Kafue National Park Holidays

West of Lusaka and southwest of the Copperbelt, Kafue is Zambia’s hidden jewel – a vast wilderness of floodplains and forests, threaded by rivers including the Kafue, Lunga and Lufupa.

It’s home to some of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife, hosting thriving populations of plains game and species rarely seen elsewhere, like the roan, sable and oribi.

Once overlooked, the park is now experiencing a renaissance. Wilderness Safaris has revitalised the area, their work helping restore existing bush camps and developing new lodges. With support from the World Bank, infrastructure improvements and conservation initiatives are transforming Kafue into a model of sustainable tourism.

Communities surrounding the park are at the heart of this renewal. Former poachers have been trained and employed in lodge operations and anti-poaching efforts, while the new ‘Children in the Wilderness’ school is nurturing the next generation of conservationists.

Busanga Plains

The Busanga Plains are a 750-square km floodplain in northern Kafue. From July to November, the plains burst with life, with vast herds of puku, red lechwe, roan, sable, bushbuck, oribi and zebra roaming freely alongside elephants and buffalo. Predators, including the rare tree-climbing lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog, can also be seen, making this one of Africa’s most captivating wildlife experiences.

When the rains arrive in November, the rivers swell, transforming the plains into a spectacular mosaic of islands and waterways. Wildlife retreats to the woodlands before they return as the floodwaters recede, creating a dynamic landscape alive with movement and life.

Birdlife

Kafue is a paradise for birders. Shallow pools and channels sustain abundant catfish, attracting fish eagles, crested cranes, Marabou storks, pelicans and more. Over 500 species have been recorded, with rare sightings like the rosy-throated longclaw and African finfoot.

With poaching under control and conservation thriving, Kafue is emerging as one of Africa’s most extraordinary safari destinations: untouched, exclusive and alive with possibility.