Kafue National Park

Introduction

kafue_leeuw

© joenstock

Kafue National Park is the largest national park in Zambia, and the second largest in Africa, with an area of 22,400 square kilometres and is located in the central west of the country. There are over 50 different species of mammal to be seen here and hundreds of species of birds. The Kafue River is the central hart of the park, and is of importance especially during the dry season when water is more scarce. The park is easily reached by private car along the road from Lusaka to Mongu, but getting there by public transport requires some more planning. The Zambezian flooded grasslands in the north of the park is one of the highlights of the park, with many species like antelopes and along with them many predators, like lion and leopard. In general, the north has better facilities, like lodges and roads compared to the south, mainly because animal density is just higher up north.

Sights and Activities

Kafue is extremely rich in animal life. Hippo abound in the rivers with good sightings of huge crocodiles. Many species of birds, large and small are abundant. Elephant too are on the come-back after extensive poaching and are frequently seen along the river banks and even venture into the camps and lodges. Hoofed animals are also thriving in the park especially Puku, Kudu, Red Lechwe, Impala, Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Oribi, Blue Duiker, Burchells Zebra and many others. Also to be seen are Warthogs, Mongooses, Nile Monitor Lizards, Porcupine, Cerval, Civet, Terrapin, Vervet Monkeys and Bush Babies as well as Cape Buffalo, Blue Wildebeest, Lion and Leopard. These are the main animals which live in the park but of course there are many more. The two animals of the "big five" which are missing from the northern areas are the Rhino and Giraffe. The Rhino was poached out and is the subject of debate as to whether to re-introduce it.

Baobob, Mahogan, Sausage, Sycamore Fig, Ilala Palm, Wild Date and Acacia are just a minute few of the varied trees and bushes that grow profusely in Kafue, many to a huge size in the northern areas because of the high rainfall.

Weather

The northern area receives more rain than the south so it is best visited in the winter months from July to October when the rainy season is over as many areas are impassable and flooded during the summer. The lodges only open in the winter months as the plains are totally awash and many roads are under water. The rivers too, rise to high levels, the evidence of which can still be seen after they've gone down, by the water-weed hanging high from the branches of the trees and by the damage to the road surfaces and small bridges, many of which need urgent repair before the area can be accessed again.

Cost

• International: $40 per person per day (park entry fee plus bed night fee).
• SADC: $30 per person per day (park entry fee plus bed night fee).
• Citizens: K40,320 per person per day (park entry fee plus bed night fee).
• Residents: K158,400 per person per day (park entry fee plus bed night fee).

Getting There and Around

There are three choices. Firstly, you can fly in and stay at one of the better lodges where the staff will walk, drive or boat you around that area of the park. Secondly, you can drive yourself into and around the park. Thirdly, arrangements can be made with an outside agency or company to drive you into and around the park.

Eat

Food in the many lodges is very good but mostly basic. Camping visitors can bring their own food and/or join in nearby lodge dining arrangements. There are no laws against alcohol being consumed and lodges operate a bar system which is usually settled at the end of the stay.

Sleep

Camp site fees vary from camp to camp but are very reasonable. Unless noted all fees are per person per night. ZAWA park and bed night fees are not included.

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