Kafue National Park Travel Guide
One of Africa’s largest national parks delivers astonishing biodiversity and intimate lodges for a truly wild experience
Situated in the heart of Zambia, this vast national park – the oldest and largest in Zambia.
Kafue National Park stretches nearly 300-kilometres (186 miles) from north to south, conserving a remarkable 5.5-million acres of land.
Across this wild and pristine landscape are scattered just a handful of intimate safari camps, offering unrivalled access to the wildest corners of Kafue.
The landscape of Kafue National Park is unlike anywhere else in Africa, ranging from lush forest on the banks of the Kafue River to the wide-open grasslands of the Busanga Plains. Daily game drives in the company of expert safari guides bring this unique ecosystem to life. Large herds of elephant and buffalo are commonplace, but also look for the lesser-known antelope such ass puku, red lechwe and roan. Predators are plentiful here too, with lion, leopard, cheetah and the endangered African wild dog regularly seen.
The incredible diversity of habitat has also established Kafue as one of Africa’s premier birding destinations, with the Park’s wetlands, savannah and woodland home to nearly 500 species throughout the year.
Aside from safari drives, at selected camps boat-cruises and canoe safaris are offered on the permanent rivers and seasonal channels, while walking safaris offer a close-up discovery of this ancient landscape.
For an unforgettable night under the stars, lodges such as Busanga Plains Camp offer the unique ‘star-bed’ option. Here guests will spend the night in absolute comfort, sleeping out atop a four-metre platform with only the southern skies and sounds of the African bush to lull you to sleep.
With our preferred camps pitched deep in the wilderness of the national park – all the better for game viewing – you’ll enjoy all your meals in camp. But one thing’s for sure: you never go hungry on safari!
Look forward to hearty breakfast buffets when you return from your morning excursions, perhaps lunch on a wide terrace overlooking the plains, and dinners to remember beneath African skies.
There is no dress code at any of our lodges, and comfort is king when out on safari. Aim to dress in layers, adapting your outfit from the cool mornings to the warmer afternoons, with neutral-coloured cotton clothing best for game excursions. A bathing suit is essential for enjoying the sparkling pool at the lodge.
Most lodges offer a safari boutique stocking personal hygiene basics, branded clothing and souvenirs, but don’t forget your camera, spare memory cards and specific charging cables.
Due to the remote location of lodges in Kafue, it is essential that travellers have sufficient supplies of any prescription medication before arrival.
WEATHER
Winter (May-October) is the dry season in Kafue, with cold morning and evenings giving way to pleasantly warm days. This is the best time to visit, when most areas of the Park are accessible, and all safari lodges are open.
The wetter summer months (November-April) see heavy rains transform the landscape into a verdant tapestry of green, but brings with it searing temperatures and waterlogged roads. During this time much of the park is inaccessible, limiting your choice of lodges.
While malaria is prevalent across most of Zambia, the remote location of the camps in Kafue National Park make this a low-risk region. However, anti-malarial prophylactics are recommended year-round. Consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure.
Discover where this vast national park fits into the African landscape with our informative safari maps.
Though many of the camps in Kafue are accessible by road, we advise that guests save time by flying in to the Park by private charter. International flights service both Livingstone’s Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (IATA code: LVI) – the best option, allowing for a combination visit to the Victoria Falls – as well as Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in the capital Lusaka (IATA: LUN).
Zambia Travel Destinations
Africa By Design
For more information on customised and incentive travelling to these and other exclusive Southern Africa destinations, please feel free to contact us weekdays during office hours 9am-5pm UCT+2
Contact Us
+27 (0)21 430 3930
[email protected]
Travel Information
Embark on a journey through Africa with our expert tips and guidelines!