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...

Kafue National Park at a Glance

Location
Greater Kafue & Central Plains, Zambia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-15.378228, 25.992224
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
June to October (dry season) for walking safaris and game viewing. February to April for Victoria Falls at full flow.

Getting to Kafue National Park

Nearest airport: Namwala Airport (FLNL), 64 km away.

Nearest international airport: Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), 272 km away.

Big Five in Kafue National Park

2 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, African Buffalo.

Weather & Climate in Kafue National Park

The warmest temperatures in Kafue National Park occur in October, averaging 27.5°C (up to 34.5°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 18.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 40.2%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 21.9°C (rainfall: 345.5mm)
  • February: 22.8°C (rainfall: 142.9mm)
  • March: 22.6°C (rainfall: 87.4mm)
  • April: 22.0°C (rainfall: 29.3mm)
  • May: 20.1°C (rainfall: 3.2mm)
  • June: 18.5°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • July: 18.6°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • August: 21.9°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • September: 25.7°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • October: 27.5°C (rainfall: 6.0mm)
  • November: 25.2°C (rainfall: 90.6mm)
  • December: 23.7°C (rainfall: 177.5mm)

Best Time to Visit Kafue National Park

The best months to visit Kafue National Park are August, September, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 21.91°C, rainfall 345.5mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 81.8%
  • February: Good, temperature 22.8°C, rainfall 142.9mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 76%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.6°C, rainfall 87.4mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 73.8%
  • April: Great, temperature 21.99°C, rainfall 29.3mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 62.8%
  • May: Great, temperature 20.11°C, rainfall 3.2mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 51%
  • June: Great, temperature 18.51°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 47.3%
  • July: Great, temperature 18.57°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 40.2%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.94°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 31.6%
  • September: Great, temperature 25.71°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 28%
  • October: Great, temperature 27.54°C, rainfall 6mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 32.3%
  • November: Great, temperature 25.2°C, rainfall 90.6mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 57.9%
  • December: Good, temperature 23.69°C, rainfall 177.5mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 70.1%

Wildlife in Kafue National Park

Home to 104 recorded species including 34 iconic birds, 28 birds of prey, 25 waterbirds, 6 tropical birds, 3 antelope & gazelle, 3 big five.

Recommended Packing List for Kafue National Park

Based on average temperature of 22.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 54%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 23°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Kafue National Park

7 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Greater Kafue & Central Plains

Visitor Tips - Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park is Zambia's wild heart, a vast and untamed wilderness that truly feels like stepping back in time. We love its incredible diversity, from the Busanga Plains to the Kafue River, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing without the crowds. The sunsets are sensational, painting the sky in fiery hues over landscapes teeming with life, making every moment feel luxurious and timeless.

Gate Times

Kafue National Park's gates typically open at sunrise and close at sunset, usually around 06:00 to 18:00. These times are strictly enforced for visitor safety. During the wet season, from roughly November to April, many roads and areas, particularly in the south, become impassable, and some camps close. We always recommend confirming accessibility with your chosen lodge or tour operator well in advance. Park entry permits are mandatory and should be arranged through your safari operator or purchased at the gate; pre-booking is advisable, especially during peak dry season.

Tipping

Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for excellent service in Kafue. For your safari guide, we recommend budgeting around $15-20 per guest per day, given their extensive knowledge and dedication. For general camp staff, a communal tip of $10-15 per guest per day is appropriate, often placed in a central box for distribution among housekeepers, chefs, and porters. If you have a particularly attentive tracker or boatman, a separate small tip of $5-10 is a thoughtful gesture. We advise tipping in US dollars or Zambian Kwacha, discreetly, at the end of your stay.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zambia

Travel advisory for Zambia

Kafue National Park FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Kafue National Park, especially for wildlife viewing in the Busanga Plains?

The dry season, from June to October, is ideal for wildlife viewing in Kafue, particularly in the renowned Busanga Plains. During this period, water sources diminish, concentrating animals around remaining waterholes and making sightings of large lion prides and cheetahs more frequent.

Beyond the famous predators, what unique wildlife can I expect to see in Kafue National Park that sets it apart from other Zambian parks?

Kafue is renowned for its exceptional diversity of antelopes, including large herds of the endemic red lechwe, often seen grazing in the floodplains. You can also spot sable, roan, and Lichtenstein's hartebeest, which are less common in other Zambian safari destinations.

How does the safari experience in Kafue National Park differ from more well-known African safari destinations in terms of crowds and exclusivity?

Kafue offers a remarkably uncrowded and authentic wilderness experience, with a low crowding level of just 2/5. This means fewer vehicles at sightings and a more intimate connection with nature, allowing for truly exclusive game drives and photographic opportunities without feeling rushed.

What specific health precautions should I take when planning a safari to Kafue National Park, given the high malaria risk?

Due to the high malaria risk in Kafue, it is crucial to consult your doctor about prescription antimalarial medication well before your trip. Additionally, use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and trousers at dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets provided by lodges to minimize exposure.

Given Kafue's immense size and diverse landscapes, what kind of safari activities are available, and how does this impact the overall safari experience?

Kafue's vastness allows for a wide range of activities beyond traditional game drives, including boat safaris on the Kafue River, walking safaris, and even hot air ballooning over the Busanga Plains. This diversity provides varied perspectives and opportunities to explore its different ecosystems, from open plains to dense woodlands.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Bradt Guide: Zambia by Chris McIntyre - The definitive Zambia guide - South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue, and Victoria Falls in unmatched detail. Essential for self-drive and walking safari planning.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.