Heart of the Plains this World Lion Day
Robyn Simpson | August 10, 2024
This World Lion Day, we speak to none other than Newton Mulenga, our head guide at Chisa Busanga Camp and veteran of the Busanga Plains—revered for having more lions than people.
Newton grew up on the Plains alongside his father, Idos, a legend in his own right, who has been guiding for over 37 years. “I got the passion from him; I was inspired by him,” he says.
As a child, Newton loved going out on game drives not to see lions, believe it or not, but lechwes! “Lechwes were the funniest thing on the Plains,” he says. “Although we have a lot more now than we did in the old days, which is very good.” We think the lions would agree.
With Green Safaris’ involvement and our conservation partnerships, there has been a massive increase in the number of lechwe and lions in the region. The lechwe-lion relationship is a prime example of how we’re not only managing lodges, but ecosystems.
“When you conserve the food, the predator also survives,” Newton adds. “There used to be a lot of snaring in the northern parts of the Busanga Plains and lions would also get caught. Thanks to Green Safaris, there are over 20,000 lechwe and the lion population has thrived because of this.”
In collaboration with Panthera, our Green Safaris Conservation Foundation has co-sponsored deploying a digital radio system to improve anti-poaching efforts in central and northern Kafue.
We’ve also sponsored a dedicated anti-poaching unit to patrol the Busanga Plains. Plus, Chisa Busanga Camp has a special arrangement with Panthera to educate guests about big cat conservation, should you wish to learn more.
Our work and partnerships have resulted in just 8 lions five years ago to over 50 counted in 2023.
Vincent Kouwenhoven and Daniel Allcock, Green Safaris founder and managing director, aspire for Green Safaris to set the standard for eco-travel in Africa and the world. We’re not just another safari company. We’re on a mission to preserve our planet and uplift communities.
Both Newton and our Busanga lions embody this and serve as examples of how our consistent, transparent action results in tangible change. “I am so attached to these lions; I am so attached to this area,” Newton says.
We proudly invite all of our guests to be a part of this change by visiting us and engaging in our Green Safaris Conservation Foundation. The Busanga Plains is where you can witness these great lions in action, leaping across watery channels, roaming beneath dusty pink skies, and living as we believe all lions should be—free.
Of his favourite lion sightings in this region, Newton says, “Watching lions take down a baby hippo was a sad moment but so amazing to see how the pride worked together to get around a subadult male for a successful hunt. It was incredible to watch.”
Ready to see for yourself?
Far from the well-trodden tourist trails, the Busanga Plains offers a truly immersive experience for those seeking to connect with nature in its purest form. With each adventure you embark on with us, you become part of the preservation we continuously strive to maintain and enhance.
We can’t wait to welcome you on your journey of impact…
Chisa Busanga Camp
Four iconic Nests, perched on stilts and sustainably built with foraged local materials, await. Chisa is the Nyanja word for “bird nest”, and the rooms are inspired by the weaver bird nests that decorate the trees here. The camp only uses solar power, as do our game drive vehicles used to explore the dambos.
Between breathtaking sightings, Chisa’s passionate team ensure that every moment is worthy of forever memories. Dining is taken to new heights with bush meals set up on the grasslands and beneath a fallen fig tree—whimsically illuminated by fairy lights.
If you’re not eating and exploring, the camp is honed for deep restoration, providing a reprieve from everyday distractions. It is this, perhaps, that makes this location that much more desirable.
Only guests aged 12 and above are allowed. However, when guests reserve exclusive use of the camp (booking all four tents, accommodating eight people), younger travellers are joyfully welcomed.
Reservations number: +260 979 312 766
Whatsapp (text only): +260 969 864 898
Email: reservations@greensafaris.com
