Kafue National Park Overview
Kafue National Park Flora And Fauna
Zambia’s Kafue National Park stands on the Central Zambezian Plateau at the sea level of 1,350 metres, with a landscape drained by numerous all-season rivers and streams. Gently rocky and undulating, Kafue thus offers fascinating geographical conditions for the flourishing of a variety of floral species. Witness a wide range of vegetation including Miombo woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, riparian forests, thickets, and Acacia and Mopane woodlands. On the northern side of Kafue National Park lies the Busanga Plains, which exhibit the unique Zambezian Flooded Grassland-type vegetation. Rivers such as the Lufupa River flood every year during the wet season from November to April. It leads to vegetation in this dry African region flourish that attracts hundreds of animal and bird species to Kafue’s untouched jungles.
As Zambia’s prominent hub of wildlife and vegetation, the massive Kafue National Park is home to more than 158 mammal species. It also has 70 species of reptiles, 36 species of amphibians, 58 species of fish, and over 500 species of birds. Kafue also holds the distinction of being home to the highest diversity of antelope species in any African national park, with 21 unique species residing in the wilderness of the park. Visitors can spot huge buffalo herds that sometimes include up to 1,000 individual buffaloes, as well as numerous herbivores like elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and many more. The predator species one can witness include lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs, and many more, while bird species range from water birds to large birds like eagles.
Kafue National Park Tour Packages
Embark on a whirlwind tour of Zambia’s iconic Kafue National Park and discover an undiscovered world of the African wilderness. Escape from the bustle of city life as you explore this jungle and spot rare species of African animals and birds at Kafue National Park.
Inclusions: - Admission inside the Park- one can partake in all activities- Accommodation is included- professional driver/guide- Roundtrip transfer facility- All meals and drinks included
Price: between USD 875 to USD 900
Also Checkout: Kafue National Park Safari Tour
Spot hundreds of animal and bird species as they roam freely in the jungles of Kafue with the 4-Day Kafue Horizon Safaris package. Indulge yourself in fun activities like night drives, fishing, canoeing, boat safaris, birdwatching, camping, and much more.
Inclusions: - Admission ticket to the Park- One can partake in all activities- Accommodation is included- professional driver/guide- Roundtrip transfer facility- All meals and drinks included
Price: between USD 987 TO USD 1000
Must Checkout: Zambia Safari Holiday Packages
Witness forests, waterfalls, wild animals, birds, and much more as you explore Zambia’s famous attractions with the 6-day Lusaka to Livingstone via Kafue National Park package. Start from Lusaka and explore Kafue National Park, Livingstone, and the iconic Victoria Falls on this adventurous short safari.
Inclusions: - Admission ticket to the Park- One can partake in all activities- Accommodation is included- professional driver/guide- Roundtrip transfer facility- All meals and drinks included
Price: between USD 1,110 TO USD 1250
Stay in two of Kafue National Park’s most unique and luxurious camps and indulge in various fun activities in the African wilderness as you book the 7-day Luxury Kafue Safari package. Customise this package as per your preferences and enjoy a week of family entertainment in Zambia’s jungles.
Inclusions: - Admission ticket to the Park- One can partake in all activities- Accommodation is included- professional driver/guide- Roundtrip transfer facility- All meals and drinks included
Price: between USD 3800 TO USD 4,815
Zambia’s two iconic national parks, South Luangwa National Park and Kafue National Park can be explored with the 12-day Best of Zambia’s Wildlife Safari package. You may spot Africa’s Big Five, namely lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and African buffalos, along with rare animal and bird species with this package.
Inclusions: - Admission ticket to the Park- One can partake in all activities- Accommodation is included- professional driver/guide- Roundtrip transfer facility- All meals and drinks included
Price: between USD 8,845 TO USD 9100
Witness the best of Zambia’s wild world as you tour its three renowned wildlife experiences, namely South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park, and Lower Zambezi National Park. Along with this, get the opportunity to explore Victoria Falls with the 15-day Family Holiday to Zambia package.
Inclusions: - Admission ticket to the Park- One can partake in all activities- Accommodation is included- Professional english speaking driver/guide- Roundtrip transfer facility- All meals and drinks included
Price: between USD 10,000 TO USD 11,200
Things To Do At Kafue National Park
Guided walking safaris are a popular activity at Kafue National Park camps and lodges. Embark on short day excursions through Kafue’s jungles as a knowledgeable guide accompanies you. Conducted mostly in the mornings and late evenings, one can spot unique flora and fauna besides learning more about them on these walks. Usually, one embarks on these short tours in the bus with a small group of visitors.
Price: between USD 45 to USD 55
Also Read: Things to Do in Zambia
Explore the wilderness of Africa from a never-seen-before perspective as you head out on guided night drives into the heart of Kafue National Park. It is conducted by most camps and lodges of Kafue in the late hours of the night until sunrise. This adventure allows visitors a glimpse into the nocturnal activities of animals and birds of the park.
Price: between USD 45 to USD 55
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Zambia
Game drives are the most sought-after activity and are offered by most camps and lodges on the premises. Witness the magic of Zambian wildlife come alive as you tour the untouched expanse of Kafue with a professional guide and spot rare exotic animal and bird species. Visit the most frequented locations of the wild residents on your early morning or sundowner game drive.
Price: between USD 45 to USD 55
Kafue National Park has about 500 species of birds residing in its pristine wilderness, whom visitors can spot during specialist birding drives. Conducted by the camps and lodges of Kafue in the daytime, the birding drives offer exciting opportunities for bird lovers to spot rare and endangered bird species with the help of a knowledgeable guide.
Price: between USD 45 to USD 55
The Kafue River is the heart of Kafue National Park, with much of its wildlife centring around the serene water body. Get a bewitching peek into the Kafue wilderness from a unique perspective as you embark on boat safaris. Click pictures of Kafue’s wild inhabitants as they drink water on the river banks and spot water birds, crocodiles, and even hippos up close on the fun boat safari.
Price: between USD 45 to USD 55
Among the most family-friendly things to do in Kafue National Park is fishing and canoeing in the waters of the Kafue River. Fishes like pike, barbel, and bream are found aplenty in the calm waters. You may throw your rods and catch a few as you canoe around with crocodiles, hippos, and water birds in this African jungle adventure.
Price: between USD 45 to USD 55
Lodges And Camps At Kafue National Park
Located in Kafue National Park’s Busanga Plains, Busanga Bush Camp offers guaranteed sightings of lechwe and puku herds, making it popular among tourists. In operation from June to October, Busanga Bush Camp has four tents under lush fig trees.
Amenities : - Bar- Battery-changing facilities- Credit card facilities- En-suite- Internet access- Laundry service- Safe- Mosquito nets- Veranda.
Location: Kafue
Price: between USD 1,092 to USD 1359
Also Check: Kafue National Park Lodges
Situated on the banks of the Kafue River is the Ila Safari Lodge of Kafue National Park, which operates from March to January. Located close to the river, the lodge has ten State of the Art luxurious tents for families and couples visiting Kafue.
Amenities: - Viewing deck- Spa- Laundry- Fan- WiFi in the main building- Infinity pool- Safe- Hairdryer on request.
Location: Kafue National Park
Price: between USD 420 to USD 550
Must Checkout: Zambia Safari Lodges
Chisa Busanga Camp is a unique accommodation facility in the Busanga Plains region of Kafue National Park. Operational from July to November, the camp has four luxury Nests that resemble a weaver-bird nest amidst the wilderness.
Amenities: - Laundry- Room service- Infinity pool- Restaurant- Electric boat- Electric game vehicles
Location: Busanga Plains
Price: between USD 700 to USD 810
On the banks of the Kafue River in central Kafue is the Kasabushi Camp, which operates from March to December. Relax and unwind amidst the African wilderness and fauna at the contemporaneous old architecture of the camp.
Amenities:- Comfortable bedding- Natural granite infinity plunge pool- Activities like game drives, boat cruises, and guided walks.
Location: Kafue
Price: between USD 189 to USD 200
Fig Tree Bush Camp, situated on the banks of the Shishamba River, has a magnificent fig tree as its central highlight. The seasonal lagoons around the river leave sandy beaches behind, one of which can be witnessed at the camp.
Amenities: - Boma- Hammock- Inter-camp transfers- Safari packages- Game drives and walking safaris.
Location: Kafue
Price: between USD 350 to USD 450
In the centre of Kafue National Park’s Busanga Plains is the Shumba Camp, named after the lions of Kafue. Settle at the camp in the months of June to October, and enjoy stunning views of the Busanga Plains and wildlife.
Amenities: - Bar - Battery charging facilities - Credit card facilities- En-suite- Internet access - Laundry service - Mosquito nets - Pool- Safe- Veranda
Location: Kafue
Price: between USD 1,310 to USD 1,410
Plan Your Visit To Kafue National Park
How to Reach
- By Car: Kafue National Park is located approximately 360 kilometres away from the Zambian capital of Lusaka and is a four-hour drive.Head out on the main M9 road towards Mumbwa from Lusaka or the T1 from Livingstone which will take you around 2 hours to reach the national park.
- By Air: The Kenneth Kaunda International Airport of Lusaka and the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport of Livingstone offer chartered planes to the airstrips in Kafue.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kafue National Park is during the dry season from June to October when the day temperature remains mild, and it is easier to spot the wild residents of the park.
- Light woollens and comfortable walking shoes
- First aid kit with personal medicines
- Food and water supplies
- Swimwear and towels
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, moisturiser, lip balm, and a hat
- Power bank and mobile charger
- Binoculars
- Insect repellants
- Consult a doctor and keep your vaccinations, especially malaria vaccinations, up to date before your visit.
- Wear long clothes in the evening and use mosquito repellents to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- Follow your guide’s instructions and keep your voice down when around animals.
- Stay away from animals at all times and don’t explore beyond designated areas during self-drive safaris or group tours.
FAQ's Of Kafue National Park
What activities can we do at Kafue National Park camps?
The popular activities one can indulge in at Kafue National Park camps include guided walks, night drives, day drives, specialist birding drives, boating excursions, fishing, and canoeing. One can also go on various safari tours or enjoy hot air balloon flights to see the national park from a bird's eye view.
How many days do you need in Kafue National Park?
Visitors need to spend around three nights and four days in Kafue National Park to indulge and experience the best of Zambian wilderness and camping experience. Spot a variety of animal and bird species at Kafue and experience the magic of camping in a deep African jungle during your visit. Kafue offers numerous adventures that can be indulged in for a longer period, but at least four days is definitely recommended.
What is the best time of the year to visit the Kafue National Park?
The best time of the year to visit the Kafue National Park is during the dry months of June to October when the day temperature is mild, making it easier to spot the wild residents of the park.
What facilities will I get in Kafue National Park camps?
Facilities on offer at Kafue National Park camps vary at the different camps and lodges. Basic facilities range from luxurious en-suite rooms to room service, laundry service, internet access, mosquito nets, restaurant and bar, swimming pool, safe, and viewing facilities. Most camps also offer activities like game drives, walking tours, boat safaris, birdwatching tours, fishing and canoeing experiences, and much more.
Which are the best places to visit in Kafue National Park?
The best places to visit in Kafue National Park include the Kafue River, Shishamba River, and Busanga Plains.