On a small island lined by fig trees in the northern reaches of the Busanga Plains, lies Chisa Busanga Camp.

Chisa (which translates to bird’s nest) is a place where solar power rules the roost. Not just in camp, but also in the power that drives the safari vehicles that will help you explore the quiet, wetlands that extend for 13,000 square kilometres and are home to many wild species, including lion.

And the nest theme? That becomes very apparent when you take a look at where you’ll be staying…

The nest best thing

The design of the accommodation is inspired by the name of the camp. Or was the camp’s name inspired by the accommodation? Like the chicken and the egg, it doesn’t really matter which came first as either way you get somewhere distinctive to call home here. There are 4 oval shaped suites woven from bamboo and elevated on stilts 4 metres up, accessed by stairs (and in the case of one of the nests a lift as well). The design borrows from the much smaller weaver bird nests that fill the trees here. Word on the grapevine is that a fifth, family focused nest opens for the 2026 season which runs from May to November.

You’re unlikely to have stayed anywhere that looks anything like these nests and the views over the plains they offer are next level. Inside, there’s everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a kingsize bed or twins, private deck, plus an ensuite open air bathroom with shower that has hot running water, a wash basin and flushing toilet.

A canvas covered communal area

Whichever of the nests you make your home, you’re sure to want to head to the camp’s canvas covered communal area. Here there’s an open-sided lounge, bar and dining room with rugs and mats on the floor to dial-up the homely looks and feels.

One big table is shared by all guests when food is served, or you could choose to eat in the boma around the camp fire. Guests report seeing zebra and warthog from the main camp. And others report enjoying afternoon tea and sharing tales in a second seating area. There’s also a plunge pool to cool off if things get hot.

Setting the standards with solar powered activities

Solar powered safari vehicles are still a rarity at safari camps at the time of writing, but Chisa is leading the way. Setting the standards. They use this alternative and abundant natural energy source to power the 4WD vehicles that’ll take you out on day and night drives across the plains.

The silence of these vehicles is as golden as the coats of the lions you’ll likely see resting and relaxing under the fig trees. With barely a murmur, you’ll get a lot closer to all kinds of wildlife in these vehicles without disturbing them, so you won’t have to rely on your camera’s zoom function quite so much.  

A recent visitor survey reported a 100% success rate when it came to sightings of lion, hippo and wildebeest, with elephant returning a very respectable 88%.

Birders can cast their eyes to skies and waters to see crane and heron, while buffalo, wildebeest, cheetah and wild dog are among the other frequent visitors.

Walking safaris are another silent way to explore your surroundings, as is e-biking - yet more evidence of the camp’s commitment to making as small an impact on the environment as possible.