Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
eagles perched on top of palm trees. Away from the rivers, open
miombo
woodlands and
dambos
(grassy, swampy areas) allow you to spot animals more easily, especially the
common antelope species such as waterbuck, puku and impala, and the graceful kudu and
sable antelope. This area is one of the best places in Zambia (maybe even in Africa) to see
leopards - they are regularly spotted on night drives.
To the far north is Kafue's top highlight, the
Busanga Plains
, a vast tract of Serengeti-
style grassland, covered by huge herds of near- endemic red
lechwes
and more solitary
grazers such as roan antelopes and oribis. (Note that this area is accessible only between
mid-July and November.) Attracted by rich pickings, lions (which climb the local syca-
more figs to keep cool and away from the flies, and swim through deep pools in the
swamps during the wet season) and hyenas are plentiful, and during the dry season there
are buffaloes, zebras and wildebeest herds that move onto the plain from the surrounding
areas. Cheetah spottings picks up during September after wildebeests birth their young.
There are also at least two packs of wild dogs.
In the southern sector of the park, the vegetation is more dense, and early in the season
the grass is very high, making animals harder to locate, although the thick woodland
around Ngoma is the best place to see elephants.
Lake Itezhi-Tezhi
, a vast expanse of
water, is both tranquil and beautiful, especially at sunset. In the far south, the Nanzhila
Plains support an abundance of red lechwes, while other species include oribi, roan and
sable antelope, hartebeest, wildebeest and puku. Large buffalo herds are sometimes seen,
and there are lions and leopards around. The southern sector is less visited (not that the
north is crowded); you're unlikely to see another vehicle all day.
For birdlovers, Kafue is a dream; the wide range of habitats means that over 400 spe-
cies have been recorded. The south of the park is the best place for spotting Chaplin's
barbet - Zambia's only endemic species - and the equally rare black-cheeked lovebird.
Staying a few days in Kafue allows you to explore different habitats and to experience
the great diversity of wildlife that this beautiful park has to offer.
Activities
All camps and lodges can arrange wildlife-viewing drives (also called game drives in
Zambia) in open-top cars. Night drives, in vehicles armed with powerful spotlights, can be
especially exciting as lions and leopards are often most active at night. Walking safaris
(also called game walks) are available too, but you can't walk in the park without an
armed scout (ranger). Activities are included with accommodation at top-end lodges, or
are available as extras at budget/ midrange places. It's worth noting that the evenings in
Kafue can be surprisingly cold from May until September, and you'll need a coat, a hat
and gloves for the night drives.