Zambia
Kafue
Unfenced and untamed, Kafue is known for its predators and boundless Busanga Plains. Explore Zambia’s largest protected area.
Larger than life safaris in Kafue
The Lunga, Lufupa and Kafue rivers give life to this remote swathe of Zambian wilderness. A Kafue National Park safari will see you exploring vast tracts of unspoiled Zambian country. Here lions have adapted to hunt in the swamps, following great herds of semi-aquatic lechwe. The birdlife is thrilling in its diversity and sheer numbers, with numerous regional specials.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Kafue at a glance
The north of Kafue National Park is dominated by rivers, seasonal floodplains and wildlife-rich wetlands, where lions leap across channels and hippos are seen bobbing in the deeper channels. As the Kafue River flows south, woodlands and grassland take over and large populations of plains game abound.
Kafue key facts
At 22,400km², Kafue National Park is some 15% bigger than South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park, and an important stronghold for Zambia’s wildlife. The Busanga swamps are an official Ramsar site, and birders will delight in the many special species that make this precious protected area their home.
GEOGRAPHIC SIZE
22,400km²
BIRD SPECIES
+/- 500
MAMMAL SPECIES
+/- 158
BEST TIME TO VISIT
June to October
WILDERNESS CAMPS
2
Miombo woodland
Sparse, broad-leaved woodland forests.
Floodplains
Seasonal plains fill with water in the rainy season, forming island thickets.
Riverine forest
Lush, riverine forest that grows along the Kafue River.
Elephant
Large numbers of elephants thrive in the water-rich Busanga Plains.
Rosy-throated longclaw
A small, slender bird with heavily streaked, pinkish underparts.
Hippopotamus
Kafue hosts a healthy population of wallowing and snorting hippos.
Lion
Kafue National Park is an important refuge for Zambia’s lions.
Weather
Kafue’s climate is generally warm, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The temperature remains fairly constant throughout the year as the park is in the tropics. The nights tend to be cooler between May and September, with October usually being the hottest month. Most camps are closed during the rainy season as the grass plains are inundated and Busanga becomes inaccessible.
SUMMER SEASON
October to April
DRY SEASON
May to September
Key Facts
Kafue key facts
At 22,400km², Kafue National Park is some 15% bigger than South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park, and an important stronghold for Zambia’s wildlife. The Busanga swamps are an official Ramsar site, and birders will delight in the many special species that make this precious protected area their home.
GEOGRAPHIC SIZE
22,400km²
BIRD SPECIES
+/- 500
MAMMAL SPECIES
+/- 158
BEST TIME TO VISIT
June to October
WILDERNESS CAMPS
2
Habitats
Miombo woodland
Sparse, broad-leaved woodland forests.
Floodplains
Seasonal plains fill with water in the rainy season, forming island thickets.
Riverine forest
Lush, riverine forest that grows along the Kafue River.
Wildlife
Elephant
Large numbers of elephants thrive in the water-rich Busanga Plains.
Rosy-throated longclaw
A small, slender bird with heavily streaked, pinkish underparts.
Hippopotamus
Kafue hosts a healthy population of wallowing and snorting hippos.
Lion
Kafue National Park is an important refuge for Zambia’s lions.
Weather
Weather
Kafue’s climate is generally warm, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The temperature remains fairly constant throughout the year as the park is in the tropics. The nights tend to be cooler between May and September, with October usually being the hottest month. Most camps are closed during the rainy season as the grass plains are inundated and Busanga becomes inaccessible.
SUMMER SEASON
October to April
DRY SEASON
May to September
Kafue experiences
MAP
Explore camps in Kafue National Park
Our luxury safari camps, Shumba and Busanga Bush Camp, are situated in the north of Zambia’s thrillingly remote Kafue National Park. Zambia’s oldest and largest protected area, Kafue is an important refuge for endangered wildlife and rare bird species.
Go to Destination MapFAQ
General
JOURNAL
Kafue featured stories
Why visit Mana and Kafue in the next dry season
Discover how Mana Pools and Kafue transform during the rainy season and why visiting the camps in th...
Read moreCarel Loubser
04.10.2024
Wilderness Shumba newsletter – August 2024
Natural bush sounds are always the best for relaxing in our beautiful Wilderness Shumba paradise. Co...
Read moreEvidence Musabi
30.09.2024
Richard Mwansabamba
30.09.2024
Let’s plan your next journey
Ready?
When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.