Discover Kafue, Zambia’s Largest Park

Kafue National Park is the largest wildlife area in Zambia, covering an area the size of Massachusetts. Thanks to a diverse landscape that encompasses savannas, woodlands, miombo forests, granite outcrops, grasslands, and wetlands, it is home to an abundance of fascinating wildlife, including more than 150 mammal species and 70 kinds of reptiles.

Kafue National Park was established in 1924 as a game reserve and later upgraded to national park status in 1950. Community-based tourism initiatives, such as community-owned lodges, provide economic opportunities for local residents while promoting conservation awareness and sustainable development.

Discover what makes Kafue National Park an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike!

Wildlife of Kafue National Park

Wildlife tends to be more spread out than at better-known parks like Kruger and Serengeti, but the variety at Kafue is unparalleled. The park hosts Zambia’s largest population of cheetahs and healthy numbers of leopards and endangered African wild dogs (also known as painted wolves). It’s also home to big mammals like lions, Cape buffaloes, spotted hyenas, zebras, and a score of antelope species, Elephants  frequently gather along the banks of the meandering rivers that form the lifeblood of the ecosystem, and hippos splash in the waters.

But don’t overlook smaller, but equally fascinating, mammals such as aardvarks, honey badgers, servals, caracals, and jackals. Even the occasional pangolin has been spotted here.

Kafue also supports over 500 bird species, making it a prime destination for birdwatching. Named an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, it is one of the few places where wattled cranes are known to breed. Other birds seen in the park include the Zambian endemics Chaplin’s barbet and black-cheeked lovebird, as well as grey crowned cranes, African finfoots, Böhm’s bee-eaters, African skimmers, Schalow’s turacos, and rosy-throated longclaws.

What to Do at Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park offers a range of activities for exploring the vast landscape, including game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris, birdwatching, cultural visits, and photography tours. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife while supporting conservation efforts and local communities.

Explore by land

Game drives cover a lot of ground in a few hours, giving you a chance to visit different habitats and see places you might not be able to reach on foot. Game drives are typically conducted in open safari vehicles, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Night drives give you a chance to spot elusive nocturnal animals such as honey badgers and galagoes.

Walking safaris are another terrific option. Walks are typically conducted in the company of armed rangers and offer opportunities to track animals, learn about local flora and fauna, and appreciate the smaller details of the African bush. They are also ideal for birdwatching and looking for the Little Five safari animals.

Explore by water

A scenic boat safari or guided canoe excursion along the Kafue, Lufupa, or Lunga rivers or on Lake Itezhi-Tezhi is another great way to explore the park— particularly during the dry season, when water sources attract large concentrations of animals. Cruise through tranquil waters surrounded by lush vegetation, and observe hippos, crocodiles, and a diverse array of birdlife along the riverbanks, such as fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, storks, and numerous species of waterfowl. You might even see some spotted-necked otters or African clawless otters!

The Kafue River and its tributaries offer many excellent spots for catch-and-release freshwater fishing. Fishing excursions can be arranged with experienced guides and provide opportunities to angle for tigerfish, bream, catfish, and barbel while enjoying the tranquility of the river.

Explore by air

Finally, hot air ballooning offers a unique perspective on the Kafue landscape and the wildlife that inhabit it. You’ll launch at sunrise to take advantage of the morning breeze and golden light, watching as the landscape below comes to life.

When to Visit Kafue National Park

The park experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, with the wet season typically occurring from November to April and the dry season from May to October.

During the wet season, the park’s rivers and floodplains swell with water, with the annual flooding of the Lufupa River creating an impressive delta. These waters attract migratory birds and create lush green landscapes. However, the waters also flood roads and byways and boost the populations of mosquitos and tsetse flies, so many camps and lodgings shut down from December through March. We generally recommend wet-season travel only to ardent birders, since it’s the time of year with the highest bird counts as migratory birds descend on the park.

For other adventurers, the dry season offers optimal wildlife viewing opportunities as animals congregate around water sources—particularly from July through October.

Visit Kafue National Park

Despite its size and importance, Kafue National Park remains relatively undiscovered compared to other safari destinations in Africa. Its remote location in western Zambia has helped preserve its pristine wilderness and off-the-beaten-path appeal.

Contact Ujuzi to experience the allure of Kafue National Park.