Puku Pans safari Lodge
(6 chalets) contact via 30g sable rd, Lusaka; Tel: 01 263 395; 097 780080; email: pukupan@zamnet.zm; www.pukupan.com (GPS: PUKUPN)
Puku Pans overlooks the park from the GMA beside the Kafue River, north of Itezhi-Tezhi dam. As the fish eagle flies, it's about 30km south of the main Lusaka–Mongu road, and 10km north of Kaingu. Puku has an airstrip nearby (GPS: AIRPUK), so it's possible to fly here, but most people drive.

To get here by road see Southern Kafue, Route Directions for 4WD, From the Lusaka–Mongu road: the 'GMA road' . Turn west at the signpost, leaving this road at (GPS: TUKNGU), just a few kilometres south of the Mwengwa Scout Post. This bush track twists and winds through dense miombo woodlands for about 23.5km until you fork right at (GPS: TUPPAN). From there it's just under 14km to the lodge, passing the airstrip on the way.

Puku Pans has a lovely situation on the river, but the camp itself has clearly seen better days. Some of its chalets have concrete floors, others stand on wooden stilts beside the river. All have thatched roofs – and although all have flush toilets and inside bathrooms with hot water, they generally have baths and not showers. The whole impression is very tired: a lodge desperately in need of a complete re-build, although if you're looking for something very cheap in a nice location – this could be for you! If you are coming here then you'd be very wise to book in advance, and not just to turn up.

Puku Pans Campsite
Contact via Puku Pans, above
Beside the lodge is a basic campsite with shared ablutions, including hot showers.