Zambia’s Largest WIldlife Sanctuary

Veined by the majestic life sustaining Kalife-sustaining, vast open African plains of Kafue National Park stretches far and wide beyond the horizon of earth coloured savannah landscapes which maintain the delicately balanced ecosystems of Zambia.

As the largest wildlife sanctuary in the country; the borders of Kafue National Park cut across three Zambian provinces, reclaiming the land as a remote African wilderness which is roamed by more than 55 species of wildlife, including Africa’s most sought after; the Big Five.

A definite highlight and dominant feature is the northern Busanga Plains. The area consists of lush marshlands and swamps, fed by the Lufupa River system. Primarily surrounded by miombo forests and savannah grasslands, the region’s pristine beauty attracts a large number of predators and their prey which gather along the rocky hills and narrow band of riverine forestry.

These plains of northern Kafue National Park are home to the largest number of different antelope species such as the Roan, Puku and Lechwe, making it one of Africa’s prime destinations to view big cats such as Lions, leopards and cheetahs.

The best season for Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park has a humid subtropical climate, consisting of three main seasons. During December to April, the very hot and humid rainy season sets in with midday temperatures exceeding 28°C (82°F).

As the rain stops and the temperature cools down pleasantly from May to September, the dry winter season sets in with temperatures of about 24°C (75°F). October and November gives rise to a hot but dry season.

Northern regions are only open during dry seasons as the plains become flooded and inaccessible due to heavy rain.

Advice from Safari Russ:

“If you imagine old polished Africa and the romantic classic safari times of big game hunters and explorers, visions of the Kafue come to mind. This is a remote destination which is only really accessible by charter flights from Livingstone and Lusaka. The rich biodiversity here supports prolific bird life and unique concentrations of large and small game animals.”