8 Days – Kafue National Park Wilderness Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Lusaka – Transfer to Kafue

Arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka followed by light aircraft transfer into Kafue National Park. From the air, the vastness of the park becomes immediately apparent, with winding rivers cutting through endless woodland.

Upon arrival at your lodge, settle into your riverside suite overlooking calm water channels. The afternoon features a relaxed introductory game drive focusing on nearby woodland and riverbanks where puku and impala graze.

Evening settles quietly over camp with distant hippo calls echoing through the valley.

Overnight Stay: Ila Safari Lodge / KaingU Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 2: Southern Kafue – River & Woodland Safari

An early morning departure explores riverine woodland where leopards are often sighted in large trees along the banks. Elephants move steadily between feeding areas, and buffalo herds gather near water access points.

The afternoon shifts to a boat safari along the Kafue River. This perspective reveals hippos clustered in channels, crocodiles basking along sandy edges, and abundant birdlife including African fish eagles and kingfishers.

Combining land and water activities enhances wildlife diversity.

Overnight Stay: Ila Safari Lodge / KaingU Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Transfer to Busanga Plains – Floodplain Immersion

Today you transfer north toward the Busanga Plains sector, one of Kafue’s most productive wildlife areas. The landscape transitions into wide, open floodplains dotted with palm islands and seasonal wetlands.

Arrive at your camp in time for an afternoon game drive. Busanga is particularly known for lion prides that dominate the plains. Cheetah are also frequently sighted here due to the open terrain.

The sunset over Busanga’s flat horizon creates dramatic silhouettes of grazing antelope and distant predators.

Overnight Stay: Shumba Camp / Busanga Bush Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Busanga Plains – Predator Territory

An early start maximizes chances of encountering lions as they patrol floodplains before temperatures rise. Cheetah hunts often unfold in early morning light across open grassland.

The Busanga ecosystem supports red lechwe, puku, and roan antelope, which attract strong predator presence. The absence of heavy vehicle traffic ensures intimate and uninterrupted wildlife viewing.

Afternoon drives focus on wetland edges where animals gather as water levels fluctuate seasonally.

Overnight Stay: Shumba Camp / Busanga Bush Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Full Day Busanga Exploration

With a full additional day on the plains, your guide tailors routes based on fresh tracks and recent sightings. Lions are often found resting beneath palm clusters, while herds of lechwe move across shallow flood zones.

Birdlife flourishes in Busanga, particularly during wetter months when migratory species arrive. The open landscape offers expansive photographic opportunities throughout the day.

The scale of the plains enhances the wilderness feeling that defines Kafue.

Overnight Stay: Shumba Camp / Busanga Bush Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Return to Southern Kafue – Woodland Diversity

After breakfast, transfer back toward the southern sector of Kafue. The change in terrain highlights the park’s ecological range — from open floodplain to dense woodland and rocky outcrops.

Afternoon activities may include a guided walking safari in designated areas, allowing deeper appreciation of tracks, plant life, and smaller species often overlooked from vehicles.

The river setting provides peaceful wildlife viewing from camp decks.

Overnight Stay: Ila Safari Lodge / KaingU Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Kafue Wilderness Immersion

Today remains flexible to maximize recent wildlife activity. Early drives focus on predator movement, while midday relaxation allows animals to approach riverbanks near camp.

Boat safaris may again be arranged to explore quieter water channels, offering close views of hippos and crocodiles.

Your final evening in Kafue includes sunset views across the river valley as nocturnal sounds begin to rise.

Overnight Stay: Ila Safari Lodge / KaingU Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 8: Morning Activity – Departure

Enjoy a final early morning game drive or short river excursion before breakfast.

Transfer to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight back to Lusaka, concluding your 8 Days Kafue National Park Wilderness Safari.

Overnight Stay: Not applicable
Meal Plan: Breakfast