Potato Bush Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park

rooms

There are three safari tents and one two-bedroomed family tent. Spacious and airy, the sturdy canvas and rosewood creations are complemented by chic contemporary décor. All have 24-hour electricity and en-suite bathrooms with twin inside showers, twin basins and full size four-claw bath tub complete with a view! Each tent comes with its own private plunge pool, and thanks to the way they have been cleverly positioned, there are sweeping vistas to admire whilst you relax in your hammock on the deck. Two of the safari tents have king size beds and the third offers a twin. All beds are covered with large walk around four-poster mosquito nets and are fitted with a fan.

The family tent has two en-suite bedrooms, interconnected by a huge living area, fully stocked bar and fridge, dining table and best of all, an even larger plunge pool on the deck. It comfortably sleeps four but there is space for extra beds if needed, so would suit a group of friends as well as families.

facilities & activities

Adjacent to its sister camp, the world-renowned Sausage Camp, Potato Bush Camp has just four beautiful canvas and mahogany safari tents, giving an intimate and exclusive feel to the place. A raised timber walkway connects the chic accommodation to a welcoming central area that has an open-plan dining, bar and lounge area. Here you will find the “Boma” which comfortably seats 12 guests, a well-stocked bar and two lovely lounge areas where you’ll find comfy sofas to relax on and enjoy the outstanding views and the wildlife congregating on the banks of the Zambezi. The campfire is well positioned on the edge of the riverbed, a lovely spot to enjoy your coffee whilst watching the sun rise, or for after-dinner drinks beneath the stars.
Activities at Potato Bush Camp centre on game drives (both day and night) in 4WDs, walking safaris, canoeing, boat trips, and fishing. Thanks to its remote setting at the heart of big game country, there are plenty of opportunities for seeing wildlife. Potato Bush Camp is one of the few privileged operators based inside the National Park that are able to canoe guests down the most stunning section of the Zambezi River, the 14km “Chifungulu Channel” starts just 100m downstream of the camp. This is a lovely way to view the impressive array of birdlife and admire the sheer beauty you are surrounded by – no experience or particular strength is required since the flow of the Zambezi gently pushes the canoes downstream; definitely an experience not to be missed. Or for an even more relaxed way to view game, take a scenic boat trip; this is also a great way to view the stunning sunsets and enjoy a sundowner or two!

The guides are exceptional, and a truly inspirational source of knowledge. As well as spotting lions, elephants, crocodiles and hippos, to name but a few, the Zambezi River is host to some of the most spectacular fresh water sport fishing in the world with plentiful tigerfish amongst others. After exploring your surroundings in the African heat, you can return to the privacy of your verandah and cool off in your own private plunge pool – pure luxury.

dining

A light breakfast, delicious buffet lunch, drinks and snacks are on offer each day. The evening meal is a very special occasion, often starting with cocktails by the fireside before a delicious gourmet dinner served in the delightful boma.

Most meals tend to be served at the main boma, where you can sit back and admire the wonderful views over the Zambezi and any of the wildlife wandering through camp! There is a well-stocked bar and plenty of relaxing spaces for you to enjoy a drink. If you fancy something really special, then there are plenty of memorable options available: dine by candlelight on your private deck, or enjoy a river lunch set up on a sandbar in the Zambezi River. The staff are very happy to help with any dining requests.

family

Children over the age of four are very welcome at Potato Bush Camp. However, the minimum age for canoeing and walking safaris is 15. There is a fantastic family tent which has lots of space; two en-suite bedrooms, interconnected by a huge living area, fully stocked bar and fridge, dining table and best of all, a large plunge pool on the deck. Beautifully decorated and with luxurious touches like a free standing bath, it comfortably sleeps four but there is space for extra beds if needed.

location

Potato Bush Camp is located in the most game rich and stunningly diverse habitat the Lower Zambezi National Park has to offer. Overlooking islands and channels teaming with wildlife, it has the Zambezi River and Escarpment as the perfect back drop.

It is a 30-minute flight from Lusaka or you can hire a charter plan from Livingstone, which takes one hour and 45 minutes, to “Jeki” airstrip followed by a 10-minute drive to the river, where a boat will transfer you to camp in about 40 minutes.