Overnight Kafue National Park Safari from Livingstone (2 Days/1 Night)

Kafue National Park boasts remarkable biodiversity with 158 recorded mammal species. During your safari, you may encounter elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and numerous antelope species including red lechwe, puku, impala, and roan antelope. Predators like leopards, lions, and hyenas inhabit the park, though they require patience and luck to spot. The park is home to Zambia’s only viable cheetah population and has numerous African wild dogs. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the nearly 500 species including fish eagles, saddle-billed storks, and various waterbirds. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed but our experienced guides maximize your chances.

Your overnight accommodation will be at a comfortable mid-range lodge or tented camp near Lake Itezhi-Tezhi in the southern region of Kafue National Park. Facilities typically include private en-suite bathrooms with hot water, comfortable beds with mosquito nets, and electricity (though may be limited to certain hours). The accommodations blend harmoniously with the natural environment while providing necessary comforts after a day of safari activities. Lodges feature open-air dining areas overlooking the lake or bush, allowing for wildlife viewing even during meal times. Specific lodge placement may vary based on availability, but all options provide authentic African hospitality.

The journey from Livingstone to the southern region of Kafue National Park takes approximately 4-5 hours, covering roughly 200-250 kilometers. The first portion of the trip is on good tarmac roads to Kalomo town (about 120km), followed by gravel and dirt roads to the Dundumwezi gate of the park. While the drive is long, it’s an adventure itself as you transition from urban areas to rural Zambian landscapes and finally wilderness. We make strategic stops along the way for breakfast, supplies, historical sites, and comfort breaks. The journey is in comfortable 4x4 vehicles suitable for the terrain and includes wildlife viewing opportunities as we enter the park.

Pack light but essential items for your Kafue adventure. Bring neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive) in lightweight, breathable fabrics, including long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection. Pack a warm jacket or fleece for cool mornings, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, and rain jacket (in wet season). Essential equipment includes sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medications, binoculars, camera with extra batteries, and a small daypack. A headlamp or flashlight is useful for navigating camp at night. While accommodations provide toiletries, bring any specific products you require. Cash for gratuities and a valid passport are also necessary.

Our Overnight Kafue Safari can accommodate children aged 8 and above who are comfortable with the long drive and can remain quiet during game viewing. The safari is generally suitable for elderly travelers in reasonable health, as the 4x4 vehicles are comfortable but travel on bumpy roads. The accommodation has basic comforts but may not be suitable for those with severe mobility issues. For both young children and elderly guests, we recommend discussing specific needs with our team beforehand to ensure the experience meets expectations and physical capabilities. Private safari options are available for families with younger children or those requiring a more customized pace.

All meals during the safari are included, featuring a combination of international and local Zambian cuisine. Breakfast typically includes continental options (cereals, fruit, pastries) and cooked items. Lunch may be a packed picnic during game drives or a light meal at the lodge. Dinner is often a three-course meal with soup or starter, main course with meat/fish and vegetable options, and dessert. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Meals are prepared with fresh ingredients where possible, though some items may be limited due to the remote location. Bottled water is provided throughout, while other beverages are available for purchase.

The key difference is the depth of exploration and wildlife viewing opportunities. Our Overnight Safari focuses on the southern region of Kafue, providing an excellent introduction to the park’s ecosystems and wildlife in a time-efficient package. Longer safaris (3-5 days) allow exploration of different park regions including the famous Busanga Plains in the north, increasing chances of diverse wildlife sightings and activities like walking safaris, night drives, and boat cruises. The overnight safari is perfect for those with limited time or as an add-on to Victoria Falls visits, while longer safaris suit dedicated wildlife enthusiasts seeking comprehensive Kafue experiences. Both options offer authentic wilderness experiences with far fewer tourists than more famous safari destinations.

Our standard cancellation policy provides a full refund (minus processing fees) for cancellations made 30 days or more before departure. Cancellations 15-29 days before departure receive a 50% refund, while those made 14 days or less before departure are non-refundable. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage. For emergency situations and unforeseen circumstances, we evaluate each case individually and may offer rescheduling options where possible. During certain periods (like COVID-19 restrictions), flexible booking policies may apply. Full details are provided in your booking confirmation, and our team is available to clarify any questions regarding cancellations or date changes.

Mobile phone coverage in Kafue National Park is limited and unreliable, particularly in the more remote areas. You may find sporadic coverage near the main gates and some lodges, but expect to be mostly disconnected during your safari experience. Some lodges offer limited WiFi in common areas, though connections can be slow and intermittent. We recommend informing family and colleagues that you’ll be largely unreachable during your safari adventure. This digital detox is considered part of the authentic wilderness experience, allowing full immersion in nature without technological distractions. For emergencies, guides carry satellite phones or radio communications to contact base operations.