EASTERN ROUTE: D769

CENTRAL KAFUE

Look at the map on the opposite page and you’ll see that the Kafue River, which runs from north to south, cuts the park in half lengthways.

Central Kafue is the area around Hook Bridge, where the tar road crosses the Kafue River and the river makes a horseshoe bend. Hook Bridge is the only way to cross the river (by car) inside the park – this will influence your travelling time from west to east.

There’s lots of game around Hook Bridge and it’s also the most accessible part of the park if you’re not driving a 4x4. It makes sense to spend a few nights at camps like Kasabushi (above) and Mayukuyuku.

The campsite at Mayukuyuku is on the river and elephant sightings are common. Chat to Patrick Moyo at the reception office. He’s been working in the park since 1992 and knows all the best game-viewing routes. Wild dogs can be seen in the area – they sometimes use Hook Bridge to cross the river. From Mayukuyuku, return to the M9 tar road and drive east towards Lusaka. Take the D769 south – it’s a wide gravel road that cuts through hunting concessions and there aren’t many animals to be seen. The road eventually goes to the Itezhi-Tezhi Dam. Before the dam, however, take the turn-off to KaingU Lodge.

A narrow road leads to KaingU. You don’t need a 4x4, but a vehicle with high

RARE SIGHTING. The rock pratincole is an unremarkable little bird that gets a lot of attention. Look for it in the rocky areas of the Mwengwa rapids in the Kafue River near KaingU.