How big is Kafue National Park?

Kafue covers 22,400 km² — larger than Wales, larger than Israel, and roughly the size of Switzerland. It is Africa's second-largest national park (after Hwange by some counts) and Zambia's largest. Despite its size, visitor numbers are tiny — fewer than 15,000 per year — meaning extraordinary solitude.

What is the Busanga Plains?

The Busanga Plains is a vast seasonal floodplain in the far north of Kafue — one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife spectacles. In the dry season (July–October), it transforms into open grassland hosting massive herds of red lechwe, puku, lions, cheetah, and wild dog. Access is by charter plane to the Busanga airstrip. Several exclusive small camps operate here seasonally.

When is the best time to visit Kafue?

June–October (dry season) is best for wildlife. The Busanga Plains are accessible July–October only — before this the plains are flooded. October is peak for predator activity and large concentrations at water sources. The park partially closes November–May due to rains and flooding.

Can I combine Kafue with other Zambia parks?

Yes — Kafue is typically combined with Lower Zambezi or South Luangwa for a full Zambia circuit. Fly between parks on charter planes (Kafue has several airstrips). Some operators run overland routes from Livingstone (Victoria Falls) to Kafue south sector, then north to Busanga.

Zambia · Africa's Second-Largest Park

Kafue National Park

22,400 km² of untouched wilderness. Wild dog on the Busanga Plains. Fewer visitors in a year than Kruger sees in a weekend.

22,400 km²·Wild dog capital·<15,000 visitors/year·Open Jun–Oct

Why Kafue is Different

22,400 km²

Size of Switzerland

Africa's 2nd-largest national park

<15,000

Visitors per year

Kruger receives 1.5 million

1 of 4

Wild dog strongholds

One of Africa's key painted wolf populations

Wildlife Guide

Species	Status in Kafue	Notes
Wild Dog (Painted Wolf)	High density	Kafue has one of Africa's largest wild dog populations; Busanga packs well-studied
Cheetah	Good population	Open Busanga grassland is ideal cheetah habitat; regular sightings Jul–Oct
Lion	Abundant	Large prides on Busanga and throughout park; some enormous male coalitions documented
Leopard	Resident	Woodland south sector; riverine thicket; common but nocturnal
Red Lechwe	Endemic subspecies	Enormous herds on Busanga floodplains; Kafue lechwe is an endemic subspecies
Elephant	Large herds	Herds throughout; largest concentrations in north sector October
Sitatunga	Specialist habitat	Aquatic antelope; rare in most parks — common in Kafue's papyrus swamps
Shoebill Stork	Rare sightings possible	One of Africa's most sought-after birds; papyrus swamps in north Kafue

Four Park Sectors

Busanga Plains (North)

Charter flight to Busanga airstrip·Jul–Oct only

Highlights: Wild dog, cheetah, lion, red lechwe herds, open-sky photography

Camps: Shumba Camp, Busanga Bush Camp, Kapinga Camp

Central Kafue

Drive or fly from Lusaka·Jun–Nov

Highlights: Year-round base; Kafue River; hippo, crocodile, elephant, good birding

Camps: Kafue River Lodge, Nkwali Camp

South Kafue (Itezhi-Tezhi)

5 hrs from Livingstone by road·May–Nov

Highlights: Large Itezhi-Tezhi dam; boat safaris; buffalo, sable, roan, wild dog

Camps: Mukambi Safari Lodge, Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp

Nanzhila Plains (South)

Remote track; 4WD only·Jun–Oct

Highlights: Sable antelope, roan, tsessebe, African wild dog; extreme solitude

Camps: Nanzhila Plains — self-catering wilderness camp

Where to Stay

Shumba Camp

Ultra-Luxury

6 tents; Busanga Plains; Wilderness Safaris; all-inclusive; prime wild dog & cheetah territory

From $1,400/night

Busanga Bush Camp

Luxury Fly Camp

Intimate 4-tent fly camp on the plains; seasonal Jul–Oct only

From $800/night

Mukambi Safari Lodge

Mid-Range

South sector on Kafue River; excellent value; boat safaris, walking, drives

From $280/night

Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp

Authentic

Remote south; open-fronted chalets; rarely visited; exceptional sable & roan

From $350/night

Kafue River Lodge

Mid-Range

Central; accessible from Lusaka by road; boat and game drive combo

From $220/night

Explore Kafue Before the Crowds Arrive

Kafue remains one of Africa's best-kept safari secrets. Our Zambia specialists design circuits combining Busanga Plains with South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi.

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