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The colossal Kafue National Park is Zambia’s oldest and largest national park, and one of the wildest in all of Africa.

At 22,400 square kilometres, Kafue itself represents 36% of Zambia’s national park land. When added to the surrounding 45,400 square kilometres of Game Management Area, the total protected zone constitutes a staggering 9% of the country’s entire landmass.

Kafue is named for the river, the lifeblood of the park, that dissects it, almost north to south, running for more than 250 kilometres.

Whilst Kafue doesn’t have the huge herds of game that can be found in some other Zambia safari parks, what it lacks in density it more than makes up for in diversity. There are at least 161 species of mammal, six cat species, and 22 species of antelope. (Kafue boasts the highest antelope diversity of any African park.) The park is also home to approximately 500 species of birds.

This is the only park in Zambia where I have been lucky enough to see both aardvark and pangolin – two very rare safari sightings!

Kafue National Park sunset scene

Sunset at Kafue National Park

The best safaris in Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park is so vast that the safari options vary based on the location of each camp.

For a different safari experience, head to the Busanga Plains in the North West corner of Kafue National Park. You can see the red lechwe (a medium-sized type of antelope), wildebeest, lion, zebra and hippo. The lions in the Busanga Plains are famous for their ability to climb trees and were featured in the National Geographic documentary Swamp Lions. Busanga also has the largest herd of buffalo in the park, with around 600 thundering around.

Game drives are offered in the morning and evenings in all parts of the park during the peak season (July to October). Walking safaris can also be done in the park through lodges and camps. Boat rides can also be done.

Kafue National Park is a haven for bird watchers with almost 500 species of birds which include the fish eagle, the saddle-billed stork and more.

When to visit Kafue National Park

Peak wildlife viewing season in Kafue National Park is between July and October. At this time, the rates are highest. Note that the Busanga Plains are inaccessible during the rainy season (November-April) while the Itehi-Tezhi part of the park is accessible year-round.

Due to Kafue National Park’s being 1100m above sea level, it is cooler than the national parks located in the Luangwa and Zambezi valleys, particularly in the winter months (June-August). If visiting during that time, warm clothing should be packed.

Zambia Kafue NP leopard2

Leopard in Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park best safari camps and lodges

Most properties in the Kafue National Park are located on the banks of the Kafue River.

During the rainy season, some parts of the park become inaccessible, such as the Busanga Plains. All year lodgings are available at Mayukuyuku Camp.

Mukambi Safaris runs three camps in the Kafue National Park; Mukambi Safari Lodge, Fig Tree Bushcamp and Busanga Plains camp.

Other high-end lodging options include Chisa Busanga in the northern part of the park: small, smart and innovative, with four tree-house nests that are comfortable and stylish with a touch of luxury.

Kafue National Park Puku calves

Puku calves in Kafue National Park

How to get to Kafue National Park

It is possible to drive from Lusaka to Kafue National Park, with the journey length depending on which lodge or camp is being visited. It is a three hour drive from Lusaka to the most accessible part of Kafue.

If you’re heading deeper into the park to places like Busanga, consider a private charter flight. These land at airstrips such as Chunga, Lufupa and Ngoma.

Kafue National Park is also accessible by road via Livingstone. It is a four hour drive from Livingstone to Lake Itezhi Tezhi in the southern part of the park.

About the author

Safari In Kafue National Park

Sarah Kingdom

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveller, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides climbing and trekking trips worldwide, including taking climbers up Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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