Africa’s second biggest national park
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Learn More HereIt’s hard to believe that Kafue is Africa’s second biggest national park given that it isn’t really a household name. But perhaps that what makes it special: 22 400km² / 13 900mi² of land given over to literally hundreds of bird, mammal and reptile species and only a handful of lodges and camps. Clocking in at the size of Wales in the United Kingdom or Massachusetts in the United States, Kafue is immense and a ‘must-do’ for every serious safari lover.
It is named after the Kafue River, which is mercurial, changing from gently flowing water to exciting rapids and then back again. The Nanzhila River is another lifeline while the Itezhi-Tezhi Lake was dammed to create a colossal expanse of water. The park has everything from classic mopane and miombo woodland to stunning riverine and riparian forests. To the north, the Busanga Plains are an ancient hunting ground for lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog trying their luck with everything from roan and lechwe to kudu and puku. The birding is sensational (with big ticks including white-fronted bee-eaters and fish eagles) while rare species like pangolin and aardvark are seen fairly often.
Safari high season starts with the coldest month – July – and ends with the hottest – October. Mornings can be chilly enough to have overnight frost but the lack of rain means the black-cotton soil dries up and previously inaccessible areas open up especially around the Busanga Plains area.
By November, every living thing is in need of water and it generally comes in the form of spectacular thundershowers with awe-inspiring lightning. After the first rains, beautiful white crinum lilies bloom and the grass begins growing. Roads, however, can become impassable and many camps and lodges are closed during the summer season. Birding, however, it is at its height.
The autumn transition can be very productive depending on rain levels. If the dry winter arrives early, then accommodation may open between April and June, often at attractive rates. The game will still be fairly dispersed and may not be fully visible in the long grass and denser vegetation.
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Start Planning NowHere are our favourite Kafue National Park safaris to inspire you. All of our itineraries can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.
Here are just a handful of lodges and camps in Kafue to whet your appetite. We can suggest others to suit your needs and budget.
Exemplary accommodation that offers welcome touches that are a step up and provide an extra level of indulgence.
Very congenial surroundings with everything you need for an enjoyable safari grounded in tried-and-tested camps and lodges.
Want more detailed information or advice about visiting the Kafue National Park?
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