Zambia

Kafue National Park is Zambia's largest and oldest national park, covering approximately 22,400 square kilometres (8,650 square miles) in the heart of the country. Established in 1950, it is one of Africa's largest protected areas and forms the centerpiece of the vast Kafue ecosystem, which includes surrounding game management areas that collectively protect an even larger landscape. Despite its immense size and extraordinary biodiversity, Kafue remains one of Africa's least crowded safari destinations. Visitors are rewarded with pristine wilderness, diverse habitats, abundant wildlife, spectacular birdlife, and a wide range of safari activities, including game drives, walking safaris, boat cruises, canoeing, fishing, and hot air balloon safaris in selected areas. Kafue offers an authentic safari experience away from the crowds, making it one of Zambia's premier destinations for nature lovers, photographers, birdwatchers, and adventure travelers. Location Kafue National Park lies in west-central Zambia, approximately 200 kms west of Lusaka, 500 kms north of Livingstone. It is accessible from Lusaka, Livingstone, Copperbelt Province and other major towns The park stretches over many ecological zones, resulting in an exceptional variety of landscapes and wildlife habitats. History The area was originally inhabited by indigenous communities, particularly the Nkoya and Ila peoples, who relied on its rivers, forests, and grasslands for their livelihoods. Recognizing the ecological importance of the region, the colonial administration established Kafue National Park in 1950, making it Zambia's first and oldest national park. Since Zambia's independence, conservation efforts have expanded through partnerships between the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), conservation organizations, tourism operators, and local communities. These initiatives have contributed to improved wildlife protection, anti-poaching operations, habitat restoration, and sustainable tourism development. Geography Kafue's landscapes are remarkably diverse, including vast floodplains, seasonal wetlands, miombo woodlands, dense forests, riverine vegetation, open grasslands, savannah, granite hills, permanent rivers. The park is named after the Kafue River, one of Zambia's largest rivers, which flows through much of the park and supports countless species of wildlife. Major Ecosystems Busanga Plains The Busanga Plains are perhaps the park's most famous attraction. These are located in northern Kafue, these seasonal floodplains cover hundreds of square kilometres and become lush grasslands during the dry season. The plains attract thousands of antelope, large buffalo herds, elephants, lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, many bird species. Busanga is widely regarded as one of Africa's finest predator-viewing destinations. Miombo Woodland Much of Kafue consists of extensive miombo woodland dominated by Brachystegia tree species. The ecosystem inhabits leopards, Sable antelope, Roan antelope, Bushbuck, Bush pigs, Primates, Numerous birds. The Kafue River and its tributaries create permanent water sources throughout the park. These waters inhabit Hippopotamus, Nile crocodiles, Waterbirds, Fish species, Aquatic plants. Boat safaris provide a completely different perspective compared to traditional game drives. Wildlife animals you watch include; mammals i.e Big Cats - Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, African Wild Dogs, Elephants, Buffalo, Sable antelope, Roan antelope, Puku, Red lechwe, hartebeest, Defassa waterbuck, Bushbuck, duiker, Oribi, Reedbuck, Impala, Spotted hyena, Side-striped jackal, Warthog, Hippopotamus, Crocodile, Zebra, Blue wildebeest, Honey badger, Civets, Genets, Mongooses, Porcupines, Vervet monkeys, Baboons. Birdlife Kafue National Park is among Zambia's top birding destinations with more than 500 bird species i.e African fish eagle, Saddle-billed stork, Wattled crane Secretary bird, Pel's fishing owl, African skimmer, Carmine bee-eater, Ground hornbill, Martial eagle, Bateleur, African finfoot. Best Time to Visit Kafue National Park can be visited anytime around the year although the best time to visit the park is during the Dry Season in the months of May–October. During this time, it is easier to watch wildlife animals as they congregate near water, the weather is ideal and road conditions are good. Kafue National Park can be accessed using both Air and Road which are preferred by the travelers on safari vacation. These depend on the budget, schedule, and preferred style of travel. By Air Travelers on safari in Zambia can use air transport to access the park. You fly from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport to take a charter flight to one of Kafue's airstrips, including Chunga, Ngoma, Lufupa, or Busanga where you leave from to the National Park. During the main safari season (typically June through October), limited scheduled domestic flights also operate to Chunga Airstrip. By Road Kafue National Park can also be accessed by road as they travel for a distance of 298–360 kms from Lusaka and period of 3.5 to 4 hours. They follow the M9 road through Mumbwa to the park's main entrance. From Livingstone, travelers cover a distance of 204 kms to the southern entrance in a period of 3 to 4 hours via Dundumwezi Gate.

LIUWA PLAIN NATIONAL PARK. Located in the remote far west of Zambia near the border with Angola Liuwa Plain National Park is a place of haunting beauty and profound isolation. This vast flat grassland covers over three thousand square kilometers and has a rich history as one of the oldest protected areas in Africa having been declared a hunting reserve by the King of Barotseland in the late nineteenth century. Liuwa Plain is famous for hosting the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa. Following the rains in October and November thousands of blue wildebeest move across the open plains in search of fresh grazing pastures. This migration is accompanied by an array of predators including large clans of spotted hyenas and a resilient lion population made famous by the legendary lioness Lady Liuwa who was once the sole survivor of her species in the park before conservation efforts successfully reintroduced companions. The open vistas of Liuwa are unlike anything else in Zambia. With no trees to block the view the horizon stretches endlessly creating spectacular opportunities for sunset photography and stargazing. The park is also famous for its wild dog packs cheetahs and incredible bird life including large gatherings of wattled cranes and secretary birds. Best Time to Visit Liuwa National Park Luiwa National Park can be visited anytime around the year although the best time to visit the Park depends on whether you're interested in wildlife, birdwatching, or witnessing one of Africa's great migrations. The Best Time to visit Luiwa National park is during the months of August to October which are ideal for classic safari experiences with good road conditions and abundant wildlife. November is ideal for travelers interested in watching the wildebeest migration as tens of thousands of wildebeest move across the plains following the first rains. How to get to Luiwa National Park Liuwa Plain National Park can be accessed using both road and air which are preferred by travelers on safari. The park is located in Zambia's remote Western Province which is accessible by use of road or chartered light aircraft. 1: By Air Travelers can access the park using Air which is the fastest and easiest. You fly into Kenneth Kaunda International Airport then take a charter flight to Kalabo Airport or a private airstrip near the park. On reaching the here, you get a 4x4 vehicle to take you the park. 2: By Road Travelers can transfer using road as they drive from Lusaka taking about 10 hours to the park via Mongu and Kalabo where they leave from to the park.

Lower Zambezi Valley Situated in the southeastern part of the country Lower Zambezi National Park offers a stunning landscape where a massive river valley meets a rugged mountain backdrop. The park covers just over four thousand square kilometers and sits directly opposite Zimbabwe’s famous Mana Pools National Park. Together these two protected areas form a massive trans-frontier wildlife sanctuary where animals roam freely across political borders. Water Based safaris and River Tours The defining feature of Lower Zambezi National Park is the Zambezi River. The park is nestled between the water and the towering Zambezi Escarpment which acts as a natural barrier for wildlife. This leaves a narrow strip of fertile land along the riverbank where animals congregate in massive numbers. Because of this unique geography Lower Zambezi is premier destination for water based safaris. Canoe safaris are particularly popular and offer a thrilling way to experience nature. Drifting silently in a canoe allows you to glide past family herds of elephants drinking at the water edge or watch hippos submerge just a few meters away. It is an active intimate safari style that relies on the natural flow of the river rather than the noise of an engine. For those who prefer a less active river experience motorized boat cruises offer exceptional game viewing and photography options. The riverbanks are lined with large winter thorn trees which drop nutritious seed pods that elephants absolutely love. It is a common sight to see massive bulls standing on their hind legs to reach the upper branches of these trees against the backdrop of the shining river. Terrestrial Adventures and Angling Away from the water the park features beautiful forests of mahogany and acacia trees. Game drives in Lower Zambezi are incredibly rewarding with healthy populations of lions leopards and spotted hyenas. The park does not have any rhinos but its elephant and buffalo populations are among the healthiest in the country. Wild dogs are also frequent visitors to the valley floor moving through the woodlands in search of impala and kudu. Lower Zambezi is also a world class destination for sport fishing. Anglers from across the globe travel here to test their skills against the legendary tigerfish. Known for its ferocious strike and sharp teeth the tigerfish is a formidable opponent. All fishing within the national park is strictly on a catch and release basis to ensure the long term sustainability of the river ecosystem. Best Time to visit Lower Zambezi National Park Lower Zambezi National Park can be visited anytime around the year although the best time to visit the park is during the dry season in the months of May to October. Details (Monthly) July to September includes comfortable temperatures, excellent wildlife viewing and ideal conditions for safari activities. September and October are regarded as the peak safari season with high concentrations of elephants, buffalo, hippos, and predators along the riverbanks. How to Get to Lower Zambezi National Park Getting to Lower Zambezi National Park is relatively direct with options i.e by air, road and boat. By Air Lower Zambezi can be accessed by use of Air as you fly from the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in a charter flight to Jeki Airstrip or Royal Airstrip where you leave from to access the park. The flight from Lusaka takes about 30–40 minutes. By Road Travelers in Zambia can use road as they drive from Lusaka to the Park. The journey includes a distance of 216 kms in a period of 4–5 hours, depending on road conditions. Typical route: Lusaka → Chirundu (about 2½ hours) Cross the Kafue Bridge Follow Chiawa Road through the Chiawa Game Management Area to the park or your lodge. By boat Some lodges along the Zambezi River offer boat transfers from nearby landing points, allowing guests to arrive by river. This is often combined with a road transfer from Lusaka to Chirundu before boarding the boat.