Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park

Zambia’s vast wilderness and the Busanga Plains

  • Country Zambia
  • Type National Park
  • Size 22,400 km²
  • Established 1950
  • Best months Jul–Oct
  • Malaria High
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Dry-season bush in Kafue National Park, Zambia

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Safaris in Kafue National Park

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Park guide

Kafue National Park guide

Overview

Kafue National Park is Zambia’s oldest and largest national park, and one of the biggest in Africa. Proclaimed in 1950, it covers around 22,400 km² of western Zambia, an area of woodland, rivers, wetlands and open plains that still sees relatively few visitors. For travellers who want space, variety and a real sense of wilderness, Kafue is one of southern Africa’s most rewarding parks.

The park is named after the Kafue River, which flows through its eastern side and is lined with riverine forest, rapids and quiet backwaters. In the far north, the Busanga Plains are a vast seasonal wetland of grassland and papyrus that floods during the rains and dries into open plains, offering some of the finest game viewing in Zambia. In the south, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi and the surrounding woodlands create another distinct landscape.

Because the park is so large, most visitors focus on one or two areas: the central Kafue River region, the Busanga Plains in the north, or the southern sector. Accommodation ranges from small, seasonal tented camps on the Busanga Plains to comfortable lodges along the Kafue River, many of them run by operators who have invested in conservation and anti-poaching in the park.

Wildlife

Kafue has an impressive diversity of mammals, including more species of antelope than almost any other park in Africa. Red lechwe and puku graze the floodplains, and the woodlands are home to sable and roan antelope, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, kudu, oribi and the shy sitatunga in the swamps. Blue wildebeest and zebra are also present.

The Busanga Plains are famous for their lion prides and for cheetah, which hunt across the open grasslands, and Kafue is one of the best places in Zambia to see African wild dog. Leopards are found throughout the park and are often seen on night drives. Elephants and buffalo herds are present, particularly in the central and southern areas, and the rivers hold hippo and Nile crocodile.

Birdlife is excellent, with close to 500 species recorded, from wattled cranes and pelicans on the Busanga Plains to African finfoot and Pel’s fishing owl along the Kafue River. Rhino are not found in the park, so it is not a Big Five destination.

Key wildlife

  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Cheetah
  • Wild dog
  • Elephant
  • Buffalo
  • Red lechwe
  • Puku
  • Sable antelope
  • Roan antelope
  • Sitatunga
  • Hippo
  • Wattled crane

Best Time to Visit

Short answer: Jul–Oct. Also good: Jun, Nov.

JanquieterFebquieterMarquieterAprquieterMayquieterJungoodJulpeakAugpeakSeppeakOctpeakNovgoodDecquieter

Peak Good Quieter

The dry season from June to October is the best time to visit Kafue. The Busanga Plains are usually accessible from around June or July, once the floodwaters recede, and game viewing improves as the season continues and animals concentrate near the rivers and remaining water. September and October are hot but offer excellent sightings.

The rains usually fall from November to April. Many camps, including those on the Busanga Plains, close during this time, and parts of the park become inaccessible. Some lodges along the Kafue River remain open, offering a quieter, greener experience with excellent birding. Malaria is a risk throughout the year, so take medical advice before you travel.

Getting There

Kafue is around three to four hours’ drive west of Lusaka on a tarred road to the central part of the park. Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka is the main gateway, with flights from Johannesburg and other regional hubs.

Charter flights by light aircraft serve airstrips in the park, including the Busanga Plains, and are the most practical way to reach the remote northern areas. Kafue combines well with Livingstone and Victoria Falls in the south and with South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi on a longer Zambia itinerary.

Fees & Access

Entrance fees

Park entry is set by Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife and charged per person per day, where a day runs from 06:00 to 18:00. International visitors pay from US$15 to US$20 per person per day: Zambia Tourism’s published schedule lists US$20, while the government’s eRegistry lists US$15. Residents and SADC nationals pay US$15 on the published schedule, and Zambian citizens K44.80. Children under 5 are free, and children aged 5 to 13 pay half. A foreign-registered vehicle under 3 tonnes pays US$15 per day.

Fees are usually included in lodge packages. Confirm current rates before travelling independently, as published schedules are not always up to date.

Gate hours

6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Health

Malaria risk: High. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarials before you go.

Fees and gate times change. Check the latest rates with the park authority before you travel.

Things to Do

Game drives by day and night, in search of lion, cheetah, leopard and the park’s many antelope.

Boat trips on the Kafue River for birding, hippos and riverside wildlife, often ending with a sunset on the water.

Walking safaris with an armed scout and guide in the woodland and along the river.

Fishing on the Kafue River, in season and with the right permits.

Hot-air balloon flights over the Busanga Plains are offered by some operators in season.

Browse all safaris or plan your safari with us to build a Zambia trip around Kafue.

Location

Where is Kafue National Park?

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Good to know

Kafue National Park FAQs

How much are Kafue National Park fees?

International visitors pay from US$15 to US$20 per person per day, as official sources currently differ, so confirm the rate before you travel. Children under 5 are free and those aged 5 to 13 pay half. Fees are usually included in lodge packages.

When can you visit the Busanga Plains?

The Busanga Plains are usually accessible from around June or July, once the floodwaters recede, until the rains begin in November. Camps on the plains close during the wet season.

How big is Kafue National Park?

Kafue covers around 22,400 km², making it Zambia’s largest national park and one of the biggest in Africa.

How do you get to Kafue?

The central part of the park is about three to four hours’ drive west of Lusaka. Charter flights from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) serve airstrips in the park, including the Busanga Plains.

What animals can you see in Kafue?

Kafue is known for lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog, along with elephant, buffalo and an exceptional variety of antelope such as red lechwe, puku, sable and roan. Rhino are not found in the park.

Is Kafue a malaria area?

Yes. Malaria is a risk throughout the year, highest in the rainy season. Take medical advice on antimalarials before you travel.

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