Kafue National Park

Quick Facts

  • Country: Zambia
  • Size: 22,400 km² (2,240,000 hectares) — Zambia's largest and oldest park.
  • Established: 1950 (first proclaimed in 1924 as a reserve)
  • Provinces: North-Western, Central, and Southern Provinces
  • Wildlife: Incredible antelope diversity (21 species); home to tree-climbing lions and the largest population of African wild dogs in Africa.
  • Malaria Zone: High risk; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
  • GPS Coordinates: ~14°23′S 26°09′E
  • Fence Status: Unfenced; surrounded by extensive Game Management Areas (GMAs).
  • Habitat: Vast floodplains (Busanga), riverine forests along the Kafue River, and dense Miombo woodland.
  • Best Time to Visit: June–October for the central/southern sectors; July–October for the Busanga Plains (accessible only when dry).

Overview

Kafue is a wilderness of staggering proportions, roughly the size of Wales. It is the "undiscovered" gem of Zambia, offering a variety of biomes that few other parks can match. From the watery, mist-covered floodplains of the north to the rugged woodlands of the south, it is a destination for the true safari connoisseur seeking solitude and biodiversity.

Location & Access

  • Main Entry Gates: Hook Bridge (Central), Dundumwezi (South), Nalusanga (East), Tateyoyo (West).
  • Air Travel:
  • Lufupa or Chunga Airstrips: Used for central and northern lodges. Proflight Zambia operates scheduled flights to Chunga.
  • Busanga Airstrip: Direct access to the northern floodplains.
  • Road Access: * From Lusaka: ~3.5–4 hours via the M9 (Mongu Road) to the central Hook Bridge area.
  • From Livingstone: ~3 hours to the southern Dundumwezi Gate.
  • Internal Roads: The "Spinal Road" connects north to south, but many tracks (especially in Busanga) are impassable and closed during the rains.

Wildlife Highlights

  • Cheetah: One of the few places in Zambia where cheetah are regularly seen, particularly on the open plains.
  • Wild Dogs: Kafue holds the continent's largest population of this endangered predator.
  • Busanga Lions: Famous for their size and their habit of climbing trees to escape insects or find a breeze.
  • Red Lechwe & Puku: Thousands of these water-loving antelopes congregate on the floodplains, providing a feast for predators.

Best Time to Visit

Season
Months
Weather
Highlights
Dry / Peak
July–October
Cold mornings, hot afternoons
Best for predators; the only time the northern Busanga Plains are accessible.
Shoulder
May–June
Mild and drying
Lush landscapes; central park is accessible but tracking is harder due to tall grass.
Wet / Green
Nov–April
Hot, rainy, and lush
Incredible birding (Pel's Fishing Owl); many remote camps close; focus moves to central/river camps.