afford - you won't regret it.