Kafue National Park

One of Africa’s Largest Protected Landscapes

Kafue is enormous—larger than some countries’ entire safari circuits. Its size allows wildlife to move freely across habitats that include:

• Open floodplains
• Miombo woodland
• Seasonal rivers and wetlands
• Permanent waterways like the Kafue River

This scale creates lower apparent density than smaller parks, but far greater ecological integrity.

The Busanga Plains: Kafue’s Crown Jewel

The Busanga Plains in northern Kafue are the park’s most famous area—and for good reason.

During the dry season, the plains transform into a mosaic of:

• Shallow waterways
• Palm islands and grassy floodplains
• Predator-rich hunting grounds

This is where Kafue becomes visually spectacular, supporting:

• Large lion prides
• Excellent cheetah sightings
• Seasonal concentrations of plains game

Busanga is best experienced slowly, often with time spent simply watching predators move across open ground.

Wildlife Beyond the Plains

Away from Busanga, Kafue’s strength lies in variety rather than spectacle.

Across the wider park you’ll find:

• Rare antelope species adapted to woodland and wetland
• Strong leopard populations
• One of Zambia’s most diverse bird lists

This is a park where understanding habitat matters as much as knowing species.

A Quieter, More Thoughtful Safari

Kafue has:

• Very few lodges
• Minimal vehicle traffic
• Long distances between areas

As a result, game drives feel exploratory rather than choreographed. Encounters are rarely rushed and often entirely private.

This makes Kafue especially appealing to repeat safari travelers who want space to observe rather than chase.

Where to Stay: Choosing the Right Region Matters

Kafue is not a park you approach casually—location is everything.

We focus on:

• The Busanga Plains during peak season
• River-based camps in central Kafue for contrast

Staying in the wrong area at the wrong time can dramatically change the experience, which is why Kafue rewards careful planning more than almost any park in Zambia.

Who Kafue Is Right For

Ideal for:

• Experienced safari travelers
• Guests interested in predator behavior
• Travelers seeking space and diversity
• Photographers drawn to open wetlands and light

Less ideal for:

• First-time safari travelers
• Guests expecting constant sightings
• Travelers with limited time

How We Think About Kafue

We use Kafue as:

• A counterbalance to higher-density parks
• A way to showcase Zambia’s ecological range
• A destination for travelers who value wilderness over certainty

When timed and placed correctly, Kafue delivers one of the most intellectually rewarding safaris in southern Africa.