Kafue National Park
Zambia’s oldest and largest park is named after the Kafue River. The Kafue National Park encompasses an area of 22,400 square kilometres, making it roughly the size of Wales. The park is known for its superb game viewing, bird watching and fishing opportunities.
The large area allows for a diverse range of habitats. The North-Western section of the park is characterizes by the vast Busanga Plains, where the large herds graze and lions roam. Further to the South baobabs and mopane trees feed of the Kafue, Lunga and Lufupa rivers. The large amount of fresh water also supports crocodiles and hippos, whereas leopards hunt in the forests. The Kafue River and Itezhi-Tezhi Dam support amazing fresh water fish, which attract many avid anglers.
Amazing Wildlife
Even though the park is slightly run down in some areas, it still boasts a section of African wildlife that is impressive, both in number and variety. Here you will experience Africa’s rough and untouched beauty. The predators include:
- Lion
- Leopard
- Cheetah
The range of antelope is colourful and diverse with some of the species only found in this area:
- Impala
- Waterbuck
- Kudu
- Red Lechwe
- Bushbuck
- Oribi
- Blue Duiker
- Blue Wildebeest
- Buffalo
Large herds of Elephant are also a frequent sight.
Fishing and Birding
The highlight for anglers and birders is certainly the Itezhi-Tezhi Dam. The vast reservoir within the park attracts rich birdlife including:
- Fish eagles
- Cormorants
- Spoonbills
- Goliath herons
The rivers and flooded grasslands, known as dambos, also support wattled crane and fishing owls.
The Itezhi-Tezhi dam hosts and annual fishing competition and is one of the best freshwater-fishing destinations on the continent. However don’t disregard the surrounding rivers which offer barbell, fresh water pike and beam.
When to Go and How to Get There
Game viewing is usually best during the dry season. Zambia’s dry season lasts from May to November with the hottest season beginning in September. Dry conditions bring the animals to the water holes, which makes game viewing a lot easier. During the rainy season the vegetation flourishes and most of the herbivores give birth. Unfortunately the rain floods many of the roads making large area of the park inaccessible hence most of the lodges close during the rainy season.
The road from Lusaka to Mongu runs through the National park making it accessible from both sides. The roads in this region are not in great condition so a 4×4 vehicle is required.
