On May 16th, we set off on an unforgettable journey from Livingstone to Musungwa Safari Lodge, perched on the shores of Lake Itezhi-Tezhi in the southern reaches of Kafue National Park. The beauty of Livingstone was still in our minds. As we ventured further, it lingered.
Our route took us via Kalomo and through the remote Ndundumwezi Gate—a path that began with 120 kilometers of smooth tar. Then, it turned into a rugged gravel track, littered with potholes and rocks. The road challenged us, but the wilderness welcomed us. This was much like the adventurous spirit found within Livingstone itself. We arrived just in time to catch the sunset boat cruise on Lake Itezhi-Tezhi.
The lake, though far from full, has seen a significant rise in water levels—a hopeful sign after years of drought and low rainfall. Still, it’s clear that fully refilling the lake may take several more seasons of consistent rain. For now, the increased water has begun to breathe life back into the landscape. On the cruise, we were treated to classic African scenes: hippos surfacing in the calm shallows, fish eagles calling from above, and zebras and waterbucks grazing peacefully along the shoreline. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the lake shimmered gold. It cast a warm, unforgettable glow across the water.
Livingstone had prepared us well for the enchanting sights we encountered. We spent three nights at Musungwa Safari Lodge, enjoying the quiet rhythm of the bush and the vastness of Kafue. A highlight of our stay was visiting the elephant orphanage’s release facility within the park. This vital conservation initiative helps orphaned elephants transition back to the wild. Watching these young giants take confident steps into their natural habitat was moving and memorable.
Our game drives were just as rewarding. We spotted several herds of elephants, a large congregation of buffaloes, and plenty of impalas dotting the savanna. In one fleeting but thrilling moment, we even caught sight of a wild dog—an elusive predator. It vanished into the bush almost as quickly as it appeared, much like some of Livingstone’s exploratory tales.
Despite the recent rains, some waterholes are already beginning to dry up. This underscores the delicate balance in this ecosystem and the ongoing impact of climate variability.
This journey wasn’t just a safari—it was a reconnection with nature in its rawest form. From the demanding road to the golden lake, and from orphaned elephants finding their way home to the rare flash of a wild dog, our time in Kafue was a vivid reminder. Zambia’s wilderness is among Africa’s best-kept secrets, with Livingstone as a remarkable gateway to these incredible experiences.
