Kafue National Park

About this place

Kafue National Park is the largest park in Zambia and the second largest national park in Africa, covering about 22,400 square kilometres. It stretches over three provinces and takes its name from the Kafue River that runs through it. It stands out for its size and for having few visitors compared with others, and you may go hours without meeting another vehicle. The Kafue Game Reserve was created in the early 1920s to stop the loss of wildlife, and it became a national park in the 1950s through the work of Norman Carr. The park records 152 species of mammals, 515 of birds, 70 of reptiles, 58 of fish and 36 of amphibians, figures that reflect the wide range of its habitats. On the river, calm blue water runs between green trees and reed banks, while inland, dirt roads cut through savanna of golden grass and scattered trees. Big-eared elephants appear among the bushes and puku stand on burnt ground. A hippo may even cross the road ahead of you in broad daylight, an unusual sight that stays with you. Its heart is about 249 km from Lusaka in a straight line, with the Lusaka to Mongu road crossing it in the north, while other dirt roads are seasonal. Carry enough fuel and water, as services are far apart. The dry months from June to October suit best. Tsetse flies are common in some areas, so wear long, pale clothes.