Kafue National Park
Kafue is Zambia’s oldest park and by far the largest. It was proclaimed in 1950 and is spread over 22,400 square kms - the second largest national park in the world and about the size of Wales. Despite the Park’s proximity to both Lusaka and the Copperbelt, it has remained underdeveloped until the most recent years. Despite the depravations of poaching and lack of management, the Park is still a raw and diverse slice of African wilderness with excellent game viewing, birdwatching and fishing opportunities. From the astounding Busanga Plains in the North-western section of the Park to the tree-choked wilderness and the lush dambos of the south, fed by the emerald green Lunga, Lufupa and Kafue Rivers, the Park sustains huge herds of a great diversity of wildlife. Large prides of lion, solitary leopards and cheetahs are the prime predators. There is a host of smaller carnivores from the side-striped jackal, civet, genet and various mongoose. Birdwatching, especially on the rivers and the dambos, is superb. Notables include the wattled crane, purple crested loerie and Pel’s fishing owl. Well over 400 species of birds have been recorded throughout the park.
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Suggested Accommodation
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Busanga Bush Camp
The Busanga Plains cover an area of approximately 750 sq km and Busanga Bush Camp is located in the centre of this wildlife paradise. The camp is perfectly situated for some of the best lion viewing in Africa. It caters for 8 guests in 4 well-appointed rooms built of reed and canvas with wall-to-wall views of the spectacular wildlife that frequents the plain in front of camp. Activities include game drives and night drives, led by qualified guides who are extremely knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife. For those interested in birding, the park boasts 491 species, including endemics such as Chaplin's Barbet.
Kapinga Camp
Kapinga Camp is designed to blend in with the environment and natural products have been used as much as possible in the construction of the camp. Interiors are spacious and have all the modern conveniences that you could wish for. With only four luxury safari tents accommodating a maximum of 8 guests, you can be assured of exceptional personal attention. Guests can take part in game drives in and around the plains and night drives offer the added excitement of the nocturnal wonders of the area. All these are led by qualified guides who are extremely knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife.
Lunga River Lodge
Lunga River Lodge has six spacious thatched rooms with private decks that overlook the river, ensuring breathtaking views. A maximum of 12 guests can be accommodated at any one time and great emphasis has been placed on the "guided" experience - being led by qualified, enthusiastic people with in-depth knowledge of the area and its wildlife. Activities include game drives, walking safaris and boating trips as well as fishing. Night drives provide the added excitement of the nocturnal wonders of the area.
Shumba Camp
Shumba Camp comprises six spacious luxury safari tents on raised platforms with breathtaking views of the surrounding plains. A maximum of 12 guests can be accommodated at any one time. Guests have the option of game drives in and around the Plains and night drives are also offered. The Busanga area is home to thousands of red lechwe, ubiquitous puku, stately roan and sable as well as the diminutive oribi and blue duiker. Defassa waterbuck, herds of Lichtenstein's hartebeest, zebra and buffalo make for a full set of antelope. This wealth of game on the plains is also a big attraction for predators, with cheetah, leopard and African wildcat often seen, wild dog, pangolin, and caracal spotted occasionally, and prides of lion up to 20 strong.
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