Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park covers an extensive 22,400 km2 area (2.2 million hectares) in western Zambia. It is Zambia’s most extensive protected wilderness area, yet it remains undiscovered. It forms part of the largest transboundary conservation expanse in the world: the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA).

As an essential water source for the region, Kafue is also one of the last vast expanses of the iconic Zambezian ecoregion – home to elephants, large predators such as wild dogs, cheetahs and lions, the highest diversity of antelope species in Africa, and over 500 bird species.

Resident Species

Vast, wild and remote, Kafue’s enormous landscapes are home to elephants, iconic predators, over 500 bird species, and 21 antelope species – the largest diversity anywhere in Africa. Kafue is also one of the last vast expanses of the iconic Zambezian ecoregion – home to wild dogs, cheetahs and lions, hippo, and antelope such as sable, roan, eland, puku and Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest.

Puku

Puku occur in the north along the Kafue River in higher densities, suggesting that the species remain resilient in places where there are active tourism and regular patrols. Puku can also be seen in southern Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Tanzania, the Okavango Delta, in Botswana.

Predators

Kafue is always a rewarding destination, shaped by the river and the changing seasons. The water levels direct the movement of wildlife, such as elephant herds, and buffalo. With knowledgeable local guides leading game drives, and boat excursions, Kafue offers regular sightings of leopard, cheetah, and Zambia’s second largest population of wild dog.

Birds

Over 500 bird species have been recorded in Kafue National Park. It is therefore an iconic birding destination in Zambia, due to its diverse habitats and unique biomes.

Key highlights include the endemic Chaplin’s Barbet, Pel’s Fishing-Owl, Wattled Crane, and African Finfoot, with peak viewing from July to November (or the dry season).