Kafue is Zambia's oldest park and, at 22,400 square kilometres, it's one of the larger national park in Africa
Kafue is Zambia's oldest park and, at 22,400 square kilometres, it's one of the larger national park in Africa. The park is supplied by 3 rivers, namely the Kafue, Lunga and the Lufupa and the Busanga Swamp is one of Zambia's most prominent wetland resources. The surrounding Busanga Plains are partially flooded during the rains but are left rich and lush when the water recedes from around May, attracting great numbers of herbivores. Along with many other species, this area is home to thousands of red lechwe which in turn attract the many lion, leopard and even cheetah to the area.
As you move south the swampy grasslands (dambos) continue, however the area generally becomes much more fertile, with scattered miombo woodland. Due to the rich environment the animal and birdlife is prolific throughout and the rivers also provide excellent fishing opportunities, especially around the Itezhi Tezhi Dam in the south which covers an area of 370 square kilometres.
The north Kafue is best set-up for tourism while the south is relatively little used. Game in the south is not as reliable as in the north and the camps are tricky to get to. Although investment in the area is increasing, it is currently less likely to be recommended in an itinerary for first-timers or those keen on a game-focussed experience.
Kafue is a great place to visit in the wet or dry. In the wet, up in the north, the predators change their whole behavior and lions hunt in water while in the dry, they climb trees to try and keep cool. Predators are abundant in the Kafue with lion, leopard, cheetah and growing numbers of wild dog.
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