Kafue National Park is the largest and one of the oldest national parks in Zambia. Established in 1950, the park covers an area of about 22,400 square kilometres, making it one of the biggest protected areas in Africa. Kafue is a hidden gem, offering a wild and diverse safari experience without the crowds found in more famous parks. It is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, over 150 species of mammals, and more than 500 bird species. The park’s remote nature and vast wilderness make it perfect for visitors looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

 

Location & Geography: Kafue National Park is located in western Zambia, stretching across three provinces: Central, Western, and Southern. It is approximately a 5-hour drive from Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city. The park is named after the Kafue River, which flows through it from north to south, creating a lifeline for wildlife. The river is joined by several tributaries, and its presence contributes to a range of habitats such as riverine woodlands, floodplains, wetlands, savannah grasslands, and miombo forests.

One of the park’s most famous geographical features is the Busanga Plains in the north. These seasonal floodplains become lush grazing areas during the dry season, attracting large herds of antelope, buffalo, and elephants, along with predators like lions and cheetahs. The diverse landscape supports rich biodiversity and offers excellent photographic opportunities, especially for birders and big game enthusiasts.

 

History: Kafue National Park was officially designated in 1950 by Norman Carr, a British conservationist and pioneer of eco-tourism in Zambia. Carr worked closely with local communities and colonial authorities to protect the region’s rich wildlife, which was under threat from uncontrolled hunting. Initially, infrastructure and management were limited, but over time, the park developed into a vital conservation area.

During the 1970s and 1980s, poaching and underfunding severely impacted Kafue’s wildlife. However, in recent decades, efforts by the Zambian government, conservation NGOs, and private tourism operators have led to increased protection, anti-poaching initiatives, and improved tourism infrastructure. Organizations like African Parks and Wilderness Safaris have played key roles in supporting the park’s management and community engagement.

ATTRACTIONS IN KAFUE NATIONAL PARK

Kafue National Park is a special place in Zambia. It is the largest national park in the country and one of the biggest in Africa. The park is full of natural beauty and wildlife.

  1. Busanga Plains: The Busanga Plains are in the northern part of the park. They are one of the most famous and beautiful areas in Kafue. During the dry season (June to October), the floodwaters go down and the land becomes open grassland. Many animals gather here to graze. You can see lions, lechwe (a type of antelope), buffaloes, elephants, and even cheetahs. The wide, flat land with tall grass and beautiful sunrises and sunsets makes this area special. It is also a great place to see big predators hunting, especially lions. Photographers love the Busanga Plains because they offer amazing views of wildlife and nature.

 

  1. Kafue River and its Channels: The Kafue River flows through the middle of the park. It gives water to animals and plants. Along the river, you can see hippos, crocodiles, and birds. The river also has small channels and lagoons where animals come to drink and cool off. This area is very peaceful. The trees along the river give shade, and the sound of flowing water makes it a calm place. Many animals, such as elephants and antelopes, can be seen near the riverbanks.

 

  1. Diverse Wildlife: One of the biggest attractions in Kafue is its wide variety of animals. The park has over 150 kinds of mammals. You can see elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, zebras, hippos, buffaloes, and many kinds of antelopes like sable, roan, kudu, and puku. Kafue is one of the few places in Africa where you can see rare animals like the sitatunga, a shy antelope that lives in swamps. The park also has many predators. Lions are common in some areas, and Kafue is one of the best places in Africa to see African wild dogs. These animals are endangered, but they live and hunt in packs in the park.

 

  1. Birdwatching Paradise: Kafue is a great place for people who love birds. It has over 500 kinds of birds. You can find water birds like herons, storks, egrets, and African fish eagles near the rivers and wetlands. In the forests and grasslands, you can see colourful birds like bee-eaters, kingfishers, rollers, and hornbills.

The Busanga Plains are also a good place for birdwatching, especially during the wet season when many migratory birds arrive. The rare wattled crane, crowned cranes, and ground hornbills are just a few of the special birds you might see.

  1. Remote and Peaceful Nature: Kafue National Park is not crowded like some other parks in Africa. Because of its large size, you can enjoy quiet and peaceful moments surrounded by nature. This is a big attraction for people who want to get away from busy cities or popular tourist spots. There are no big roads or towns inside the park, so the wilderness feels untouched. Visitors often feel like they have the whole park to themselves. It’s a place where you can listen to the sounds of nature – birds singing, animals moving through the bush, and the wind in the trees.

 

  1. Scenic Landscapes: Kafue’s landscape is very diverse. You can see open grasslands, wetlands, rivers, thick forests, and hills. Each part of the park has its own beauty. The miombo woodlands in the south are thick with trees, while the northern Busanga Plains are wide and open. In the rainy season, the land becomes green and full of life. In the dry season, golden grass covers the plains and the water levels go down, making it easier to see animals. The mix of water, trees, and open spaces creates amazing views all year round.

 

  1. Nanzhila Plains: Located in the southern part of the park, the Nanzhila Plains are less visited than other areas but are full of wildlife and natural beauty. This region offers a mix of woodlands and open areas where you can see sable antelopes, kudu, warthogs, and many bird species. It’s a great place for people who want a quiet and private safari experience.

 

SAFARI ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK

Kafue National Park is one of the best places in Zambia to enjoy a safari. It is a very big park with many animals, rivers, forests, and open plains. There are many fun and exciting things to do inside the park.

  1. Game Drives

Game drives are one of the most popular safari activities in Kafue National Park. A game drive means driving through the park in a special vehicle to look for wild animals. These vehicles are open on the sides and top, so you can easily see animals and take photos.

You go on game drives with a safari guide who knows where to find animals and how to keep you safe. In Kafue, game drives are done in the early morning, late afternoon, or at night. These are the best times to see animals because it is not too hot, and many animals come out to feed or hunt. During a game drive, you may see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, wild dogs, and many more animals. Guides also tell you interesting facts about the animals and the park. Game drives in Kafue are quiet and peaceful because the park is not crowded, so you can enjoy a real wilderness experience.

  1. Night Game Drives

Night game drives are a special activity in Kafue National Park. Most national parks in Africa do not allow game drives at night, but Kafue is different. You can go on a night drive with a guide and a spotlight to look for animals that come out after dark. At night, you may see animals that are hard to find during the day, such as leopards, civets, genets, porcupines, hyenas, and bush babies. You might also hear lions roaring or owls calling. Night drives give you a new way to experience the African bush and see how animals behave at night.

  1. Walking Safaris

Walking safaris are a great way to get close to nature. Instead of driving, you walk through the park with a trained guide and an armed ranger. This activity is safe and exciting. You do not walk to find big animals, but you often see smaller ones and learn about plants, tracks, insects, and birds. Your guide will teach you how to read animal footprints, understand animal behaviour, and enjoy the quiet sounds of nature. You may see antelopes, birds, or even elephants or buffalo from a safe distance. Walking safaris help you feel connected to nature in a way that driving cannot.

  1. Boat Safaris

Kafue River is one of the biggest rivers in Zambia, and it flows through the park. In some parts of the park, you can enjoy a boat safari on the river. This is a relaxing and fun activity where you sit in a boat and watch animals along the riverbanks. You can see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and many birds like African fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers. Boat safaris are peaceful, and you can enjoy the cool breeze and beautiful views. It is also a great way to take photos of animals up close without disturbing them.

  1. Birdwatching

Kafue National Park is one of the best places in Africa for birdwatching. The park has over 500 kinds of birds. Whether you are a serious birdwatcher or just enjoy seeing colourful birds, Kafue is a great place to do it. You can see birds near rivers, in forests, on plains, and in wetlands. Some birds to look for include African fish eagles, ground hornbills, crowned cranes, wattled cranes, bee-eaters, and many types of storks and kingfishers. Birdwatching can be done during game drives, walking safaris, or from your lodge.

  1. Photography Safaris

Kafue is perfect for photography safaris because of its rich wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and soft lighting. Whether you are using a phone or a professional camera, you will find many great scenes to photograph. The best times to take photos are early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is soft and golden. You can take pictures of animals, birds, trees, rivers, sunsets, and the open plains. The Busanga Plains in the north of the park are especially good for photography because of the wide views and animals.

  1. Cultural Visits (Nearby Areas)

While not inside the park, some camps near the park offer visits to nearby local villages. These visits give you the chance to meet people who live near the park and learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life. You can see how they cook, farm, build their homes, and make crafts. You might also hear traditional songs or watch dances. These visits help you understand how local people live alongside wildlife and support conservation.

  1. Camping and Bush Meals

Some camps in Kafue offer camping or bush meals. Camping means staying in tents under the stars. You can listen to the sounds of animals at night and enjoy a true wild experience. Camping is usually guided and safe. Bush meals are special meals served in the open air in the middle of the park. You might have breakfast, lunch, or dinner near a river or under a tree. It is a special experience to eat surrounded by nature.

  1. Seasonal Experiences

Kafue offers different experiences in different seasons. The dry season (June to October) is the best time to see animals because they gather near water. The wet season (November to April) is greener and full of birds. The Busanga Plains are only open during the dry season, and they offer a very unique safari during that time. You can plan your activities based on the season. In the dry season, you may do more game drives and boat safaris. In the green season, birdwatching and nature walks are amazing.

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT KAFUE NATIONAL PARK

Dry Season (June to October): This is the best time to visit Kafue National Park. The weather is dry, and there is little or no rain. Because the grass is shorter and water is harder to find, many animals come to the rivers and waterholes. This makes it easy to see them during game drives or boat safaris. The roads are also dry and easy to drive on. The Busanga Plains in the north are open only in this season, and they are full of animals like lions, lechwes, and elephants. Days are sunny, and the air is cool and pleasant, especially in the morning and evening.

Wet Season (November to April): This is the rainy season in the park. The rain makes the grass and trees green and beautiful. Many birds come to the park during this time, so it is great for birdwatching. Some animals give birth in this season, so you might see baby animals. However, it is harder to see animals because they move around more and hide in tall grass. Some roads can be muddy or closed, and some camps may not be open. But if you enjoy quiet and nature, this season still offers a peaceful and beautiful safari experience.

 

WHERE TO STAY IN THE PARK

  • Shumba Camp (Busanga Plains): A high-end camp known for its lions and great views of the plains.
  • Chisa Busanga Camp: Famous for its unique bird’s nest-shaped rooms.
  • Mukambi Safari Lodge: A popular lodge on the Kafue River, offering river views and lovely chalets.
  • Fig Tree Bush Camp: A quiet tented camp near a lagoon, great for wildlife lovers.
  • Mayukuyuku Camp: A riverside camp offering both chalets and camping.
  • KaingU Safari Lodge: A mid-range lodge on the Kafue River with great walking safaris and boat trips.

 

  • McBrides’ Camp: A small, rustic camp known for its natural setting and walking safaris.
  • Kasabushi Camp: Offers both comfortable chalets and a lovely riverside campsite.
  • Nanzhila Plains Camp: Offers affordable tented rooms with good access to wildlife areas.

 

HOW TO ACCESS THE PARK

  1. By Road

Most people travel to Kafue by road. The park is located about 3 to 5 hours west of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city. The main entrance is through the Hook Bridge Gate, which gives access to the central part of the park. The road from Lusaka to the park is partly paved and partly rough gravel, especially inside the park.

A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially in the rainy season or if you want to explore deeper areas like the Busanga Plains or Nanzhila Plains. You can also enter the park from the south (Kalomo or Dundumwezi Gate) or from the west (Mumbwa or Itezhi-Tezhi). Some people drive themselves (self-drive), while others go with safari operators who offer guided road transfers and tours.

Tip: Always fuel up before entering the park. Fuel stations are available in Lusaka, Mumbwa, and Itezhi-Tezhi.

  1. By Air

Flying to the park is faster and more comfortable. There are small planes that fly from Lusaka and Livingstone to airstrips inside Kafue National Park. This is a good option if you want to save time or are visiting remote parts like the Busanga Plains.

  • Popular airstrips include:
    • Lufupa Airstrip – for central Kafue and Busanga area.
    • Ngoma Airstrip – for the southern sector.
    • Chunga Airstrip – near the park headquarters.
  • Charter flights are arranged through safari lodges or local flight companies. There are no big commercial flights into the park.