Sausage Tree Camp is set in the most stunning location on the banks of the Zambezi River in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park‘s best game viewing area. The camp overlooks an expanse of narrow channels and reed islands teeming with game. With the magnificent Zambezi escarpment as the backdrop.
Guaranteed private guiding, activities include day and night game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, boating, and fishing.
The central lounge space offers maximum comfort, with sumptuous sofas and a large dining table overlooking the Zambezi River. This connects to a large 25m lap pool.
The sausage tree has sausage-shaped fruit and bright red flowers found in Africa.
Sausage Tree’s Luxury Tented Suites have each been lovingly designed to bring your most elegant safari dreams to life. Your private ‘Muchinda’ (or butler) will take care of all your needs. Glass doors can slide back to completely open the front of the room. Onto the large deck with its private plunge pool, and, extended off the bathroom, is a private outdoor shower.
Imagine a spacious island of cool minimalist style, with a hint of old-school safari glimpsed in the little details and endless views of the Zambezi River stretching out before you. Then add a private plunge pool and a lounge space with a minibar, a king or twin bed, a smooth stone tub, and an outdoor shower. And perhaps a buffalo grazing peacefully less than ten steps from your room.
Each of the luxury tents has a private plunge pool
Kigelia House (x 1)
Kigelia House is the perfect choice for small groups or families wanting a truly exclusive safari experience in one of the best wildlife destinations in the world. Kigelia’s two en-suite bedrooms are connected by an open plan living area which leads directly onto an extensive private deck and plunge pool. One room has a lush king bed. The other has two twin beds with delicate wooden princess frames.
Kigelia HouseExtra Bed Setup
Sausage Tree Camp Activities
A standout attraction of the Lower Zambezi is the variety of activities. Safari game drives in search of big game, slower walks to see everything you would miss on a vehicle safari, boating safaris, fishing excursions, or canoe trips. Interspersed with surprise bush experiences. All combine to create lasting memories.
Game Drives Day & Night
Game drives are the most successful way to see a good variety of wildlife, both large and small. Visiting more areas, and witnessing the diversity of the Lower Zambezi National Park you can appreciate the unspoiled wilderness of Zambia. A larger area can be covered in a shorter time frame, increasing the chance of finding great game. The vehicles also allow those ‘up close and personal’ experiences. The team of professional guides will ensure that it is not too close!
Night drives are the perfect way to experience the nocturnal animals. Including the elusive leopard, genet, civet, porcupine, and giant eagle owl. The big cats tend to be more active at night and you may find yourself following lions on the hunt. Not just cats, but honey badgers or porcupines or the ever elusive but majestic Giant Eagle Owl or Pels Fishing Owl. Your guide will also point out the constellations of the Southern night sky.
Elephants with a babyLeopardWild dog with carcass
Walking Safaris
Walking is the perfect way to search for the smaller creatures. Learn about the trees, and plants, while examining the different tracks and signs. Led by a professional walking guide and National Parks Wildlife Officer, walking is carried out in small groups. Taking advantage of the cooler morning temperatures, you will take a game drive from camp to an open area where the walk begins. Beware, not only do you see the smaller things on foot it is also not uncommon to see a lion on the bush walks.
Get close to wildlife on thrilling walking safaris
Canoeing
The Lower Zambezi is renowned for its spectacular canoeing on the Zambezi, “The Chifungulu Channel”. Led by one of the highly qualified canoe guides, explore the banks of the river, where game can be seen from a totally different perspective. Looking UP rather than down! Canoe trips vary in length. However, a one-hour canoe trip is a great prelude to an evening game drive. No experience or particular strength is required. It is an effortless drift, as the flow of the Zambezi pushes the canoes along. Rather than a workout, this is a time to relax, listen to the sounds of the huge variety of birdlife, and admire their sheer beauty. Canoeing is available for 15 years and older.
Lions on the river banks
Fishing
The Zambezi River is host to some of the most spectacular freshwater sport fishing in the world. With plentiful Tigerfish (Hydrocynus Vittatus, Latin for “striped river dog”) and Tilapia amongst others. Sausage Tree Camp offers both spinning and fly fishing. Both are strictly on a catch and release in accordance with the principles of the National Park.
The most sporting and certainly the most fun fish to catch is the famous Tigerfish. A relative of the infamous piranha, Tigerfish have large carnivorous teeth, can grow to 15kg / 33lb (the camp record 11.3kg), and are renowned for their strength and spectacular “leaping out of the water” fighting performance.
Fishing is successful all year round, however, the warmer months (September – December) are definitely the best time to catch Tigerfish. This is the breeding season when the fish are more active, feeding more regularly, and are far more aggressive. The water level is typically lower and the visibility is at its very best. The Lower Zambezi has the finest Tiger fishing in the world.
Tiger Fishing
Boat Cruises
Scenic boat cruises are a very relaxing way to view the game that comes down to the river to drink and bathe. While also taking in the unique water wildlife. Until the Zambezi River is explored by boat, it is impossible to truly appreciate the huge hippo pods and crocodile populations. Lucky guests have experienced the truly memorable sight of elephants crossing the Zambezi, from Mana Pools National Park to the Lower Zambezi National Park. To view the most amazing sunsets in Africa, floating sundowners (Gin and Tonic are de rigueur!) in the middle of the Zambezi are a must!
This can also provide a photographic opportunity for that perfect African sunset. Sausage Tree Camp operates scenic boat trips on river cruisers. They are the perfect boat for the Zambezi River as sandbanks make navigation on the water very difficult.
Birding
There is something for the novice and experienced bird watcher alike. Whether you enjoy waking up to the booming call of the impressive Ground Hornbill. Or watching the flittering of tiny Redbilled Firefinches. There are approximately 500 species of birds in the Lower Zambezi National Park! From waders on the shores of the Zambezi River to wattle eyes in the Miambo woodland in the escarpment. Some of the special and more interesting birds in the area are Saddlebill Stork, African Skimmer, Rufous Bellied Heron, Bee Eaters, Black Crowned Night Heron, Amethyst Sunbird, and Jamsons Firefinch just to name a few.
Making a difference
Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) is a non-governmental organization that is dedicated to conservation. Their four major programs all align with the core focuses of the Green Safaris Conservation Foundation: Wildlife Protection, Environmental Education, Community Empowerment, and Reintroduction and Research. Guests at Sausage Tree Camp are invited to experience the vital work that they are doing in one of the last remaining wildernesses in Africa.
Dining in Camp
Breakfast is buffet style consisting of toast and oatmeal cooked on the embers of the campfire from the night before; a daily selection of pastries and muffins; cold meats and cheese; cereal, including homemade muesli; and fresh fruit salad. A very healthy way to start the day. Cooked breakfasts are available to order. All with freshly brewed coffee, a variety of teas, and fresh juices.
The buffet lunch consists of a selection of hot dishes, including vegetarian, a variety of fresh salads, and the hot “special bread” of the day rounded off with a petite dessert or selection of cheeses.
3:30 pm is afternoon tea time with freshly made lemonade or iced tea and a selection of sweet and savory delicacies.
Dinner is around 8 pm where you can share the adventures of the day with other guests. Whilst not a formal affair, dinners consist of three courses of fine dining with South African wines. Or in the privacy of your tent served by your personal Muchinda.
River Lunch
Lunches on a sandbank in the Zambezi River, the water lapping at your feet. As far as destination dining goes… it doesn’t get more magical than having lunch with your feet in the mighty Zambezi River. The sandbank lunch locations are handpicked by the team and move depending on the season and the height of the river.
Bush Meals
Why not extend your safari day and eat out in the bush? Bush picnics are a favorite experience with guests and a great way to cover more distance on a game drive or canoeing day. The team will know the best spots to relax between wildlife sightings. They will bring a delicious feast. For special occasions, enjoy a three course dinner by moonlight on an island.
When to visit the Lower Zambezi
The Lower Zambezi Valley gets hot in the dry months from late September to November. With October and November being very hot with chances of rain. The rooms are not airconditioned, but a cooling airflow is created by ceiling fans in the lounge and above the bed. And the private plunge pool is a wonderfully cool place to wallow between activities.
Summer is from August to November with rains from
Winter: May to August with cool evenings and very cold mornings.
How to get to Sausage Tree Camp
Access to Sausage Tree Camp is best by plane. The flight durations are:
Lusaka – Jeki Airstrip: 30 minutes
Livingstone – Jeki Airstrip: 1hr 5 minutes
Mfuwe – Jeki Airstrip: 1 hr 15 minutes
The drive from Lusaka to Sausage Tree is approximately 5 hours. This includes a vehicle and boat transfer.
A typical day on safari at Sausage Tree Camp
Sausage Tree Camp offers personalized safaris to all guests allowing you to set the pace of your day including the type and length of each activity.
5:30 am – Wake up to your favorite beverage.
6 am – Breakfast.
6:30 am – Morning activity
12 pm – Lunch.
1 pm – As the days are warm (even hot) a little time to relax and read up from the library on the experiences of the morning.
3:30 pm – Afternoon Tea.
4 pm – Afternoon activity.
7:30 pm – Drinks around the campfire.
8 pm – A candlelit dinner whilst reminiscing the memories of the day.
Sausage Tree Camp Accommodation Rates
Camp closure: Closes 1st December – 31st March inclusive
2025 & 2026 Sausage Tree Camp Rates
Luxury Tents
Kigelia House
– Min 3 x adults or 2x adults and 2 x children
Green Season:
1st April – 30th June
1st – 30th November
$1,200
High Season:
1st July – 31st October
$1,820
40% Single Supplement applies all year.
Rates Include:
Accommodation, meals, selected activities, laundry, and non-premium drinks.
Levies, service charges, and taxes.
Park fees and bed levies.
Transfers to and from Jeki airstrip.
Morning and evening game drives with private guide and vehicle.
Morning and evening boating safaris.
Walking safaris when available. The minimum age limit of 12 years old applies. Kindly note these are not private.
A selection of out of camp picnics and meals.
Zambezi Tiger Fishing.
Canoeing – water level dependent.
Rates Exclude:
Premium drinks, international travel, activities not listed, and other incidentals.
We require that all guests arrange fully comprehensive travel insurance.
Travel to camp unless booked on Wings and Wheels.
Massages.
Child Policy
Sausage Tree Camp allows children from 9 years. 9-15 years pay 50% if sharing with 2 adults. 16 + pays the full adult rate.
Get 2 free nights at the cheapest property (from above) on stays of 9 nights.
Valid during the Green Season in 2025 (1st May – 30th June and 1st – 14th November).
Pay 3 Stay 4
Get a night free on safari at Sausage Tree Camp, Potato Bush Camp, Chisa Busanga Camp, and Shawa Camp.
Valid during the Green Season in 2026 (1st May – 30th June and 1st – 14th November). Can be combined with other specials. Includes Wings and Wheels.
