Simply the best safari lodge in Zambia
Although Kafue National Park is one of Africa's largest national parks, reaching this remarkable wilderness is easier than many visitors expect. Whether arriving by road from Lusaka or by charter flight, guests are rewarded with exceptional wildlife, stunning river landscapes and an authentic safari experience far from the crowds found in many other African destinations.
How to Get to McBrides’ Camp
McBrides’ Camp is located in the north-eastern section of Kafue National Park, on the eastern bank of the Kafue River. Enjoy the journey, travel well, and we look forward to welcoming you.
Route Description to McBrides’ Camp
McBrides’ Camp is situated in Kafue National Park, Zambia, in a wild and remote riverside setting. Guests can reach camp by arranged transfer, bus connection, self-drive, or charter flight.
Self-drive guests should please note that the dry season route information applies mainly from May to November. Outside this period, road conditions can change significantly, so please contact us before travelling.
Private Transfer
Transfers by car from Lusaka or Nalusanga Gate to the lodge can be arranged by McBrides’ Camp.
Lusaka to camp: approximately 5½ hours.
By Bus
The Lusaka to Mongu bus departs from Lusaka Intercity Bus Terminus on Dedan Kimathi Road, Kamwala.
Guests exit at Nalusanga Gate, where a transfer to camp can be arranged.
Total travel time: about 5 hours.
By Air
McBrides’ Camp can be accessed by charter flight, with an airstrip located approximately 10 minutes from camp.
Charter flights can be arranged through operators such as Skytrails Zambia, ProCharter and Saravia.
Estimated Road Transfer Times
Self-Drive Information
These are dry season self-drive instructions. Please ask us for current information if driving at any other time of year. In the interim, the new access road may not appear on most maps.
For this reason, it is not advisable to rely only on Google Maps instructions to get to camp. Please ensure you drive via either Mumbwa and the D181 to Lubungu Pontoon, or via the new access road from the M9.
From Lusaka — 5 to 6 Hours
Drive west on the M9 towards Mongu and Mumbwa.
Option 1: D181 towards Kasempa via Lubungu Pontoon
When you arrive in Mumbwa, drive into town. At the Total filling station roundabout, take the first exit. After a few metres, the tar road turns into gravel.
Follow this gravel road for approximately 1 to 2 km, then turn right onto the larger gravel road. Follow this road for approximately 90 km. About 10 km before Lubungu Pontoon, which crosses the Kafue River, you will see the McBrides’ Camp signpost. From there it is approximately 17 km to camp.
Option 2: New Access Road from the M9
Continue along the M9 until about 15 minutes after Nalusanga Gate. Approximately 2 km before the Itezhi-Tezhi turnoff and 25 km after Nalusanga Gate, there is a dirt road to the right, heading north.
New Access Road GPS Starting Point
GPS: S14.970397, E026.468993
- Once on the dirt road, after 0.6 km there is a V — keep right.
- After 3 km there is another V — go left.
- After 29.1 km keep right on the main road.
- After 1.3 km there is a small gully.
- After 7.4 km cross a dry riverbed, then go left.
- After 0.9 km follow the yellow arrow to McBrides’ Camp.
From Hook Bridge — 3 Hours
Coming from Hook Bridge, drive in the direction of Lusaka. Two kilometres after the turnoff towards Itezhi-Tezhi town, there are two dirt road exits: one to the south on the right, and one to the north on the left.
You will see the McBrides’ Camp signpost. Turn left and follow the new access road directions.
New Access Road Directions
- Starting point GPS: S14.970397, E026.468993.
- After 0.6 km there is a V — keep right.
- After 3 km there is another V — go left.
- After 29.1 km keep right on the main road.
- After 1.3 km there is a small gully.
- After 7.4 km cross a dry riverbed, then go left.
- After 0.9 km follow the yellow arrow to McBrides’ Camp.
From Kasempa — 5 Hours
From Kasempa, follow the D181 towards Mumbwa. Please bear in mind that you need to cross two pontoons: Lungu Pontoon and Lubungu Pontoon.
Pontoon reliability can vary, and occasional breakdowns or delays may affect your travel time. Ten kilometres after Lubungu Pontoon, there is a McBrides’ Camp signpost in a sharp curve on the right-hand side of the road. From this signpost, it is approximately 17 km to camp.
From Mongu or Kaoma — 6 to 8 Hours
From west of Kaoma to Tateyoyo Gate, the M9 can be slow due to road conditions. Follow the M9 in the direction of Mumbwa. Once you arrive at Hook Bridge, follow the Hook Bridge route description above.
From the Great North Road — 7 to 8 Hours
Turn towards Mumbwa at Landless Corner. The middle section of the road has been graded, making the drive easier. From Mumbwa, follow either the D181 option or the new access road option described above.
From Livingstone — 9 to 11 Hours
Depending on current road conditions, there are different options to reach McBrides’ Camp from Livingstone. It is advisable to overnight in Itezhi-Tezhi, or to break the journey at Nanzhila, Choma, or Itezhi-Tezhi.
Do not attempt this route without sufficient fuel, a high-clearance 4x4 with low range, reasonable 4x4 driving skills, and a sense of adventure. Before June, routes through the park may be impassable or very challenging.
Option 1: Livingstone to Kafue National Park via Dundumwezi Gate
From Livingstone, take the T1 towards Lusaka. At Kalomo town, turn north towards the Dundumwezi entrance gate of Kafue National Park, approximately 70 km from Kalomo.
Refuel at Kalomo, as this is the last reliable fuel stop. From Dundumwezi, take the road to Ngoma, the southern headquarters of Kafue National Park. Depending on season and road conditions, you may travel through the Nanzhila Plains along the Cordon Road or Kalenje Road.
From Ngoma, proceed north towards Lake Itezhi-Tezhi. From Itezhi-Tezhi town, drive north on the D769 until you reach the M9, then turn right towards Mumbwa. Two kilometres after the Itezhi-Tezhi turnoff, you will see the McBrides’ Camp signpost. Turn left.
Option 2: Livingstone to Kafue National Park via Musa Gate
From Livingstone, take the T1 until Choma. Follow the road signs from Choma to Namwala. The road is tarred and in good condition, after which there is a heavily washed-out track to the pontoon of approximately 10 km, which can take about one hour.
From the pontoon, use the most-used track heading west to Itezhi-Tezhi town. From Itezhi-Tezhi, drive north on the D769 until you reach the M9, then turn right towards Mumbwa. Two kilometres after the Itezhi-Tezhi turnoff, turn left at the McBrides’ Camp signpost.
Park Opening Hours
The new access road is situated inside Kafue National Park, therefore park rules apply. Park opening hours are between 06:00 and 18:00.
Self-driving within the park is only allowed during these operating hours. Please make sure you arrive in camp before sunset.
If you arrive outside the above-mentioned operating hours, a transfer fee may be charged for a camp vehicle to guide you to McBrides’ Camp.
Road Conditions
The D181 is a reasonably maintained gravel road and is suitable for a high-clearance 2x4 vehicle during suitable conditions.
The last 17 km towards camp has some deep sand patches, so a proper 4x4 is advised during the dry season.
For self-drives on the game loops, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended throughout the year. Self-drive loops are seasonal and are generally only accessible between April or May and November.
Fuel and Supplies
There are several fuel stations on the M9 outside Lusaka. Oryx is one of the last fuel stops between Lusaka and Mumbwa and has a small shop and public toilet.
Mumbwa is the first large town after Lusaka and the last major opportunity to refuel before camp. There is also an Oil Bay fuel station along the M9, and additional fuel stations in Mumbwa town.
Fuel can occasionally run out, and sometimes fuel is available but power or network may be down. Please plan ahead and carry enough fuel, especially if you intend to self-drive in the park.
Mumbwa town has a market, chemists, a butcher, small shops, Choppies Supermarket, an ABSA ATM, and banking facilities. It is advisable to carry cash in case card payment facilities are unavailable.
By Air
McBrides’ Camp is conveniently accessed by air, with an airstrip located approximately 10 minutes from camp. Charter flights can be arranged through operators such as Skytrails Zambia, ProCharter and Saravia.
Please contact the airline providers directly for charter rates, or contact McBrides’ Camp for guidance.
