Kafue National Park, Zambia

Introduction

Kafue National Park is Zambia's largest and oldest national park, a vast and pristine wilderness spanning an area larger than many countries. With its diverse habitats, sweeping plains and winding rivers, Kafue National Park offers exceptional wildlife, remote beauty and some of the finest untouched safari country in Africa.

Why Visit

Kafue National Park rewards travellers with genuine wilderness and outstanding wildlife far from the crowds. From the wildlife-rich Busanga Plains to the scenic Kafue River, the park offers superb game viewing, birdwatching and boating, making Kafue National Park a hidden gem of Zambian safaris.

History

Established in the 1950s, Kafue National Park is one of Africa's oldest and largest protected areas. Despite its long history, much of the park remains remote and lightly visited, preserving a raw and authentic wilderness experience for those who venture here.

Wildlife

Kafue National Park supports an incredible diversity of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, elephants and buffalo. The Busanga Plains attract huge herds of red lechwe and puku, while over 500 bird species make the park a birder's paradise.

Activities

Game drives, boat safaris on the Kafue River and guided walking safaris are highlights of Kafue National Park. The seasonal Busanga Plains offer spectacular game viewing, while birdwatching and fishing add further appeal to this vast and varied park.

Landscape

The landscape of Kafue National Park is wonderfully diverse, from the open Busanga floodplains and miombo woodlands to the rivers, lagoons and dambos. This variety of habitats supports the park's remarkable wildlife and creates stunning and ever-changing scenery.

Culture

The communities surrounding Kafue National Park reflect Zambia's warm hospitality and rich heritage. Community conservation partnerships help protect the park, and cultural encounters offer travellers deeper insight into local traditions and rural life.

Accommodation

Kafue National Park offers accommodation from luxury lodges and seasonal bush camps to comfortable self-catering options. Many camps sit along the Kafue River or overlook the Busanga Plains, providing superb wildlife viewing and remote tranquility.

Travel Tips

Visit the Busanga Plains in the dry season for the best wildlife in Kafue National Park, and allow time to explore its vast and varied regions. Bring binoculars and insect repellent, and combine land, water and walking safaris for the fullest experience.

Safety

Kafue National Park is a wild and remote environment, so follow your guide's instructions on drives, walks and boat trips. Keep a safe distance from wildlife, take malaria precautions and travel with adequate supplies in this expansive park.

Best Season

The dry months from June to October offer the finest game viewing in Kafue National Park, especially on the Busanga Plains, as wildlife concentrates and vegetation thins, improving visibility.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your safari with the Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa National Park, Lake Kariba and the capital Lusaka, all reachable from Kafue National Park.

Plan Your Adventure

Experience the vast wilderness of Kafue National Park on your next Zambian safari. Book your unforgettable adventure today and explore Zambia's largest and most pristine national park.

Top attractions

Things to do

Best time to visit

June–October (Dry Winter Season)

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