Busanga Plains North Kafue

Busanga Plains lies in North Kafue. It is part of Kafue National Park and is known for its tree-climbing lions. Like the rest of Africa, it has also experienced drought for a few years. On our way to Busanga, we came upon a veld fire that chased us back on the road we came. We have been in other parts of Africa where we have had similar experiences, but this fire roared with a wind chasing it and we choked on its smoke. The wind changed direction a few times. Eventually Steve and Theo unhooked a trailer, and went to investigate. They came back, smiling, and we got our vehicles turned around once again (not an easy feat on a single track with deep culverts and high embankments on both sides!) We drove through a sad looking veld. It was amazing to see how quickly the fire dissipated. The dry grass burned with high flames but was not hot enough to light up the surrounding trees. Gilmore had told us that they actually set out to burn the veld at a certain time of the year. August is not the month to burn the veld, because of the 'August Winds'.  Busanga was a pleasant surprise. Flood plains dotted with 'islands', literally thousands of Lechwes and Pukus, buffalo, hippos and crocodiles ever present at every lagoon or waterhole, a variety of bird life (a bird lover's paradise), lion and elephant. Poaching, although illegal, is still taking place. Therefor elephant is best avoided as they are very agrressive. For us the 'elusive' leopard stayed elusive, although residents talked about seeing them almost daily. Unfortanely Busanga has no camping available in the Park, but if you can afford to stay in a Lodge, it is really worth a visit. The Lodges combine a 3 night stay with Ballooning! We met Balloonist Eric, and his wife Nancy - two amazing people, who are also avid conservationist and anti-poaching supporters, who, with their Ballooning, is trying their best to promote an influx of visitors and money to Busanga to conserve this beautiful part of Africa.