Kafue National Park Safaris

Kafue has a fantastic diversity of Wildlife

Kafue National Park is an icon amongst Zambia’s National Park

A huge tract of wilderness in central Zambia, the Kafue National Park covers some 22,400 km2, making it about the size of Wales. It’s the second largest National Park in Africa, behind only the Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia.

Despite its prominence, easy access from Lusaka (it’s the only park in Zambia realistically accessible by road from the capital), superb game viewing and proliferation of excellent camps and lodges, it still remains very much on the “untouched” side of Zambia, with most visitors choosing to head east towards the South Luangwa and south to the Lower Zambezi. In some respects, this is a great shame, but on the other hand it means that visitors who do make their way here enjoy an incredible tailor made Kafue safari experience with relatively few other visitors spotted during their safari.

The park varies greatly from north to south, with visitors spending their time either around the Busanga Plains in the north of the reserve or in the central area where the Kafue River meanders through the park. There are some camps in the more open southern section of the park which isn’t so rich in wildlife but is a good stopping point en-route from the central area down to Livingstone which can be done by road.

The Busanga Plains are the best-known and most spectacular part of the park, made up of a huge tract of Zambezi grassland which never fully drains, even in the dry winter months. Of course, the floodwaters mean that for much of the year it cannot be accessed, with the majority of the camps here operating between June and October. It’s a superb area for seeing wild dog, lion and elephants amongst others, whilst the standing water means Busanga is a great place to see semi-aquatic red lechwe antelope, which live in large herds on the plains. The morning mists here really are a sight to behold and the flat, open terrain makes it an ideal area for ballooning, which a couple of the camps here are able to offer.

The central area around the Kafue River is dominated by large tracts of miombo woodland and open grasslands, making it a more “traditional” safari area. It has a greater concentration of camps, with the more benevolent conditions meaning that some stay open throughout the year, especially those on the Kafue River. With access to this area possible by road from Lusaka, it can be a very cost-effective area to visit, as well as being ideal for visitors not looking to travel in light aircraft. Big cat sightings are very good in this area, with leopard more common than on the open Busanga Plains. Game drives, guided walks and even boat trips are possible here, making it a wonderfully rounded safari experience.

A great draw of a luxury Kafue safari is that you can have two very contrasting experiences within the same park by combining the central area and Busanga Plains. A rare opportunity not to be missed.

Trips in Kafue National Park

Kafue trip ideas

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Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

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