Kafue National Park: The Unspoiled Ecosystem Safari

By Marcus Richard | Update on: Apr 23, 2025

Kafue National Park, located in central western Zambia, has an area of approximately 22,400 km2. It is Zambia's largest national park and one of the largest in Africa, covering an area about the size of Wales.

Kafue, a testament to nature's diversity, is Zambia's oldest national park, dating back to the 1950s. Its landscape is a tapestry of savannahs, marshes, and riverine forests. This rich tapestry, coupled with the thriving ecosystem, hosts a breathtaking variety of animals, including majestic lions, elusive leopards, swift cheetahs, gentle elephants, mighty hippos, stealthy crocodiles, and over 500 species of birds. Kafue promises an exhilarating adventure for safari enthusiasts, making it the best place to visit in Zambia.

Despite its colossal size and closeness to two of Zambia's most significant towns, Kafue remains unspoiled, undeveloped, and little-known. So, if you wish to explore the country's untamed environment, Kafue National Park Safaris are the finest option. It would be incorrect to suggest that Zambia Safaris are complete without visiting Kafue National Park, a fantastic Zambia destination.

Explore safari activities at Kafue National Park

Somethings about Kafue National Park: Travel Guide

What is the best time to visit Kafue National Park?

The best time to visit Kafue National Park is between the middle and end of the dry season, which runs from July to October. With dried-out vegetation and animals flocking to rivers and clustering near water sources, it is the most dependable time to see wildlife in their native habitat. Furthermore, the park's main attraction, the Busanga Plains, is charming and accessible from August to October. Outside these months, it is flooded and closed, so plan to see the park at its finest.

Wildlife of Kafue National Park

Sightseeing the wildlife of Kafue National Park

While Kafue National Park may not have as much wildlife as other Zambian parks, it serves as a haven for diverse species. The park hosts four Big 5 animals, such as lions, leopards, and the rare cheetah not commonly found in other Zambian parks. Lions, especially, are frequently stalking herds of red lechwe and puku near natural water channels across the park's vast landscape.

For those interested in leopards, Kafue offers an opportunity to see these elusive cats in their natural environment, making it a top destination in Africa for leopard sightings. Apart from the big cats, Kafue boasts the largest population of African wild dogs of any national park on the continent. These impressive predators thrive in habitats along the Kafue River, from dense forests to riverbanks and dambo areas.

Furthermore, Kafue's wilderness is home to various unique and lesser-known species, including pangolins, bush pigs, aardvarks, wildcats, and the resilient honey badger.

Birdlife of Kafue National Park

Go around to see the birdlife of Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park is a birder's paradise, with an astonishing 497 bird species, similar to the birdlife of the whole European continent. These species include severely endangered and endangered birds, including the white-backed vulture, hooded vulture, hottentot buttonquail, and grey-crowned crane. Birdwatching at Kafue provides a chance to experience Zambia's abundant bird variety. 

Vegetation of Kafue National Park

The park's topography is distinguished by open grasslands and vast Miombo woods, which offer food and shelter for diverse species, including antelopes, lions, and elephants. In the north, Zambezian flooded grasslands, including the well-known Busanga Swamps, where herbivores and predators flourish all year, making it a game-viewing paradise.

Explore the best things to do in Kafue National Park in Zambia

Game driving at Kafue National Park

Experience in game driving at Kafue National Park

Indeed, this location offers several attractions, including wildlife, birds, rivers, and forests. As a result, during game safaris, you may witness elephants, lions, hippos, spotted hyenas, antelopes, cheetahs, and bird watching on the floodplains, which occur both day and night.

Clients are led by qualified tour guides and armed scouts to ensure their safety throughout their stay at the site while experiencing the beauty and nature of an African wildlife safari.

Walking safaris at Kafue National Park

Enjoy the morning by walking safaris at Kafue National Park

Imagine the grandeur of experiencing the environment of an African safari by wandering through the greenery and flood plains of Kafue National Park while viewing diverse creatures such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, and many bird species, as well as the pure air and foliage of the river.

While strolling through the park, tourists are accompanied by professional staff and armed scouts familiar with the area, ensuring their comfort and protection.

Boating at Kafue National Park

Take a boat trip to explore the Kafue River 

If you haven't experienced boat travel, try it at Kafue National Park. Boat trips along the Kafue River offer game viewing, birdwatching opportunities, and enjoying nature. Fishing is also available, allowing visitors to experience African fishing techniques and try local fish like kapenta and shoals. This activity enhances the overall stay at the destination and provides views towards South Luangwa National Park.

Night safaris at Kafue National Park

Multiple lodging options are available within the park. Guests interested in nighttime game drives have excellent opportunities to encounter animals like lions, elephants, and cheetahs. The cooler nighttime environment makes these animals more active and comfortable than the day's heat. Experienced guides lead these drives, ensuring clients' safety by navigating safe and potentially hazardous park areas. This enhances visitors' understanding and experience of African safaris at Kafue National Park.

Birding at Kafue National Park

Traveling to Kafue National Park is quite intriguing because of the numerous bird species and their gorgeous looks as they sing sweet tunes, creating a wonderful melody. Wattled crane, African fish eagle, African finfoot, and miombo rock thrush are the bird species present. Always have binoculars to watch these little bird species, which attract visitors.

How to access Kafue National Park?

Travel to Kafue National Park to relax yourself

To access Kafue National Park in the southern part near Kafue Bend off Mumbwa, follow the main road heading west for 66km from Mumbwa and proceed through the Nalusanga gate entrance, approximately 20km from there. Along the Itezhi D769 road, you can access Puku Pan and various lodges by the lake.

Take the Lusaka tar road from the west and enter through the Tate Yoyo gateway. If coming from Solwezi and then Kasempa, take the graded rock D181 Kaoma road to reach the Kabulushi gate. Use the Lunga River barge to reach the Lubungu Waterway.

Kafue National Park is also accessible from Livingstone, the traveler's hub in the south, using graded roads. It takes approximately three hours by road to reach Dundunwezi gate, and the park can also be accessed via airplane via airstrips at Ngoma, Chunga, and Lufupa.

Conclusion: Kafue National Park

To have an exciting experience discovering the most significant things to do in Kafue National Park and obtain a Zambia e-visa with Zambia Immigration Services. This electronic visa allows you to explore the delights of Kafue National Park, from thrilling animal safaris and birding trips to relaxing boat rides along the Kafue River. Immerse yourself in the immensity of the park's different ecosystems, where you may see beautiful elephants, lions, leopards, and various birds. The Zambia e-visa allows you to explore the untamed grandeur of Kafue National Park, providing a fantastic experience in one of Africa's largest and most pure wilderness regions.