Kafue National Park
Africa's second-largest national park β 22,400 kmΒ² of untouched wilderness and the Busanga Plains
Overview
Kafue National Park is Africa's second-largest national park at 22,400 kmΒ² β roughly the size of Wales or New Jersey. Established in 1924, it is also Zambia's oldest park. Despite its enormous size and incredible biodiversity, Kafue receives a fraction of the visitors that flock to East African parks, making it one of the continent's last true wilderness frontiers.
The park is home to 22 species of antelope β the highest diversity in Africa β along with lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, elephant, and over 500 bird species. Since African Parks took over management in 2022 in partnership with the Zambian government, wildlife numbers have surged, with visitor numbers increasing 85%.
The crown jewel is the Busanga Plains in the north β a vast, flat floodplain that becomes an island-studded grassland in the dry season, offering game viewing that rivals the Serengeti. Rhino reintroduction is planned for 2026, which will make Kafue a Big Five destination.
Park Regions
Busanga Plains (North)
The star attraction. Vast seasonal floodplain with lion prides, cheetah, lechwe herds, and incredible birding. Accessible Jun-Nov only. Hot air balloon safaris available.
Must-visitCentral Kafue
The most accessible area, centered around the Kafue River and the main Lusaka-Mongu road. Year-round camps, good game viewing, and easy access from Lusaka (5-6 hours).
Most accessibleSouthern Kafue
Wild and remote. Lake Itezhi-Tezhi offers fishing and birding. Fewer camps but genuine wilderness experience. Nanzhila Plains for sable and roan antelope.
Off the beaten trackBest Time to Visit
Busanga Season (Jun-Nov)
The Busanga Plains dry out and become accessible. Huge herds of red lechwe, lion prides on the plains, and cheetah hunts. Hot air balloons operate Jul-Oct. The best time for Kafue overall.
Best for: Busanga PlainsPeak Dry Season (Aug-Oct)
Best game viewing across the park. Animals concentrate around the Kafue River and remaining water sources. Hot but incredible wildlife density.
Best for: Prime game viewingEmerald Season (Dec-Apr)
Busanga camps close but central and southern areas remain open. Stunning green landscapes, baby animals, 500+ bird species active. Lowest rates.
Best for: Birding & valueShoulder Season (May-Jun)
Camps begin reopening. Busanga starts becoming accessible. Good game viewing with comfortable temperatures. Excellent value before peak rates kick in.
Best for: Fewer crowdsActivities
Hot Air Balloon Safari (Busanga)
3-4 hours (incl. setup)
Sunrise over the Busanga Plains β Africa at its finest
Day & Night Game Drives
3-6 hours
22 antelope species, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog
Walking Safari
2-4 hours
Guided bush walks with armed rangers
Boat Safari on the Kafue River
2-3 hours
Hippo, crocodile, and prolific birdlife
Fishing (Lake Itezhi-Tezhi)
Half day
Bream, tiger fish in a scenic setting
Birding Safari
Half day
500+ species including Pel's fishing owl and wattled crane
Getting There
By Air: Charter flights from Lusaka to various airstrips within the park (Busanga, Ngoma, Chunga). Flight time is approximately 1-2 hours depending on the destination. Most luxury camps arrange charter flights as part of their packages.
By Road: Central Kafue is accessible from the main Lusaka-Mongu road (M9), approximately 5-6 hours from Lusaka. The main Hook Bridge entrance is well-signposted. 4x4 is required within the park, especially to reach Busanga Plains.
Park Fees: $25/person/day for international visitors. A portion of fees now goes to community conservation through the African Parks partnership.
Where to Stay
Luxury (Busanga Plains)
$700-1,500/night all-inclusiveShumba Camp (Wilderness), Busanga Bush Camp, Busanga Plains Camp
Luxury (Central)
$400-900/nightIla Safari Lodge, KaingU Safari Lodge, Musanza Tented Camp
Mid-range
$150-350/nightMukambi Safari Lodge, McBrides' Camp, Mayukuyuku Bush Camp
Budget
$30-120/nightNew Kalala Camp, Puku Pan Safari Lodge, self-drive camping
Insider Tips
- π‘Busanga Plains is the highlight β if you only have 3 nights, spend them all in Busanga (Jul-Oct).
- π‘This is one of the best parks in Africa for cheetah. The open Busanga grasslands are perfect for sightings.
- π‘Kafue is a self-drive option from Lusaka β one of the few Zambian parks where this is practical.
- π‘The hot air balloon over Busanga is worth every kwacha. Book well in advance β limited seats.
- π‘Combine Central Kafue (3 nights) with Busanga Plains (3 nights) for the complete Kafue experience.
- π‘African Parks' management is transforming the park β wildlife numbers are rebounding fast. Come now before it's 'discovered.'
- π‘The Nanzhila Plains in the south are Zambia's best spot for sable and roan antelope β rarely visited.
Ready to Discover Kafue?
Chat with Mosi to plan your Kafue adventure β from Busanga balloons to budget-friendly self-drive safaris.