Kafue National Park is one of Africa's last great wilderness frontiers — a protected area so vast that it would take days to drive from one end to the other. At 22,400 square kilometres, it is larger than Wales and twice the size of Yellowstone, yet it receives fewer than 5,000 visitors a year. This extraordinary space-to-visitor ratio creates a safari experience of genuine solitude.
The Busanga Plains in the northern section are Kafue's crowning glory. These seasonal floodplains emerge from receding waters from July onwards, creating vast open grasslands that attract herds of red lechwe, puku, and buffalo with cheetah, lion, and wild dog in pursuit. The Busanga Plains are sometimes called "Zambia's Serengeti" and hot air balloon flights over this pristine landscape rank among Africa's most exclusive safari experiences.
The park supports an impressive species list including roan and sable antelope, cheetah, wild dog, sitatunga, and large lion prides. The Kafue River and its tributaries provide boat safari opportunities, while the miombo woodland stretching across the park's centre offers excellent birding.
Everything you need to know before booking your Kafue National Park safari — from the ideal season to budget expectations and logistics.
June to October for dry season. The Busanga Plains are only accessible from July to October (and sometimes November) as seasonal flooding blocks access earlier in the year. June to August is best for cheetah sightings in the north.
More affordable than South Luangwa. Bush camps from $150-500/night. Luxury Busanga Plains camps $500-1,200/night. Self-drive camping is possible in parts of the park ($10-20/night). Park fees $25/adult/day.
June to October for dry season. The Busanga Plains are only accessible from July to October (and sometimes November) as seasonal flooding blocks access earlier in the year. June to August is best for cheetah sightings in the north.
Charter flights from Lusaka to various Kafue airstrips (1-1.5 hours). Road access from Lusaka to the park gate takes 3-5 hours depending on entry point. The M10 highway runs through the park's eastern section. Internal roads require 4x4.
Kafue National Park is known for incredible wildlife viewing. Top experiences include: One of Africa's largest national parks, Busanga Plains — Zambia's Serengeti, Extremely uncrowded (fewer than 5,000 visitors/year), Rare species: cheetah, sable, roan, puku, Hot air balloon flights over Busanga. The specific species you'll encounter depend on the season and exact location within Kafue National Park.
More affordable than South Luangwa. Bush camps from $150-500/night. Luxury Busanga Plains camps $500-1,200/night. Self-drive camping is possible in parts of the park ($10-20/night). Park fees $25/adult/day.
Charter flights from Lusaka to various Kafue airstrips (1-1.5 hours). Road access from Lusaka to the park gate takes 3-5 hours depending on entry point. The M10 highway runs through the park's eastern section. Internal roads require 4x4.