Wildlife Paradise being rediscovered
AN immense wilderness boasting some unique habitats and a wide variety of species awaits the visitor to Kafue National Park - a place which retains a raw and diverse slice of the African panorama.
Here, the visitor will be rewarded with excellent game viewing, birdwatching and superb fishing opportunities in the world's second largest national park, which is home to an astonishing multitude of antelope and large prides of lion.
At Kafue, thousands of red lechwe graze the vast plains, puku, roan and sable antelope are common, and the rivers boast an abundance of hippos. Lion are often encountered on night drives, while other predators include leopard, cheetah, hyena and wild dogs, the latter having an endless supply of impala and puku to pursue.
Although poachers have wrecked havoc among some of the bigger species like elephant and buffalo, a renewed awareness by authorities of their priceless wildlife heritage, has resulted in a decline in poaching and the great beasts are once again increasing in numbers.
Kafue is quite different to Luangwa Valley and makes a good complement as a safari destination. It is higher in altitude and has the continent's finest Miombo woodlands. Numerous small rivers drain the shallow valleys and flow into the mighty Kafue River. Most game viewing takes place along the rivers or on the grassy floodplains known as dambos.
This magnificent piece of Africa - although scarred by poachers - is on its way to recovery, and the guest will have a wonderful safari from the comfort of a luxury lodge, with highly trained personnel to provide the traveler with a great experience.
The best time to visit Kafue is in the dry season from April to October. The visitor reaches Kafue by scheduled or private air charter from Lusaka or Livingstone.
