Travelling with a 6-year old on safari is a unique experience but travelling with 6-year old Kai is next level. He is an energetic boy with many interests, who loves to be busy all the time, and is passionate about nature. For this reason, I chose the central region of Zambia’s Kafue National Park as our travel destination. The Central and Northern Kafue have several great lodges that offer a diversity of activities.
In addition, the lodges in the Central Kafue are child-friendly and have activities tailored for children of all ages. In order not to disturb other guests, we had many private activities – which worked out so well for us. We had plenty of One-on-One time, which made this trip extremely special.
Fishing in the Kafue River
Kai caught 46 fish and … one crocodile – yes, truly a crocodile! It made the fishing the most exciting part of the safari for Kai – and who can blame him? Kai caught a fish, which then seemed to have been swallowed by a crocodile. Our guide first thought that Kai’s hook had caught on a log, but soon realised that there was a powerful animal on the other end of the line, and one that was dead set on not coming to the surface, pulling back hard on the line instead. The line did not break but the hook bent open and the crocodile vanished. Phewwww … we all said.
Although there are 68 fish species indigenous to the Kafue River, we only caught a few of them, targeting the (edible) bream species using spinners and worms. We liked the names of the fish: the Largemouth Bream and the Pink Happy. We also caught Silver Catfish, and the Yellow Fish in faster moving waters. Kai caught over Kafue Sardines which made up a large portion of the total catch!
Standing on the boat, line in the water with the prospect of a fish (or crocodile) biting, hearing the call of a fish eagle in the distance, hippos laughing close by, elephants and buffalo roaming the riverbanks… what an amazing place to go fishing. Fishing in Kafue combines the thrill of the catch with the serenity of nature, making for a truly memorable experience. We have been both ruined and spoiled – where can you go and enjoy fishing after such an experience?
Game Drives in Kafue National Park
We then saw how the Kafue River nourishes the park’s various ecosystems, attracting a great diversity of wildlife. On our game drives we encountered many elephants, a pride of lions feasting on a hippo, and huge herds of buffalo. The northern Kafue is especially known for its predator interaction but what Kafue is renowned for is its remarkable diversity of antelope species.
Kai got to see the puku, which thrive in wetlands, and the kudu, known for their impressive, twisted horns and striking markings. He also had the privilege of seeing roan and sable antelope, both admired for their beauty and grace. We ticked off waterbuck at the river and impala in breeding herds or bachelor groups, and finished off on the last day with the elusive Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, epitomising the region’s rich bio-diversity.
Birding in Central Kafue
Birdwatchers can’t go wrong in Kafue: eagles, kites, kingfishers and colourful bee-eaters flitting overhead. And Kai, being an avid birder, enjoyed the bigger species by the river – herons, storks and cranes. Within a few days our birding list reached 49 species which we thought was impressive until we discovered that Kafue has over 500 recorded species which makes it one of the best birding destinations in Africa – truly a birding paradise.
Cultural Experiences
Additionally, cultural experiences with local communities provide insights into traditional Zambian life. The communities are found in the Game Management Areas adjacent to the national park and we had the privilege to visit the Mukambi Community School, gaining memorable insight into school life in Zambia. Kai got to sing one or two songs to the school children and they sung for us!
Walking & Canoeing
For those looking to explore the park a little deeper, guided walking safaris provide a closer connection to the park’s flora and fauna – up close and personal. So too with canoeing safaris, offering a tranquil way to explore the waterways, allowing for intimate wildlife viewing from the water. As much as Kai wanted to try them out, both activities are not ideal for small kids and are generally only available for children aged twelve and older.
African Parks manages Kafue National Park
The conservation organisation African Parks manages Kafue National Park with a strong commitment to conservation and sustainable development, fostering hope for the region’s wildlife and ecosystems. Under their stewardship, the park has seen significant improvements in anti-poaching efforts, habitat restoration, and community engagement. By implementing comprehensive management strategies, African Parks aims to enhance biodiversity and restore natural ecosystems. Their collaborative initiatives with local communities focus on education and livelihood opportunities, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility toward wildlife conservation.
As a result, populations of key species are recovering, and the park is becoming a model for successful conservation in Africa. The future of Kafue looks promising, with ongoing efforts to ensure its rich biodiversity thrives for generations to come.
