One of Zambia’s most under appreciated national parks, this is an absolute gem. The fact that it is not yet on everybody’s radar is a great thing for those looking to travel somewhere a bit different and explore a brilliant, out the way part of Africa before everyone else gets there. At an incredible 22,400 square kilometres (about the size of Wales!), it is Zambia’s largest National Park.
With some of the most stunning antelope species in Africa (Roan, Sable and Lichtenstein’s Hartebeast to name a few) along with strong populations of Lion and Leopard and an increasing number of Wild Dog and Cheetah sightings, the Kafue is not to be overlooked and is a great addition to any Zambia itinerary.
With only a handful of lodges, the “busy” area is traversed by a couple of camps but as with the South Luangwa and so many other parks in Africa you are most rewarded when you get into the more remote parts of these protected areas. Busanga Plains is the most well known area of the Kafue and is one of the most exhilarating places in Zambia to spend your time. Each year the Lufaupa river floods the area making it completely inaccesible, every time the flood water recedes it creates a habitat perfect for grazing herbivores which in turn attracts predatory species.
The area around the main gate of the Kafue is accessible year round and can offer a rewarding and very private experience in the green season, however, the area really comes to life when you can combine this central area of the park with either the southern sector or the amazing Busanga Plains in the north, which is only possible from July to October when the area is dry enough to access and comes alive with game attracted to the permanent water sources.
Kafue National Park can be accessed by road from Lusaka with a journey time of around 3.5hours to the area around the gate, alternatively there are now flights from Lusaka with Proflight during the dry season.
Best known for outstanding safari Kenya has a variety of ways to experience its wilderness areas, from classic safaris through to camel treks or horseback safaris as well as walking or quadbiking and some incredible sleepouts, Kenya is definitely no longer a one trick pony!
Top Kafue camps
Mukambi Plains
Kafue, Zambia
Perfect for a small tented camp in one of the Kafue’s best game driving areas.
Shumba
Kafue, Zambia
Perfect for a luxury safari experience in the most remote part of the famous Busanga Plains.
Musekese
Kafue, Zambia
Perfect for a really small personal camp, run by the two owners and offering a very flexible wilderness experience and fly camping.
Mukambi Lodge
Kafue, Zambia
Perfect for a great value safari offering very strong and high levels of comfort for a great price.