Introduction

One of Africa’s largest protected areas, Kafue National Park was proclaimed in 1950, making it Zambia’s oldest national park.  

In February 2021, the Government of Zambia invited African Parks to implement a Priority Support Plan (PSP), for the protection and development of Kafue National Park. This resulted in significant infrastructure investment, improved conservation law enforcement efforts, the creation of over 200 permanent jobs, and support for local schools. These efforts paved the way for a longer-term mandate, and in July 2022, African Parks signed a 20-year collaborative management partnership agreement with the Government of Zambia.

Biodiversity Conservation

Kafue’s vast diversity creates a level of conservation resilience, but in a changing world and in order for it to be managed effectively, all facets need to be monitored. As a globally important wildlife sanctuary, conservation law enforcement and restoring ecosystem health is key. Despite past pressures, the park’s vast, intact landscape continues to support a rich variety of iconic species, offering significant conservation and tourism potential for Zambia.

Forming part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), which hosts over half of Africa’s savannah elephant population, Kafue has the potential to be one of the most important sanctuaries for this keystone species. Aerial Surveys provide vital insights into the relative abundance and distribution, while over 40 elephant collars monitor their movement and seasonal distribution. This has provided valuable insights and proof of the connectivity to the greater KAZA, as well as the potential development of a wildlife corridor to West Lunga.

Fire, fisheries, and wildlife management are central to conserving Kafue’s ecosystem, with cutting-edge tools and community collaboration helping to control harmful fires and develop sustainable, science-based fire and fisheries plans. The Kafue River system, including Lake Itezhi-tezhi, is a crucial economic and social resource for communities bordering the park. Supporting over 25,000 people, the fisheries provide vital livelihoods and strengthen social cohesion.

Wildlife reintroductions are an important part of Kafue’s conservation management, and their success relies on the expertise and participation of multiple stakeholders. Recent reintroductions include Kafue lechwe, zebra, and wildebeest.