Kafue National Park Safaris
A hidden gem full of wildlife and adventure in Western Zambia
Overview
Kafue National Park Safaris
Spanning almost 25,000 square kilometres and founded in 1950, Kafue National Park is Zambia’s oldest and largest park. Despite this it has often been overlooked in favour of the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi and receives a fraction of the number of visitors.
The park is finally gaining a rightful reputation for its strong game and stunning scenery yet it remains a well-kept secret on the Zambia safari circuit and is ideal for a more exclusive family safari.
The park has a huge diversity of terrain, with the southern areas of the park featuring miles of miombo woodland and small granite outcrops, while the far northwest of the park is notable for sprawling Busanga Plains. The seasonally flooded plains are the wildlife haven of the Kafue and their fluvial landscape is often likened to a ‘mini Okavango Delta.’
The vast diversity of wildlife, rustic camps, and absence of crowds make Kafue National Park a must for any Zambia safari holiday, particularly appealing to safari purists and adventurous families seeking a more secluded experience.
Overview
Kafue National Park Safaris
Where is Kafue National Park?
Kafue National Park is situated in the centre of Western Zambia and spans the middle section of the Kafue River as well as its many tributaries including the Lufupa, Lunga, Luansanza and Musa Rivers.
Nestled between the large cities Livingstone and Lusaka, Kafue National Park is surprisingly easily accessible. A self-drive Zambia safari can include the scenic 3 to 4 hour drive from either Livingstone or Lusaka, ideal for a family safari at a slower pace. While charter flights to the park’s three airstrips, Ngoma, Chunga, and Lufupa are available for a quicker, more luxurious experience.
What to do in Kafue National Park?
The game-rich floodplains and delightful sparsity of tourists makes the Kafue National Park a great destination for adventurous family safari holidays.
The park is one of the most naturally diverse in Zambia. Home to approximately 158 mammal species and over 515 bird species, game drives in Kafue are never a dull experience. The park is one of the few places in Zambia where cheetahs can be spotted and it also boasts strong populations of the elusive wild dog. Moreover, the Kafue lions are specially adapted to the flooded landscape and can often be seen leaping over the water channels, providing a completely unique Zambia safari experience.
A Zambia safari wouldn’t be complete without a guided walking safari through the bush, giving little ones the chance to explore the local flora and fauna up close. Many camps also offer boat and canoe safaris on the Kafue River, where alongside the ever-present hippos and crocodiles, you might spot the elusive African spotted-necked otters.
With no roads or infrastructure, Kafue National Park offers a truly authentic Zambia safari for families looking to get off the beaten track without compromising on luxury.
Best time to visit?
Wildlife spotting in Kafue National Park is best during the dry season, which takes place from July to October, and most lodges operate seasonally.
Most of Kafue’s camps are closed from December to May due to the rains making many areas inaccessible and the numbers of tsetse flies unbearable. The exception to this is particularly avid birders who would like to witness the arrival of migratory species during the wet season.
Who should visit?
Kafue National Park is ideal for families seeking a more authentic and budget-friendly Zambia safari holiday.
With its rustic camps that offer a genuine wilderness experience, families can immerse themselves in nature without breaking the bank.
This destination is perfect for those wanting to connect with wildlife in a less commercialised setting, making it an excellent choice for unforgettable Zambia family safari adventures filled with discovery and exploration.