The only flat thing in remote Kafue National Park is the terrain – your spirits will soar as you discover its incredible diversity of habitats on your luxury Kafue safari. Its sense of seclusion is enhanced by the fact that areas such as the Busanga Plains are inaccessible for part of each year, due to seasonal flooding.
From miombo woodland to dense riverine vegetation along the Kafue River and its perennial tributaries, to the ‘dambos’ or grassy floodplain areas, Kafue’s landscapes would be the stars of the show were it not for the huge herds of antelope and their attendant predators.
The classic Kafue scene is of vast herds of puku and lechwe warily watching one of the big cats or wild dog, approach – before fleeing through shallow water. Lion, especially, have had to overcome their aversion to water to swim after their prey.
Game viewing by vehicle gets you close not just to the herds, but the myriad other species in the park. Birdlife (resident and migratory species) is especially prolific, making Kafue a wonderful birdwatching destination.
Boating, on the other hand, enables you to navigate between pods of hippo, and some of the largest crocodile you’ll see anywhere.
My top tip for Kafue, however, would be to take to the skies in a hot-air balloon over the Busanga Plains – you can skim just above the channels and floodplains, spotting game as you go. Landing in the perfect spot for a Champagne breakfast underscores just how exclusive an experience this is.
