Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park, Zambia’s biggest and oldest National Park. Located in the centre of Zambia and quite accessible via road or air. The park has a diverse landscape, offering a distinct safari experience. Kafue with so much on offer is becoming more of a single safari destination. Increasingly guests are enjoying a slow safari, taking time to enjoy the entire park.
The Busanga Plains in the north are famous for the big black-maned lions and buffaloes. The confluence of the Lafupa and Kafue rivers provide great motor boat safari experiences.
Nanzhila Plains in the south is a sparse environment more suited for the antelopes.
Kafue National Park is home to a larger variety of wildlife and birdlife than any other Park in Zambia. The Red Lechwe, Sable and Roan which are uncommon in other Parks are often seen here as are wild-dog and cheetah. The park makes for very interesting safari activities due to the diversity of habitats which consist of floodplains, swamps, miombo woodland and vast open plains.
highlights
Boat cruises
There is nothing quite like peacefully drifting down the Kafue river taking in the sights and sounds of the river. Spend a relaxing few hours following the river bank and watch the sun setting down on the river.
canoeing
Only a few operators provide canoeing in Kafue. The trips can be as long or as short as desired, and as placid or as rapid as you like. Overnight island sleep-outs can be part of the experience offered by some of the lodges.
Walking Safaris
A guided safari on foot is a unique experience – walking through the bush, seeing the wildlife at eye-level and learning about the flora and fauna encountered along the way.
This seasonal experience is conducted in early morning with a guide and armed ranger, lasting approximately 3 hours.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Offered by Wilderness Safaris in the Busanga Plains area, this is one of the most exclusive wildlife ballooning experiences in Africa. Rise gently to the skies in style, gaze over scenic splendour, watch hippo playing far below and fly eye-to-eye with an eagle. This life-changing experience ends with a sumptuous champagne breakfast. (Available August to October)
Specialist birding safaris
With the highest number of bird species in Zambia, boasting 491 species, including the endemic Chaplin’s barbet, birding enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice on a specialist birding safari. The area is also alive with rollers, bee-eaters, kingfishers, herons and large flocks of storks, to name a few.
wildlife
Visitors will have the opportunity of seeing large numbers of plains game such as puku, red lechwe, buffalo and wildebeest and even perhaps the rare roan antelope. In the Busanga area Black Maned lions are one of the highlights. Some lodges offer night drives, a great opportunity to experience the unique, nocturnal world. A diverse range of species may be seen at night, including genet, civet, owls and occasionally the elusive leopard.
Best time to visit
July – September in the dry season is the best time to visit. Though it’s also possible to visit in May & June as well as October and November.
November – June Busanga plains is pretty much inaccessible due to the black cotton. – Helicopter would be the option, however most camps are closed during this time.
