Why Kafue Should Be on Your Safari Bucket List
Despite its size, beauty and diversity, Kafue National Park remains gloriously untamed, offering an African safari experience like no other.
The Kafue National Park in Western Zambia is the largest national park in Africa spanning 22,000 km². (The Kruger is only 15,000 km²!) It’s home to the predator-rich Busanga floodplains, remote riverine woodlands, and rare antelope species.
But whilst the Kruger teems with visitors, Kafue sees only a fraction of that traffic, promising a truly wild and intimate safari. (And let’s not even mention the busy Serengeti!)
And yet the Busanga Plains offers both a sheer quantity and diversity of predator sightings that’s astounding. It is a secret gem.
Busanga Plains
The Busanga Plains, in the far north of the Kafue National Park, are some of the most significant wetland areas in Zambia. This is Kafue’s best area for game-viewing. During the wet season, the Lufupa river floods creating a wetland paradise. These plains become home to thousands of red lechwe. As well as the ubiquitous Puku, stately roan and sable. Plus the diminutive oribi and duiker. The Defassa waterbuck and herds of tsessebe, hartebeest, zebra and buffalo make up the full set of wildlife. Naturally, this wealth of game is a big attraction for predators. These include leopard, wild dogs, cheetah, and prides of lion up to 20 strong. (Cheetah are rarely seen in the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks.)
Predators include lion, cheetah, and leopard, as well as a good number of wild dogs.
PRO TIP: If you only have 2-3 nights for the Kafue National Park, spend them in the Busanga Plains. If you have 4-5 nights, combine both the central-south with Busanga Plains.
Lufupa River
If you have more time, head south to the Lufupa River, characterised by miombo and riverine woodlands, It lies in central and southern Kafue National Park. Though the game is not as rich as on the Busanga plains, there are plenty of rarer species of antelope. These include roan, sable, oribi and Defassa waterbuck.
Finally - Kafue is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 500 recorded species – from wattled cranes in the floodplains to African finfoots in the riverine areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kafue:
Getting to Kafue National Park
The simplest way to get to Kafue is to fly from Lusaka (with connecting flights from the other safari regions into Lusaka). You can also get to the central riverine part of Kafue by road (3½ hours approx). But if you want to get to the Busanga plains, your only option is flying.
How does Kafue compare to South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi?
Kafue offers a more remote, off-the-beaten-path feel with fewer visitors. It’s great for experienced safari-goers looking for fewer crowds and more authentic wilderness.
Who would love Kafue?
A Kafue safari is ideal for the experienced wildlife enthusiast and/or birder. I would put Busanga Plains on a par with South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi
How does Kafue compare to South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi?
Kafue offers a more remote, off-the-beaten-path feel with fewer visitors. It’s great for experienced safari-goers looking for fewer crowds and more authentic wilderness.
What types of safaris are offered in Kafue?
You can enjoy game drives, boat safaris (in the Lufupa area), birding safaris, and guided walking safaris – especially around the Busanga Plains.
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