Zambia
Central-Western Zambia
National Park
22,400 km²
Wildlife
A PROLOGUE
Kafue National Park covers around 22,400 square kilometers in central-western Zambia, making it one of the largest national parks in Africa and larger than some countries. Established in 1950, the park spans a vast range of habitats, from the Busanga Plains’ seasonal floodplain in the north to dense miombo woodland further south.
Despite its size and exceptional wildlife, Kafue remains relatively little-visited compared to other major African parks. The park supports strong populations of lion, leopard, and cheetah, alongside one of the widest ranges of antelope species in Africa, including roan, sable, and red lechwe, particularly across the Busanga Plains during the dry season.
Total Area
Established
Antelope Species
Prides are a signature sighting on the Busanga Plains.
Found across the park's open plains, particularly in the south.
Present throughout the park but most often spotted on night drives.
Herds move across the park's woodland and floodplain areas.
Large herds graze the park's plains and river frontage.
Common across the Busanga Plains, especially in the dry season.
Often seen grazing alongside zebra on the open plains.
Accommodations
Zambia
Ila Safari Lodge sits on the banks of the Kafue River in the central section of Kafue National Park, combining comfortable tented accommodation with a genuine sustainability programme.
The lodge runs largely on solar power and operates an electric game-viewing vehicle and boat, allowing near-silent approaches to wildlife. Its central location gives year-round access, unlike the seasonal camps of the Busanga Plains.
Zambia
Shumba Camp sits on a tree island in the heart of the Busanga Plains in northern Kafue National Park, its six raised tents looking out across open floodplain in every direction.
The name means ‘lion’ in the local language, a reference to the prides that hunt across these plains. Hot-air ballooning operates over the floodplain in season, offering a rare aerial perspective on the landscape.
Zambia
Busanga Bush Camp is a small seasonal camp on a tree island at the edge of the Busanga Plains in northern Kafue National Park, one of Zambia’s most remote and least-visited wildlife areas.
Simple tented rooms look out over the open floodplain. The camp operates only in the dry season, when receding floodwaters draw large antelope herds and the resident lion prides that follow them.
Location
Most nationalities receive South African entry on arrival; Zimbabwe issues an e-visa or visa on arrival. We confirm requirements for your passport.
Low-risk malaria areas — anti-malarials advised. No mandatory vaccinations from most countries; consult your travel clinic before departure.
South African Rand; US Dollars are widely used around Victoria Falls. Cards are accepted in cities; carry small USD for tips.
Warm days and cool mornings on safari in the dry season. Pack layers — early game drives can be cold even when afternoons are hot.
Neutral, breathable clothing, a warm layer, sun protection and binoculars. Soft bags are required on light aircraft, with strict weight limits.
Wi-Fi at all hotels and lodges, though deliberately gentle in the bush. Power is 230V; bring a universal adaptor.
The practical Guide
A quick visit combining a game drive across the Busanga Plains with a scenic sunset drive.
Per Person
A classic itinerary combining the Busanga Plains, the Kafue River, and strong predator and antelope sightings.
Per Person
An extended stay covering the park's northern plains and southern woodland for varied habitats and wildlife.
Per Person
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park covers around 66 square kilometres along the Zambian bank of the Zambezi River, taking its name from the local Lozi phrase meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’. It is one of Zambia’s smallest national parks and one of its most visited, because it contains the country’s share of Victoria Falls — a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Zimbabwe and, at over 1,700 metres wide, the largest sheet of falling water on earth.
The park divides into two sections. Downstream lies the falls itself, approached along the Knife-edge Bridge through permanent spray that sustains a pocket of rainforest in otherwise dry country. Upstream, a game park runs along the river, home to elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and a small, closely guarded population of white rhino that can be tracked on foot with armed scouts. There are no lion or leopard here, which is precisely what makes walking safaris possible.
Kafue National Park covers around 22,400 square kilometers in central-western Zambia, making it one of the largest national parks in Africa and larger than some countries. Established in 1950, the park spans a vast range of habitats, from the Busanga Plains’ seasonal floodplain in the north to dense miombo woodland further south.
Despite its size and exceptional wildlife, Kafue remains relatively little-visited compared to other major African parks. The park supports strong populations of lion, leopard, and cheetah, alongside one of the widest ranges of antelope species in Africa, including roan, sable, and red lechwe, particularly across the Busanga Plains during the dry season.
Lower Zambezi National Park covers around 4,092 square kilometers along the northern bank of the Zambezi River in southern Zambia, directly across from Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. Established in 1983, the park remained largely undeveloped for decades, preserving a genuine wilderness feel that continues to define it today.
The park’s floodplains and riverine forest support large herds of elephant and buffalo, alongside lion, leopard, and dense populations of hippo and Nile crocodile along the river. Canoe safaris are the park’s signature activity, offering a quiet, water-level perspective on wildlife rarely matched elsewhere in Africa.
South Luangwa National Park covers around 9,050 square kilometers along the Luangwa River in eastern Zambia, and is widely credited as the birthplace of the modern walking safari, pioneered here in the 1950s by conservationist Norman Carr. The park’s dense riverine forest, oxbow lagoons, and open grassland support one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.
South Luangwa is particularly renowned for its leopard sightings, with the valley’s dense vegetation and healthy prey populations making it one of the best places on the continent to see this elusive cat. The park also supports large elephant and buffalo herds, hippo-filled lagoons, and the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe, found nowhere else in the world.
TOURS & SAFARIS
How it works
01
Share where you long to go and what would make it unforgettable .
02
A tailor-made itinerary matched to the right camps and seasons.
03
We shape every detail until the journey feels entirely your own.
04
A dedicated team is with you from landing to homecoming.
GUEST REVIEWS
answers
Kafue is one of the largest national parks in Africa, offering exceptional antelope diversity and strong predator sightings across a vast, relatively undiscovered wilderness.
The Busanga Plains are a seasonal floodplain in northern Kafue, known for large antelope herds, lion prides, and exceptional dry-season game viewing.
The dry season, from May to October, offers the best game viewing, particularly on the Busanga Plains once floodwaters recede.
Its remote location and limited infrastructure compared to parks like South Luangwa have kept visitor numbers low, offering a quieter, more exclusive safari experience.
Most visitors fly into a nearby airstrip serving the park’s camps, as the park’s size and remoteness make road access time-consuming.
Kafue supports one of the widest ranges of antelope in Africa, including roan, sable, red lechwe, and puku, alongside more common species.
Neutral-coloured clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and layers for cool early-morning game drives are all recommended.
