About Kafue National Park
Kafue is oldest and largest national park in zambia and second largest wildlife sanctuary in the world. It covers a huge area of 22,400 square kilometers in western Zambia. The park is named after the Kafue River, which flows right through the middle of it.
Kafue was originally set aside to protect the wildlife way back in the 1950s. At that time, there were already lots of different animals living in the area like antelope, buffalo, zebras and even lions. By making it a national park, the animals and their habitats would be kept safe from hunters and poachers.
These days, Kafue is an important conservation area. It provides a protected home for many species, including some that are endangered or threatened. Visitors can see elephants, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and numerous types of antelopes and other hoofed animals. The birdlife is amazing too, with over 500 different bird species calling Kafue home.
The landscape of Kafue is very diverse, ranging from grasslands and woodland areas to rivers, swamps and even some hilly terrain. This variety of habitats is why so many different creatures can thrive here.
Best Time / climate / How to get / Enquiry
Kafue Safari Tours
7 Days
Lower Zambezi & Kafue Safari
8 Days
Kafue Safari
4 Days
Kafue National Park Safari
Wildlife in Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park is home to an amazing variety of wildlife. The huge park provides a protected habitat for many different species of animals.
Some of the most famous animals you can see in Kafue are the “Big 5” – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. Large herds of African elephants and buffalos can often be spotted near the rivers and watering holes.
Kafue is one of the last places to find endangered species like the cheetah and African wild dog. With some luck, you may get to see them hunting or raising their young.
The park has many types of hoofed animals or antelopes like puku, red lechwe, roan, sable, hartebeest, and wildebeest. Zebras can be found grazing on the open plains too.
For bird watchers, Kafue is a real treat with over 500 species recorded here. You can spot waterbirds like storks, herons, and fish eagles around the river and marshes. The woodlands are filled with colorful species like bee-eaters, barbets, and turacos.
With such an incredible diversity of wildlife in a protected area, Kafue offers an amazing safari experience. Just being out in this unspoiled wilderness is magical.
Mammals
- African Bush Elephant
- Hippopotamus
- African Buffalo
- Lion
- Leopard
- Cheetah
- Sable Antelope
- Roan Antelope
- Lechwe
- Puku
Birds
- African Fish Eagle
- Wattled Crane
- Martial Eagle
- Saddle-billed Stork
- Carmine Bee-eater
- Lilac-breasted Roller
- Schalow’s Turaco
- Southern Ground Hornbill
- African Skimmer
- Bateleur
Reptiles
- Nile Crocodile
- Monitor Lizard (various species)
- African Rock Python
- Puff Adder
- Boomslang
- African House Snake
- Helmeted Terrapin
- African Softshell Turtle
- African Egg-eating Snake
- Zebra Skink
Best Time to Visit Kafue National Park
The dry season from May-October is the classic time for a Kafue safari. Animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. It’s very hot and dusty, but mornings and nights are cool. The dry months of August-October are particularly great for birdwatching.
The wet season from November-April offers a lush, green setting with newborn babies and excellent birdlife. However, heavy rains can limit accessibility. But it’s also the most affordable period with fewer crowds.
Ultimately, Kafue has something special to offer year-round. The season you choose just provides a different flavor of wilderness experience. Discuss your interests with a safari operator to pick the ideal timing for your visit.
Prime Times for Kafue’s Natural Events
Big Fruit Bat Swarms
(July to September)
At certain times of year, millions of fruit bats arrive in some areas of the park. They hang from the trees in huge colonies. At night, you can see the amazing sight of them all taking flight at once and filling the sky.
Elephant River Crossing
(September to October)
In the dry season, big groups of elephants need to cross kafue river. It’s amazing to see these huge animals slowly walking through the water. They swim across the deeper parts while keeping their trunks up.
Cheetah and Wild Dog Pups
(June to November)
This is baby season for the cheetahs and wild dogs of Kafue. The mother animals find a safe den to have their babies. If you are lucky, you may get to see the tiny pups playing while the parents keep a close watch.
Kafue’s Climate
Kafue National Park has two distinct seasons – a wet season and a dry season.
The wet season runs from November through April. This is when the park gets most of its yearly rainfall, with frequent rains that can sometimes be heavy. Temperatures during these months are generally warm, ranging from around 20°C to 30°C. The rains cause the landscape to turn lush and green, filling up rivers and waterholes. However, the wet conditions can make some areas harder to access.
From May to October is the dry season. Early in the dry season like May and June, it’s quite cool with temps between 10°C to 25°C. As the months progress, it gets hotter and hotter, peaking in October when daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C. There is little to no rainfall during this period.
Climate Chart of Kafue National Park
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min (°C) | 15 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 16 |
| Max (°C) | 28 | 29 | 30 | 29 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 30 | 33 | 31 | 29 |
How to Reach Zambia
Reaching Zambia is easy, with several international airports to choose from. The main airports are Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone, and Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (NLA) in Ndola.
Many reputable airlines fly to Zambia, including Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, RwandAir, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. These airlines connect Zambia to major cities around the world.
Travelers from Europe, the Americas, and other regions can find convenient connections to Zambia through major hubs like Dubai, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and more. Direct flights from some cities are also available, making it simpler to reach this amazing destination in Southern Africa.
Getting to Kafue
Kafue National Park is a top safari destination in Zambia. To start your journey there, most travelers fly into the main airport in Lusaka. From Lusaka, you have two main options to reach Kafue
A scenic road trip or a quick domestic flight followed by a short drive to the park entrance. Consider the season when planning your visit, as wildlife experiences vary throughout the year.
With its central location, Kafue can be combined well with other premier safari destinations in Zambia and neighboring countries on an extended trip
By Air
From Lusaka, it’s about a 4-5 hour drive to reach the park gates. Many safari operators can arrange road transfers from the airport.
There is also an airstrip within Kafue at Lufupa which allows for charter flights directly into the park from Lusaka or other airports. This cuts down travel time significantly but is a more expensive option.
By Road
From Lusaka, take the Great West Road heading west and you’ll reach the park entrances after 3-4 hours.
If coming from the Living stone/Victoria Falls area, it’s around a 5 hour drive to the park’s western gates via the Kafue-Mongu road.
From the Copperbelt region of northwestern Zambia, Kafue is roughly a 6-7 hour drive south on the main highways.
Looking for an unforgettable safari in Zambia? Explore Kafue National Park!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kafue National Park famous for?
Kafue National Park is known for being Zambia’s oldest and second largest national park, offering a vast and biodiverse wilderness. It’s particularly famous for having the highest number of antelope species south of the Congo Basin and being one of the best places in Africa to spot leopards.
What animals can you see in Kafue National Park?
While Kafue doesn’t have the classic “Big 5” in abundance, it boasts a remarkable variety of wildlife. You can expect to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, a plethora of antelope species, zebras, warthogs, and even the chance to spot elusive creatures like sitatungas and lechwe.
Is Kafue National Park crowded?
Compared to other popular African safari destinations, Kafue National Park remains relatively uncrowded. This allows for a more intimate and authentic safari experience, with a higher chance of encountering wildlife in a less-traveled environment.
What activities can you do in Kafue National Park?
Kafue offers a range of safari experiences beyond just game drives. You can embark on thrilling night drives or boat cruises for unique animal encounters. Explore the park on foot safaris, canoe trips, or even fishing expeditions. Some lodges also provide cultural excursions to nearby villages.