Kafue Wilderness Experience

On the Kafue Wilderness Experience, you will journey deep into one of central Africa’s last great wild landscapes. Set within Zambia’s largest and oldest National Park, this experience unfolds across vast tracts of miombo and mopane woodland, interwoven with open dambos and seasonal river systems. Moving on foot through this classic big-game country, you’ll be immersed in a landscape where wildlife has rarely encountered humans, heightening every sense and encounter. Here, you are invited beyond observation – into participation – discovering Nature’s fine detail, the scale and rhythm of the land, and the profound thrill of sharing space with Africa’s iconic large mammals. Real, visceral, and deeply authentic, this is African Wilderness in its most classic and purest form.

QUICK EXPERIENCE INFO

What To Expect:

  • Explore Kafue’s wild mosaic of seasonal floodplains, Mopane and Miombo woodlands interspersed with seasonal rivers on game drive and on foot.

  • Search for sable, roan, lion, leopard, wild dog, elephants, buffalo and a wide range of birds.

  • Spend three nights on a Wilderness Trail, carrying all your gear and sleeping at wild campsites.

  • Stay at Nanzhila Lake Camp before and after the Wilderness Trail, chalets with ensuite rooms and lake views.

  • Explore Lake Itezhi-tezhi’s seasonal floodplain for Kafue lechwe, hippo, crocodiles and puku.

EXPERIENCE LOCATION

Kafue National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most remote wilderness areas covering 22 400 square kilometers – a vast, untamed landscape where scale, solitude, and ecological richness define the experience. Spanning an immense mosaic of mopane and miombo woodlands, interwoven with open, seasonally flooded dambos, the park supports an exceptional diversity of wildlife. Large herds of elephant and buffalo move through these ancient systems, alongside elusive species such as cheetah, wild dog, and sable antelope. With its low visitor density and largely untouched habitats, Kafue remains a place where natural processes still dominate and wildlife encounters are raw and unscripted. This immense and varied landscape offers a rare sense of space and authenticity, making Kafue a sanctuary for those seeking true wilderness and a deeper connection to Africa’s living ecosystems.

ACCOMMODATION

Nanzhila Lake Camp overlooks the Musa Riverbed and Lake Itezhi-tezhi shoreline. The chalets situated along the tree line offer a quiet and welcoming base before and after the Wilderness Trail. Comfortable beds with mosquito nets are complemented by a large en-suite bathroom and vanity area and expansive covered verandah for midday game viewing. Nanzhila provides the perfect transition between comfort and wild immersion, grounding the experience in both rest and reflection.

EXPERIENCE SCHEDULE

2026 Departures for Individual Bookings: 16-22 July, 4-10 September, 10-17 September, 11-18 October

2026 Departures for Group Bookings: July to October

Wilderness Trail Equipment

We will provide each participant with the following Trail Essentials:

  • All meals
  • Backpack (between 60l and 70l) – unless you prefer to bring your own
  • Lightweight bivvy bag (breathable waterproof bag to protect against rain/dew)
  • Camping mattress and pillow
  • Fold-up chair
  • Mini gas cooker
  • Small pot, plate/bowl, mug and cutlery
  • 1 litre water bottle
  • Dry bag
  • Toilet paper and matches

Take a look at the brochure for comprehensive packing checklists in the ‘What to Pack’ section.

Experience Rates

The 7-day ‘Kafue Wilderness Experience’ package is open to individual or private group bookings.

A minimum of 4 guests ensures departure, with a maximum group size of 8 guests.

2026 Rates:

View the 2026 Brochure for full lists of what is included and excluded in the package rate.

FAQ

What wildlife can I expect to see?

You’ll have the chance to encounter Kafue lechwe, puku, sable, roan and the safari classics such as leopard, lion, elephant and buffalo. Kafue is also famous for their large wild dog population – some argue that it may have the highest density in the world. Birdlife is also exceptional.

What is the sleeping arrangement on the Wilderness Trail?

During the 3-night unsupported Wilderness Trail, you’ll sleep out under the stars at pristine, wild locations with no set campsites –  just you, the rest of the group, and the savanna around you. For the days before and after the Wilderness Trail, you will be accommodated at Nanzhila Lake Camp, see more below

What is the terrain?

The trail moves through a dynamic mix of tall mopane woodland, miombo woodland and seasonal rivers. The landscape is relatively flat, with steeper banks to navigate when crossing the dry river beds

How often will I have access to fresh water on the Wilderness Trail?

Guides will identify and access clean natural water sources along the route. Water availability is sufficient, with regular opportunities to refill throughout each day.

What is the accommodation like at Nanzhila Lake Camp?

Before and after the trail, you’ll stay in tented chalets with ensuite bathrooms. The central area has wifi and charging points for phones and cameras. The camp features a lovely open setup with great views of the Musa Riverbed and Lake Itezhi-tezhi shoreline. Wildlife passes regularly.

What is the weather like between June and October?

Expect daytime temperatures in the range of 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F), with night-time temperatures in the range of 12°C to 5°C (54°F to 41°F). Not only is this time of the year drier, but visibility improves and wildlife activity is high – offering excellent conditions for both game drives and walking.

Do I need Travel and Medical Insurance?

Yes, you are required to obtain travel and medical insurance cover for your trip. This is a very important aspect to consider when preparing for your trip and you can see more here.

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