Kafue National Park

Temperature-wise, Kafue National Park is mild due to its altitude, averaging 1 100m / 3 600ft above sea level. It is generally cooler compared to the Luangwa or Zambezi valleys in October and November and Kafue National Park reaches 0°C / 32°F in winter (June to August) in some areas.

The dry season runs from June to October, with most of the park being inaccessible during the wetter months of November through to April. Inaccessibility, however, need not be a deterrent to those wanting to visit Kafue National Park in the ‘green’ season as it is a spectacular time of year and the lush greenery is something really to behold. The trick is visiting the camps that do stay open for 12 months (or as close as possible) in the central and northern sections of the park.

It is possible to reach the Itezhi-Tezhi Dam all year round, too. The dry season does, however, enable better driving and the game is generally easier to view in the drier months. Hence the best time to visit Kafue National Park is between June and October when it’s dry.

The Busanga Plains area is still strictly only accessible from early July (depending on water levels) until early November. This area is a floodplain and unless you enjoy swimming with Crocs and hippos then unfortunately you must visit in these months! There is an airstrip at Busanga that facilitates access to the camps, some of which don’t operate in the green season.

Boat cruises are available from most of the river-based camps and lodges and are available all year around, although water levels do change dramatically through the year. Fishing is possible at selected spots only and there are restrictions on the number you catch and keep for the pot. There is a strict off-season to allow spawning and breeding without disturbance (between November and March).

Canoeing trips are also available, notably at Kaingu.