McBrides' Camp

07/11/2026

GENETS - THE SILENT HUNTERS OF THE NIGHT!

When darkness falls over McBrides Camp, some of our most fascinating little predators begin their nightly patrols.

The African Genet (Genetta species) is a remarkable nocturnal hunter, equipped with an extraordinary combination of senses that allow it to locate and capture prey in almost complete darkness.

But how do these beautiful little predators hunt so effectively at night?

SIGHT — Genets have large eyes specially adapted for low-light conditions. Like many nocturnal mammals, they possess a reflective layer behind the retina called the tapetum lucidum, which improves their ability to see in dim light. This is also what gives their eyes that distinctive glow when caught in a torch beam or camera trap.

HEARING — Their large, sensitive ears help detect the faintest rustle of an insect, mouse or other small creature moving through the grass. Even when prey is hidden from view, a genet can use sound to help pinpoint its location.

SMELL — Their well-developed sense of smell helps them investigate potential food sources, identify other animals and communicate through scent markings.

TOUCH — Those long, sensitive whiskers are another important hunting tool, helping genets navigate branches, narrow spaces and obstacles in darkness.

And then there is their remarkable agility!

With long tails for balance, sharp claws and incredibly flexible bodies, genets are excellent climbers. They can move effortlessly through trees, along branches and across the ground in pursuit of insects, rodents, small birds, reptiles and other prey.

At McBrides Camp, we have several genets living around our main boma area, and they are often seen scurrying through the surroundings during dinner and evening drinks, searching for insects and other small creatures.

They may be small, but they are exceptionally capable predators.

One of the wonderful things about staying at McBrides is that you don’t have to travel far to experience the wilderness. Sometimes the most fascinating wildlife encounters happen right around the lodge.

And now, with our LIVE wildlife cameras, you can enjoy the sights of McBrides Camp from anywhere in the world.

Keep watching — you never know when one of our nocturnal residents might make an appearance!

WATCH OUR LIVE WILDLIFE CAMERAS:
https://www.youtube.com/live/JPBMFFcbbaE?si=IxbNs2uBKxRcQXrw

WEBSITE:
https://www.mcbridescamp.com

BOOKINGS:
[email protected]

Follow McBrides Camp for more fascinating wildlife encounters, camera-trap footage and stories from the heart of Kafue National Park.

06/11/2026

THE LIONS OF MCBRIDES — HUNTERS OF THE DARKNESS

As the last light fades over Kafue National Park, a different world begins to awaken.

For the lions of McBrides Camp, the darkness offers opportunity.

The African lion (Panthera leo) is one of the continent's most formidable predators, and while lions will hunt during the day, the cover of darkness gives them a distinct advantage.

Lions have exceptional night vision, allowing them to see in low-light conditions far better than humans. A reflective layer behind the retina, known as the tapetum lucidum, helps maximise the available light, making them particularly effective hunters after sunset.

Their padded paws allow them to move remarkably quietly through the bush, while their tawny coats blend into the dry grass and shadows. Working alone or together, lions use patience, stealth and explosive bursts of speed to close the distance between themselves and their prey.

And here is something fascinating: despite their reputation as Africa's ultimate predators, lions are not guaranteed success. Many hunting attempts fail, making every successful kill the result of remarkable skill, experience and sometimes a little luck.

At McBrides Camp, the darkness often carries the sounds of these magnificent animals going about their nightly business.

A distant roar, the alarm call of an antelope, the sudden commotion of animals fleeing through the bush — and then, sometimes, complete silence.

With our camp completely unfenced, we are privileged to share this extraordinary wilderness with these powerful predators.

There is something unforgettable about lying in bed at McBrides, listening to lions calling across the Kafue wilderness, knowing that somewhere out there, beneath the African stars, the hunt may already be underway.

The lions of McBrides do not perform for an audience. They live, hunt and survive entirely on their own terms.

THIS IS WILD AFRICA. THIS IS MCBRIDES CAMP.

Follow McBrides Camp for more remarkable wildlife encounters and stories from Kafue National Park.

Website: www.mcbridescamp.com
Bookings: [email protected]

06/11/2026

THE BANDED MONGOOSE — SMALL IN SIZE, BIG ON PERSONALITY!

There is never a dull moment at McBrides Camp, especially when a troop of Banded Mongooses comes bustling through the bush!

The Banded Mongoose (Mungos mungo) is one of Africa's most entertaining small mammals. Recognisable by the distinctive dark bands across its back, this highly social animal lives in close-knit groups that can number anywhere from 5 to more than 30 individuals.

Unlike many mongoose species, which prefer a solitary lifestyle, Banded Mongooses believe in teamwork.

They forage together, communicate through a constant chorus of chirps and grunts, and even take turns babysitting the youngsters while other members of the troop search for food.

Their diet consists mainly of insects, beetles, termites, grubs and other small creatures. With their powerful claws and excellent sense of smell, they are remarkably efficient at digging up meals hidden beneath the soil.

One of their most fascinating behaviours is communal breeding. Several females within the same troop may give birth around the same time, and the entire group helps protect and raise the young.

At McBrides Camp, these energetic little characters are a wonderful reminder that the African wilderness is about far more than lions, leopards and elephants.

Sometimes the smallest animals provide the greatest entertainment!

And now, with our new LIVE wildlife cameras, you can enjoy a little of the McBrides wilderness from wherever you are in the world.

Watch our live cameras and keep an eye out for the wonderful creatures that share our unfenced camp.

LIVE WILDLIFE CAMERAS:
https://www.youtube.com/

WEBSITE:
https://www.mcbridescamp.com

BOOKINGS:
[email protected]

Follow McBrides Camp for more extraordinary wildlife stories and encounters from Kafue National Park.

05/11/2026

05/11/2026

LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT MCBRIDES CAMP — BUT MATING WITH A PORCUPINE IS A PRICKLY BUSINESS!

Our camera traps at McBrides Camp have captured a rather intimate moment between two African Crested Porcupines (Hystrix africaeaustralis) — and it raises an interesting question.

How on earth do porcupines mate without injuring each other?

Despite being covered in thousands of sharp quills, porcupines have developed a surprisingly delicate approach to reproduction.

When a female is receptive, she raises her tail and flattens the quills along her back, allowing the male to approach and mate without getting a face full of spines.

Porcupines are generally nocturnal and often form long-term pair bonds, sharing dens and raising their young together.

After a gestation period of approximately 90–110 days, the female typically gives birth to one or two young, known as porcupettes.

And here is another fascinating fact: baby porcupines are born with soft quills that begin to harden shortly after birth. Nature has thoughtfully ensured that giving birth is not quite as prickly as it might otherwise be!

At McBrides Camp, our camera traps continue to reveal the secret lives of the animals that share our unfenced wilderness. From lions and leopards to civets, genets, bushpigs and porcupines, there is a remarkable amount of activity taking place after the sun goes down.

Sometimes the most fascinating wildlife encounters happen when nobody is watching.

Follow McBrides Camp for more extraordinary glimpses into the secret lives of Kafue National Park.

Website: www.mcbridescamp.com
Bookings: [email protected]

04/11/2026

WHEN THE AFRICAN SUN SAYS GOODNIGHT…

There is something truly magical about sunset in Kafue National Park.

As the last golden rays slip below the horizon, the African bush is painted in beautiful shades of orange, pink and gold. The trees become silhouettes, the heat of the day begins to fade, and a wonderful sense of peace settles over the wilderness.

But at McBrides Camp, sunset is not the end of the day's adventures. It is the beginning of another chapter.

As the birds settle into their roosts, the nocturnal world slowly awakens. Lions begin to stir, hippos prepare for their nightly grazing, leopards move silently through the shadows, and the haunting calls of hyenas echo through the darkness.

There is no traffic, no city noise, no rush. Just the sounds of the African bush, a sky filled with stars, and the remarkable feeling of being somewhere truly wild.

At McBrides Camp, tucked away at the confluence of the Kafue and Mushangashe Rivers, these are the moments that remind us why we love this extraordinary corner of Zambia.

Sometimes the greatest luxury is simply being there to watch the sun go down.

Come and experience the magic of a Kafue sunset for yourself.
Website: www.mcbridescamp.com
Bookings: [email protected]

Follow McBrides Camp for more beautiful moments and wildlife encounters from the heart of Kafue National Park.

03/11/2026

No matter how hard we tried, we just could not get the focus quite right…

But that is safari.

Sometimes the grass is in the way, sometimes the branches win, and sometimes the animal is exactly where it wants to be — partly hidden, perfectly camouflaged, and watching the world on its own terms.

This beautiful cheetah, gave us one of those moments that was not technically perfect, but still completely unforgettable. A glimpse through the dry grass, a flash of spots, a quiet reminder that in Kafue National Park, there are opportunities around every corner.

At McBrides Camp, the wilderness is real and unscripted. Not every sighting poses for the camera, but every sighting tells a story.

Book your Kafue safari with us:
[email protected]
www.mcbridescamp.com

03/11/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skZSH3QuDyo

02/11/2026

THE BUSH HAS NO SCRIPT… COME SEE WHAT HAPPENS!

We’re testing our new wildlife live stream at McBrides Camp, bringing a little of Zambia’s wild heart straight to your screen.

Take a peek at life beside the rivers in Kafue National Park. You might spot a hippo, a visiting elephant or a bird going about its day—or simply enjoy a peaceful moment in the African bush.

Watch here:
https://www.mcbridescamp.com/live-stream/

We’re still fine-tuning things, so please bear with the occasional interruption. Help us test it: tell us where you’re watching from and what you spot! Include the time so others can look out for it too.

Love the view? Come experience it in person.

[email protected]
WhatsApp: +260 773 507 089
www.mcbridescamp.com

Watch live wildlife cameras at McBrides Camp in Zambia’s Kafue National Park. Enjoy riverside views and look out for elephants, hippos and birds.

01/11/2026

When two of Kafue National Park’s giants collide, the bush holds its breath.
A Cape buffalo is one of Africa’s most powerful and unpredictable animals — heavily built, incredibly tough, and more than capable of standing its ground. But a lioness is patience, precision and pure intent. Moments like this remind us that safari is never scripted. It is raw, tense, and completely unforgettable.
At McBrides Camp, these are the kind of sightings that make every game drive feel alive — where every bend in the track could reveal drama, beauty, and the untamed reality of the wild.

Come and experience the wilderness of Kafue with us.
www.mcbridescamp.com
[email protected]