KAFUE NATIONAL PARK

Kafue is the oldest of Zambia's national parks and, being 22,400 sq km, is also Zambia's largest national park as well as the second largest national park in the world and about the size of Wales. The terrain is generally flat to gently undulating, with a few fairly small hills located mainly in the central region. In the northern areas of the Park are the Busango Plains, an area of open grassland where there is a great abundance of wild animals to be seen, and where, if you are fortunate, you may see cheetah racing over the plains. The park sustains huge herds of a great diversity of wildlife. From the thousands of red lechwe on the Plains, the ubiquitous puku, the stately sable and roan antelopes in the woodland to the diminutive oribi and duiker. The solid-rumped defassa waterbuck, herds of tsessebe, hartebeest, zebra and buffalo make for a full menu of antelope.

The spectacular Busanga Plains in the north is a vast flat expanse that stretches in all directions as far as the eye can see - one of Zambia’s most significant wetland resources and one of the few untouched by development or human activity. This vast watery wilderness, flooded in the wet season by several rivers and streams covers an enormous 750 square kilometres. Other antelope found here are blue wildebeest, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, (frequently seen) buffalo, zebra, reedbuck, oribi, puku and impala (frequently seen) . Bushpig and warthog are also inhabitants of the plains. The shy swamp-dwelling sitatunga is found here, its widespread hooves enabling it to walk on the floating reedmats.Roan antelope are seen regularly in the northern sector as well as big herds of sable 30-40 strong. The wealth of game on the plains are a big attraction for lions and prides of up to twenty are spotted regularly. Cheetah and Leopard also roam the plains, the cheetah being able to exercise their famous turn of speed, reaching up to 125 kilometres an hour. They are often seen on the plains.

Lunga River Lodge

Surrounded by Africa’s wildlife in an extremely beautiful and tranquil setting this lodge has all the comforts of home in a very remote location. Renowned for superb cuisine and first class service, Lunga is one of Zambia's top camps. The Lodge accommodates twelve guests in six well appointed thatched roof chalets with en suite shower, flush toilet, and vanity basin. Lighting is by 12 volt lamps, candles and kerosene lamps. The facilities include a plunge pool, steam room, and massage facility. Activities available are day and night game drives in open Landrovers, walks, canoe trips, river cruises and bream fishing. Link to Lodge web site.

Season: June to November inclusive

Price per person per night US$499/ £277

Busango Bush Camp

This bush camp provides the ultimate location for some of the best lion viewing in Africa. Located in the north -western sector of the Kafue National Park on the Busanga flood plain. The camp is small with accommodation for eight guests in four canvas roofed, thatched huts with open air en suite hot and cold shower, bush toilet, and basin. Activities available are day and night game drives in open Landrovers. Link to Camp web site.

Season : Mid June to November inclusive

Price per person per night US$550 / £305