Kafue National Park, Zambia’s largest and oldest national park, sprawls across an impressive 22,400 square kilometers of diverse habitats and abundant wildlife. Nestled in the heart of Western Zambia, Kafue offers a wilderness experience that rivals the best in Africa.
Found in the centre of western Zambia, Kafue is the oldest and largest of Zambia’s national parks. It covers a massive 22 400 km² / 8 650 mi².
Founded in the 1920s and formally established as a national park in the 1950s by the legendary Norman Carr, Kafue is one of the largest reserves in the whole of Africa. Despite its size and prominent location only two hours’ drive from Livingstone, it remains little-known and largely unexplored with vast tracts of its virgin bush still untouched. Thanks to its size and variety of habitats, Kafue holds a fantastic diversity of wildlife.
Location and Landscape
Located approximately 200 kilometers west of Lusaka, Kafue National Park encompasses a variety of landscapes, from vast plains and riverine forests to miombo woodlands and seasonal floodplains. This diversity supports a rich array of wildlife and bird species, making Kafue a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
In recent years it has seen a well-managed growth in the number of safari camps and lodges that operate in and around the park. This interest has brought with it more visitors and investment to the area, notably in infrastructure with a number of well-graded roads and airstrips.
As a consequence of the increasing interest and benefits in terms of investment this brings, the wildlife is beginning to enjoy an increased level of protection by the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), always aided and supported by the operators in and adjoining the park.
Wildlife Diversity
Kafue National Park is renowned for its impressive biodiversity, including large populations of elephants, buffalo, and antelopes such as lechwe and puku. Predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs roam the savannahs, while the park’s waterways teem with hippopotamus and crocodiles. Birdwatchers can spot over 500 bird species, including the majestic African fish eagle and rare species like wattled crane.
Activities and Experiences:
- Game Drives: Explore the park on game drives, guided by knowledgeable rangers who offer insights into the park’s ecosystems and wildlife behavior. Morning and evening drives provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Boat Safaris: Cruise along the Kafue River and its tributaries, where you can observe hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife from a different perspective.
- Walking Safaris: Embark on guided walks led by experienced guides, offering a chance to track wildlife on foot and learn about the park’s flora and fauna up close.
- Fishing: Enjoy fishing excursions on the Kafue River, known for its tigerfish and bream, providing thrilling angling experiences amidst breathtaking scenery.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season, from May to October, is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources. The wet season, from November to April, transforms the landscape into a lush green paradise, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities and dramatic landscapes.
Temperature-wise, Kafue is mild due to its altitude, averaging 1 100m / 3 600ft above sea level. It is generally cooler compared to the Luangwa or Zambezi valleys in October and November and, in fact, Kafue reaches 0°C / 32°F in winter (June to August) in some areas.
The park is well serviced by a number of all-year airstrips, notably at Chunga, Ngoma and Lufupa that enable tourists to make the most of the park in any of its ever-changing seasons.
The dry season runs from June to October, with most of the park being inaccessible during the wetter months of November through to April. Inaccessibility, however, need not be a deterrent to those wanting to visit Kafue in the ‘green’ season as it is a spectacular time of year and the lush greenery is something really to behold. The trick is visiting the camps that do stay open for 12 months (or as close as possible to) in the central and northern sections of the park.
It is possible to reach the Itezhi-Tezhi Dam all year round, too. The dry season does, however, enable better driving and game is generally easier to view in the drier months.
The Busanga Plains area is still strictly only accessible from early July (depending on water levels) until early November. This area is a floodplain and unless you enjoy swimming with crocs and hippos then unfortunately you must visit in these months! There is an airstrip at Busanga that facilitates access to the camps, some of which don’t operate in the green season.
Boat cruises are available from most of the river-based camps and lodges and are available all year around, although water levels do change dramatically through the year. Fishing is possible at selected spots only and there are restrictions on the number you catch and keep for the pot. There is a strict off-season to allow spawning and breeding without disturbance (between November and March).
Canoeing trips are also available, notably at Kaingu.
Getting There
Kafue, intersected by the main M9 or Mongu Road, provides easy access for 2-wheel drive vehicles, though the journey to Hook Bridge can take three to four hours. Avoid using 2-wheel drives on the internal road and game drive network due to thick, ‘sticky’ black-cotton soil especially in wet months, which can lead to stranding.
From November to June, avoid roads from Hook Bridge to Lufupa and northwards to Moshi, Kabanga, and Busanga. Similarly, caution is advised on southern routes from Ngoma to Dundumwezi and Nanzhila when wet. The road to Chunga from the M9 remains accessible year-round.
Alternative access routes include a well-graded road from Livingstone to Dundumwezi Gate, reachable in about three hours, and by plane via multiple airstrips including Ngoma, Chunga, and Lufupa.
From Lusaka, take the M9 west towards Mumbwa, then follow the D181 gravel road for northeastern camps or continue west on the M9 for the central and southern sectors, passing Hook Bridge and onto the Spinal Road.
For the southern section, continue west from Mumbwa on the M9, turning left towards Itezhi-Tezhi town and the dam on the D769 road, suitable for strong vehicles due to its length and roughness.
To access Busanga Plains, drive approximately five to six hours from Hook Bridge Gate, ensuring the road is dry as it’s otherwise impassable. Upon arrival, navigation can be challenging.
From the west, enter via the Mongu to Lusaka tar road (M9) at Tateyoyo Gate. From the north (Copperbelt area), use the Solwezi road to Kasempa, branching onto the D181 Kaoma Road towards Kabanga Entrance Gate or the D301 for Kabulushi Gate via Mumbwa and river pontoons.
From Livingstone, travel via Kalomo and the D714 road to the southern Dundumwezi Entrance Gate, leading north to Ngoma and Lake Itezhi-Tezhi.
Accommodation and Facilities: Kafue National Park offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges and tented camps to more affordable chalets and campsites, ensuring comfort and immersion in the wilderness.
Conservation and Sustainability: As a cornerstone of Zambia’s conservation efforts, Kafue National Park is committed to preserving its natural heritage through responsible tourism practices and community engagement initiatives.
Plan Your Visit: Discover the untamed beauty and wildlife diversity of Kafue National Park. Whether you’re seeking thrilling safari adventures, birdwatching expeditions, or tranquil moments in nature, Kafue promises an unforgettable African safari experience.
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