Zambia's Wildlife Oasis – Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park is Zambia’s oldest and largest national park but also home to a brand-new luxury safari camp that launches later this year.

Located in remote west-central Zambia, the park sprawls across an area around the same size as Massachusetts or all the Hawaiian islands combined. The land was first set aside as a game reserve in the 1920s when the big game hunting that was so popular in that era threatened to decimate the region’s wildlife populations.

After years of urging by famed British conservationist Norman Carr, the colonial government upgraded Kafue to a national park in the 1950s. Since Zambian independence in 1964, the park has been one of the nation’s leading tourist attractions.

Among the park’s diverse habitats are miombo woodland, wetlands and grasslands. It boasts sizeable elephant and lion populations, as well as 21 antelope species and more than 500 different types of bird.

Kafue was one the pioneers of offering a variety of ways to experience the wildlife and landscapes, among the first parks to introduce night drives and walking safaris. Another innovation was animal viewing from boats along its namesake Kafue River, largest tributary of the mighty Zambezi.  

The park’s newest addition is the Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp, an intimate and luxurious retreat beside the Kafue River.

Carefully designed for minimal environmental impact and maximum luxury, the camp’s 12 spacious tents offer private plunge pools and exclusive boat access. Nestled between two islands, the camp features a wellness area with swimming pool, restaurant and bar, lounge area and a traditional African boma.