Safari in Greater Kafue & Central Plains
Experience the vast wilderness of the Greater Kafue, one of Africa's largest parks, alongside the accessible wildlife areas near Lusaka.
Greater Kafue & Central Plains Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Greater Kafue & Central Plains
Greater Kafue & Central Plains Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Greater Kafue & Central Plains
Blue Lagoon National Park
A small but significant wetland park on the Kafue Flats, Blue Lagoon is renowned for its vast flocks of waterbirds, including pelicans, storks, and cranes. It's also an important habitat for the Kafue lechwe, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers and those interested in wetland ecosystems.
Kafue National Park
Zambia's largest national park and one of the biggest in Africa, Kafue offers vast and diverse landscapes, from the Busanga Plains in the north, famous for its large prides of lions and cheetahs, to dense woodlands. It's an excellent destination for seeing a wide variety of antelopes, including red lechwe and puku, alongside elephants, leopards, and a rich birdlife.
Lolelunga Private Game Reserve
Lolelunga Private Game Reserve is a protected area in Zambia.
Lusaka National Park
The newest national park in Zambia, located just outside the capital city, Lusaka National Park offers a convenient wildlife experience for those with limited time. It's home to white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes, providing an accessible introduction to Zambian wildlife.
Mushingashi Conservancy
Mushingashi Conservancy is a protected area in Zambia.
Compare Parks in Greater Kafue & Central Plains
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Greater Kafue & Central Plains
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kafue National Park | 22,400 km² | 303 | - | Quiet | High | CGX (36km) |
| Blue Lagoon National Park | 450 km² | 419 | - | Very Quiet | High | ZM-0002 (52km) |
| Lusaka National Park | - | 289 | - | Moderate | High | FLLC (15km) |
| Lolelunga Private Game Reserve | - | - | - | Very Quiet | High | FLGE (58km) |
| Mushingashi Conservancy | - | 383 | - | Very Quiet | High | ZM-0023 (60km) |
149 species recorded in Greater Kafue & Central Plains12 threatened
We love the sheer immensity of the Greater Kafue; it feels like stepping back in time to a truly wild Africa. The miombo woodlands can seem dense, but they open up onto vast plains where herds gather, especially around the seasonal pans. The sunsets here are sensational, painting the sky in fiery hues over acacia-dotted horizons. This is a place that demands exploration, rewarding us with intimate wildlife encounters far from the crowds.
Terrain & Altitude
Vast, relatively flat plains stretch across the landscape, punctuated by ancient termite mounds and shallow pans.
1,000-1,300m above sea level
Vegetation
Dominated by miombo woodland, interspersed with open grasslands, riparian forests along rivers, and seasonally flooded dambos.
Water Sources
The mighty Kafue River is the lifeblood, feeding numerous smaller channels, oxbow lakes, and ephemeral pans that swell during the rains.
Unique Features
The sheer scale of the Kafue National Park, combined with its network of seasonal floodplains and dambos, creates an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience.
We always recommend flying directly into Kafue National Park via charter flight if your budget allows; it saves considerable time and hassle on the often rough internal roads. Otherwise, driving from Lusaka is straightforward, but be prepared for variable road conditions once inside the park boundaries, especially after heavy rains.
Nearest Airports
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
120km / 1.5hr drive to Lusaka
Daily international connections
Mfuwe International Airport (MFU)
500km / 7-8hr drive to South Luangwa
Limited regional connections
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Lusaka
The main route is a well maintained tarmac road to the park's eastern boundary. Some internal park roads can be challenging, especially in the wet season; a 4WD is highly recommended.
From Livingstone
A scenic drive north, mostly on tarmac. This route offers a good option if combining Kafue with a visit to Victoria Falls.
Temperature
21.7°C
71°F
Rainfall
314.5 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
82.3%
Sunshine
8.7 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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Health & Travel Info
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