Kafue National Park, one of the largest in Africa, covers 8,687 square miles, making it two and one-half times the size of South Luangwa National Park and half the size of Switzerland. Kafue has the largest number of different antelope species of any park in Africa.
Many of the species, such as greater kudu and sable antelope, are said to be substantially larger than elsewhere in the country. Drive further north through the park to the Busanga Plains and marshes that have a greater number and variety of wildlife species. Animals are easier to spot here than in the dense woodland savannah in the south.
This region is predominantly miombo forest, which gives way to savannah grasslands, along with rock hills, marshes and riverine forests. The Kafue River runs through the northern part of the park and along its east central border. The rare red lechwe may be seen in the area as well as the sitatunga. Other species found are buffalo, elephant, puku, wildebeest, sable, roan and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. Good sightings of lion have been recorded, and cheetah and leopard are also present.
