Kafue National Park is one of the oldest Parks in Africa. Founded in 1924 and formally established in the 1950s, Kafue National Park stretches along a substantial portion of the Kafue River in western Zambia. It is the largest park in the country and the second-largest in Africa. The seasonal floodplains teem with enormous herds of antelope, which attracts a corresponding population of predators. Despite its size and history, Kafue National Park is one of the lesser-known parks. Large areas of diverse habitats and wildlife make it ideal for the adventurous traveller seeking to experience an unexplored wilderness.
Kafue National Park covers an area of 22,400 sq. km, which is approximately the same size as Wales, or a little larger than Israel. Founded in 1924 and formally established in the 1950s by Norman Carr, Kafue National Park is a year-round destination, with a climate moderated by its altitude at 1,100 metres above sea level.
Due to the prolific species of animals, birds and other wildlife, it is possible to achieve a vibrant safari experience in a short space of time in Kafue National Park. However, an extended stay will provide visitors with the opportunity to view some less common species such as the blue and yellow-backed duiker, lechwe, sitatunga, roan, and hartebeest in the thickets, swamps and rich miombo woodlands. Although cheetah is not commonly seen in Zambia, it is possible to witness this majestic predator patrolling the plains, woodlands and floodplains. Other highlights include African Wild Dog, hippo, crocodile, elephant, and many other of the 158 mammal species recorded in the park. A recognised birdlife haven with various habitat types, Kafue National Park provides avid birders with the opportunity to see as many as 500 species, including the Chaplin’s Barbet – Zambia’s only endemic bird species.
Speak to one of Africa’s Eden’s experienced tour operators to identify the best options for your visit to Kafue National Park.
While the park is accessible year-round, the wetter months (November to April) do present some challenges in terms of accessibility, as some camps close for this period. The Green Season is a genuine spectacle to behold, as the bush regenerates into a lush, vivid life with the new rains. This period sees the birth of young antelope, which usually means increased predator activity. As the wet season brings substantial rains, several key roads become impassable, and away from the main road through the park, 4×4 vehicles are a necessity.
The dry season runs from June to October and allows more comfortable driving and easier game viewing. It is popular with visitors from the Northern Hemisphere as this period aligns with their summer holiday periods.
Gate Times: Sunrise to Sunset
Gate Fees: (per day)
- Local ZK 33.60
- Resident/SADC USD 15
- International USD 20
For vehicle/vessel and activity fees, please refer to this page: https://www.zambiatourism.com/destinations/national-parks/fees/
Link: https://www.zambiatourism.com/destinations/national-parks/kafue-national-park/
MAP OF Kafue National Park
Fig Tree Bush Camp
Kafue National Park
Fig Tree Bush Camp is situated next to a beautiful beach created by the dried sand banks of the…
VIEW DETAILSKaingu Lodge
Kafue National Park
Set in an area of pristine wilderness, KaingU Lodge offers a magnificent game and safari experience in the heart…
Kasabushi Camp
Kafue National Park
Kasabushi Camp is a Bush Camp in the wild zone of the Central Kafue National Park. It began with…
Konkamoya Lodge
Kafue National Park
With no surrounding fence, Konkamoya Lodge integrates seamlessly into the surrounding bush deep in the heart of Kafue National…
Mukambi Safari Lodge
Kafue National Park
Mukambi Safaris, situated in the untouched Kafue National Park, offers a variety of safari options for the discerning traveller.…
VIEW DETAILSMusekese Camp
Kafue National Park
Perched on the edge of a spectacular lagoon hidden away from the outside world Musekese has made a name…
Shumba Camp
Kafue National Park
Kafue is vast, remote and utterly wild, and Shumba is the perfect camp from which to explore it. Several…
VIEW DETAILSBusanga Plains Camp
Kafue National Park
The Plains Camp is the seasonal luxury bush camp of Mukambi Safaris located deep in the heart of the…
VIEW DETAILSHippo Bay Bush Camp
Kafue National Park
Hippo Bay, is settled on the Itezhi Tezhi lake shore. The ideal location to relax after the best kept…
Mawimbi Bush Camp
Kafue National Park
Mawimbi Bush Camp is a tented camp situated at the riverbank of the beautiful Kafue River in the Kafue…
McBrides Camp
Kafue National Park
Located in Kafue National Park, Zambia, McBride’s Camp is found in one of the last true wilderness areas in…