"Kafue National Park is Zambia’s largest park and one of the biggest in Africa. Its immensity embraces many very different landscapes that, accessed from different areas, serve almost as discrete parks. This habitat diversity ensures great wildlife variety and, except for rhinos, Kafue pretty much has it all. Its relatively low safari profile reflects some historical neglect, and for years the park has been in South Luangwa’s shadow. The consequent lack of tourist traffic in many areas explains the distinct skittishness of wildlife – and brings a corresponding sense of adventure. A wide portfolio of lodges includes some impressive top-end options, while game drives, walking safaris, night drives, boat trips and balloon rides are among the activities”
- Mike Unwin
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PLAN MY JOURNEYKafue National Park
Kafue is huge. At 22,500 sq kms, this park is the biggest in Zambia and larger even than South Africa’s Kruger. Its vast expanse comprises many different landscapes, from large tracts of miombo woodland to rocky outcrops, open savannah, swampy floodplains and tumbling rapids. Such diversity means a wide spectrum of wildlife, though game-viewing is not always as easy as in South Luangwa: the park has received less attention over the years, and animals are less habituated to people and vehicles. With fewer visitors, however, comes a genuine sense of exploration.
The Okavango-like floodplains of Busanga in the northwest have a unique appeal. Here you will find large herds of lechwe and puku bounding through the shallows and lion prides trooping from date-palm islands to hunt the open grasslands. Cheetah and wild dog also occur, while serval stalk the long grass for rodents. This is the domain of the fly-in lodge, open only during the dry season.
Broad-leafed miombo woodland dominates the park’s central plateau. Lodges here focus on the meandering Kafue and Lufupa rivers, where hippo pods fill larger pools and leopards are often seen prowling the banks. Further south, large buffalo herds graze the shores of lake Ithezi-Thezi, while Nanzhila Plains is cheetah country. Elephants roam throughout Kafue, while an impressive range of antelope includes sable, roan and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. The park’s bird list is, unsurprisingly, Zambia’s largest, with African finfoot and wattled crane among the specials.
Kafue’s many landscapes are so distinct that it can help to envisage the park as a series of smaller parks, each accessed separately. Every region has its lodges, some very remote, which all offer game drives, guided walking safaris and night drives. Those on the river also offer boat trips, the best way to see the park’s large hippo and crocodile population, while in Busanga you can even take flight in a hot air balloon.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the Busanga Plains flood. Nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape and the a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Zambia, Kafue has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. It is also important to say that much of the park is flooded and inaccessible during the wet season, it would, therefore, be unusual to see properties operating during this period.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the Busanga Plains flood. Nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape and the a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Zambia, Kafue has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. It is also important to say that much of the park is flooded and inaccessible during the wet season, it would, therefore, be unusual to see properties operating during this period.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the Busanga Plains flood. Nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape and the a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Zambia, Kafue has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. It is also important to say that much of the park is flooded and inaccessible during the wet season, it would, therefore, be unusual to see properties operating during this period.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the Busanga Plains flood. Nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape and the a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Zambia, Kafue has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. It is also important to say that much of the park is flooded and inaccessible during the wet season, it would, therefore, be unusual to see properties operating during this period.
DRY SEASON
May is the beginning of the dry season, although the landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains. Midday temperatures are average around 28°C/82°F, the mornings can, however, be surprising cool at around 10°C/49°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Zambia, Kafue has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. It is also important to say that much of the park is flooded and inaccessible during the wet season, it would, therefore, be unusual to see properties operating during this period.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with game wildlife sightings becoming more common. The Busanga Plains remain largely flooded. Midday temperatures average around 25°C/77°F, the mornings can, however, be surprisingly cold at around 6°C/43°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Zambia, Kafue has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. It is also important to say that much of the park is flooded and inaccessible during the wet season, it would, therefore, be unusual to see properties operating during this period.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with game wildlife sightings becoming more common. The Busanga Plains remain largely flooded. Midday temperatures average around 25°C/77°F, the mornings can, however, be surprisingly cold at around 6°C/43°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Zambia, Kafue has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. It is also important to say that much of the park is flooded and inaccessible during the wet season, it would, therefore, be unusual to see properties operating during this period.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. The Busanga Plains have now largely dried up revealing short grass plains which draw in dense wildlife concentrations from the surrounding regions. Midday and night temperatures are a little warmer during these months, averaging 31°C/88°F and 13°C/55°F respectfully.
Like the rest of Zambia, Kafue has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. It is also important to say that much of the park is flooded and inaccessible during the wet season, it would, therefore, be unusual to see properties operating during this period.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. The Busanga Plains have now largely dried up revealing short grass plains which draw in dense wildlife concentrations from the surrounding regions. Midday and night temperatures are a little warmer during these months, averaging 31°C/88°F and 13°C/55°F respectfully.
Like the rest of Zambia, Kafue has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. It is also important to say that much of the park is flooded and inaccessible during the wet season, it would, therefore, be unusual to see properties operating during this period.
DRY SEASON
Game viewing can be spectacular during October; however, temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with midday temperatures over 35°C/95°F not uncommon. The Busanga Plains have now dried up revealing short grass plains which draw in dense wildlife concentrations from the surrounding regions. We suggest early morning starts during this time to make the most of the cool temperatures!
Like the rest of Zambia, Kafue has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. It is also important to say that much of the park is flooded and inaccessible during the wet season, it would, therefore, be unusual to see properties operating during this period.
WET SEASON
The first rains arrive, usually in the form of sharp afternoon showers. The temperatures still however remain hot, while the humidity adds an extra level of discomfort. Game viewing can still be great, but just be prepared for a little heat.
Like the rest of Zambia, Kafue has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. It is also important to say that much of the park is flooded and inaccessible during the wet season, it would, therefore, be unusual to see properties operating during this period.
WET SEASON
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Zambia, Kafue has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. It is also important to say that much of the park is flooded and inaccessible during the wet season, it would, therefore, be unusual to see properties operating during this period.
Experiences
Explore Kafue National Park Properties
Busanga Bush Camp
Busanga Bush Camp
Busanga Bush Camp is a high-end yet simple seasonal accommodation with a rustic atmosphere. A draw for nature lovers, the camp stays true to the bush camp style with intimate, simple chalets hidden beneath sycamore fig trees and ..
Shumba Camp
Shumba Camp
Shumba is a smart, luxury camp on Kafue’s picturesque Busanga Plains. Designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape, Shumba has a gentle and welcoming atmosphere and offers a wealth of activities for both dry and wetter ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
