Kafue National Park is Zambia's oldest and largest park, and one of the biggest in Africa, covering more than 22,000 square kilometres of woodland, floodplain and rivers. It is wild, uncrowded and varied, with a mix of habitats that few other parks can match.
The park is split into north, south and central areas. The Busanga Plains in the north are a seasonal floodplain, open from June to October, where lions climb trees, cheetah hunt and large herds of lechwe and puku graze. The Itezhi-Tezhi region in the south has a large lake and a river with hippos and crocodiles, and the central area, around the Lufupa River, is excellent for leopard. The park's wild dog population is also among the best in Africa.
Kafue is a place for travellers who want solitude and variety, and it pairs well with South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi and Victoria Falls.
Kafue holds the largest variety of antelope in Africa, including roan, sable, puku, red lechwe, Defassa waterbuck, hartebeest and blue duiker, as well as elephant, buffalo, hippo and crocodile. Lions, leopards, cheetah and African wild dog live in the park, and Kafue is one of the best places in Zambia for cheetah and leopard. Sitatunga live in the swamps.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Kafue has rolling woodland, wide floodplains, rivers and lakes. The Busanga Plains are a vast sea of grass, with islands of palm and fig trees, and the sunsets across the plain are spectacular.
Activities here
Kafue is hot in the dry season, with daytime temperatures of 28°C to 33°C, and cool at night from June to August. The rains fall from November to April, and the northern plains flood.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29 | 18 | 220 |
| Feb | 29 | 18 | 200 |
| Mar | 29 | 17 | 150 |
| Apr | 29 | 15 | 40 |
| May | 28 | 11 | 5 |
| Jun | 26 | 8 | 0 |
| Jul | 26 | 8 | 0 |
| Aug | 29 | 10 | 0 |
| Sep | 32 | 14 | 0 |
| Oct | 33 | 17 | 25 |
| Nov | 31 | 18 | 120 |
| Dec | 29 | 18 | 200 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to October is dry. Animals concentrate along the rivers and on the plains, and game viewing is at its best. The Busanga Plains are open from June to October.
November to April is wet and green. Roads can become impassable, the Busanga Plains flood, and most camps in the north close.
June to October is the best time. The Busanga Plains are at their peak from July to October, and leopard and wild dog are best seen in the drier months. Some camps in the south stay open all year.
Best time to visit Jun to Oct
Kafue is reached by a charter flight from Lusaka of about 80 minutes to an airstrip such as Chunga or Busanga, or by road from Lusaka in three to four hours to the southern part, with the last section rough. Light aircraft have a 20 kilogram soft-bag limit.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Many nationalities are exempt from a Zambian visa for stays of up to 90 days, and others can buy a single-entry visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa, currently about US$50. Please check the rules for your passport.
Kafue is a malaria area, with a high risk through the year, so please take medical advice. The park is remote, and medical evacuation is by air.
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National ParkLower Zambezi National ParkCanoeing past elephants
City & TownLusakaCapital and gatewayOur take
“Our take”
Kafue is best for travellers who want space and quiet. Stay at least three nights, and add the Busanga Plains if you travel between July and October.
Safaris from
US$1,786 per person
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