Kafue National Park Day Trip: Everything You Need to Know

Kafue National Park

Kafue is Zambia’s largest and oldest national park, covering 22,400 km² – bigger than Wales. It’s also one of Africa’s least crowded safari destinations, meaning you can explore in peace, far from the tourist throngs.

The park is a patchwork of ecosystems – woodland, savanna, river, and floodplains – and is home to over 150 mammal species, 21 antelope types, and 500+ birds. In just one day, you might spot elephants, buffalo, hippos, lions, or rare antelope like sable and roan.

While you’ll only scratch the surface, a well-planned day trip gives you a true taste of Zambia’s wild heart.

Getting There from Lusaka

• Distance: ~350 km, 3.5–4 hours by car

• Route: Drive west on the M9 to Nalusanga Gate

• Fees: Around US$20 per international visitor + vehicle fee (cash only)

• Hours: 06:00–18:00 (day visitors must exit by evening)

Tip: Leave Lusaka before dawn to arrive by sunrise – the best time for wildlife.

Activities at Kafue National Park

Even in a single day, you can sample some of the park’s famous activities:

• Game Drives – Classic safaris in open vehicles, offered morning and afternoon. Your best chance to spot big game like elephants, lions, and antelopes.

• Birding – With over 500 species, Kafue is a birder’s paradise. Look for African fish eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, wattled cranes, and kingfishers.

• Fishing – The Kafue River offers excellent fishing, with species like bream and catfish. Usually arranged through lodges.

• Canoeing – A peaceful way to explore the Kafue River, gliding past hippos, crocs, and waterbirds.

• Walking Safaris – Guided bush walks let you learn about plants, tracks, and smaller wildlife up close, always with an armed ranger for safety.

  
  

  

  Walking Safari | Kafue National Park

Tip: For a day trip, focus on one or two activities (like a game drive + boat cruise) to maximize time.

What to Pack

• Layers: Warm jacket for chilly mornings, light clothes for midday.

• Footwear: Comfortable trainers; sandals for breaks.

• Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.

• Insect Protection: Mosquito repellent, malaria prophylaxis, neutral-colored clothing.

• Other Essentials: Water, snacks, camera/binoculars, power bank, small bills in cash.

Wildlife Highlights

• Very Likely: Elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, impala, puku, waterbuck, monkeys, baboons.

• Possible: Lions, zebra, sable and roan antelope, leopards.

• Rare in a day: Cheetah, wild dogs.

• Not present: Giraffe (they don’t occur in Kafue).

Birdlife is abundant – even casual visitors can see dozens of species.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (May–Oct): Best for game viewing. July–September offers cool mornings, clear roads, and animals clustered near water.

• Wet Season (Nov–Apr): Lush scenery and fantastic birding, but muddy roads and fewer lodges open.

For a first-time day trip, July–September is ideal.

Tips for Maximizing Your Day

• Start early – be at the gate around sunrise.

• Hire a guide – they know where to find the animals.

• Mix activities – a drive plus a boat or walk adds variety.

• Book lunch at a lodge or bring a picnic.

• Respect park rules – keep your distance, no feeding animals, and exit by 18:00.

Final Thoughts

A day trip to Kafue National Park is a whirlwind of wildlife, landscapes, and adventure. From dawn game drives to sunset over the river, even one day offers a taste of Africa’s wild soul.

Pack smart, plan well, and keep your eyes open – in Kafue, every turn of the road can bring a surprise.