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Kafue

Замбия · City · ZMW · -15.766700, 28.183300
Family friendly 5.1/10 · Rank 2126 of 2 709
Best season: April-October

Best for

Suitable for nature lovers, safari enthusiasts, fishermen and anyone wanting to see Zambia's largest national park.

Best season

April-October

Daily budget
$95.00 (≈ 7 972 ₽)
For 7 days
$665.00 (≈ 55 807 ₽)
Kafue is a small town in southern Zambia, located on the banks of the river of the same name, which serves as the main gateway to Kafue National Park — one of the largest parks in Africa. The town attracts safari and ecotourism enthusiasts with its proximity to wildlife and opportunities to see elephants, lions, and hundreds of bird species. Kafue is an ideal place for those wanting to combine relaxation by the water with unforgettable safari adventures.
Summer
38.0°C
Winter
8.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Kafue residents are friendly and proud of their nature. Many fishermen and farmers.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Kafue National Park
  • Scenic Kafue River
  • Thermal springs
  • Affordable prices
  • Convenient base for trips to Lusaka

Cons

  • No beach
  • Hot summers
  • Limited nightlife
  • Few restaurants
  • Transport needed to get around
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
25.7°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
30.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
38.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
16.7°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
24.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
8.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
December-March
Attractions

Kafue National Park

Zambia's largest national park with rich wildlife and safaris

Kafue River

Scenic river with fishing, canoeing and birdwatching opportunities

Kafue Dam

Scenic dam with a recreation area and viewpoints

Thermal Springs

Natural thermal springs in the surrounding area, popular for relaxation

Central Market

Colourful market with local produce and crafts

Best areas

City Centre

Close to the market and main attractions

Dam Area

Scenic area by the water, popular for nature recreation

River Area

Scenic area along the river with hotels and cafes

Must-try food

Nshima

Thick cornmeal porridge, Zambia's staple

Grilled Tilapia

Fresh fish from the Kafue River, grilled to perfection

Chikanda

Dense groundnut cake, a popular snack

Ifisashi

Stewed pumpkin leaves with peanuts, a popular side dish

Roast Chicken

Grilled chicken with local spices

Where to go next

Lusaka

Zambia's capital with museums and markets, 1 hour by car

Chirundu

Border town with Zimbabwe, 1.5 hours by car

Siavonga

Town on Lake Kariba with beaches, 2 hours by car

Kafue National Park

Zambia's largest national park, 2 hours by car

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
April-October
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$78.00
≈ 6 546 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Kafue: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is April-October. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Kafue: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +38.0°C, during the day — up to +30.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Kafue: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +8.0°C, during the day — up to +24.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Kafue: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on December-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Kafue: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $95.00 (≈ 7 972 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Kafue: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $10.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $78.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $120.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $180.00 per night, an apartment — $40.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Kafue: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $10.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Kafue: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Kafue: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Kafue National Park — Zambia's largest national park with rich wildlife and safaris; Kafue River — Scenic river with fishing, canoeing and birdwatching opportunities; Kafue Dam — Scenic dam with a recreation area and viewpoints; Thermal Springs — Natural thermal springs in the surrounding area, popular for relaxation; Central Market — Colourful market with local produce and crafts. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Kafue: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Nshima — Thick cornmeal porridge, Zambia's staple; Grilled Tilapia — Fresh fish from the Kafue River, grilled to perfection; Chikanda — Dense groundnut cake, a popular snack; Ifisashi — Stewed pumpkin leaves with peanuts, a popular side dish; Roast Chicken — Grilled chicken with local spices. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Kafue: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: City Centre — Close to the market and main attractions; Dam Area — Scenic area by the water, popular for nature recreation; River Area — Scenic area along the river with hotels and cafes. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Kafue: is a visa required?
Visa: required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Kafue: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (code LUN). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Kafue: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — ZMW. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $95.00 (≈ 7 972 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Kafue: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Kafue: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Kafue: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Lusaka — Zambia's capital with museums and markets, 1 hour by car; Chirundu — Border town with Zimbabwe, 1.5 hours by car; Siavonga — Town on Lake Kariba with beaches, 2 hours by car; Kafue National Park — Zambia's largest national park, 2 hours by car. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.1/10
Overall rank: 2126 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 868

Best season

April-October

Useful information

Currency: ZMW
Coordinates: -15.766700, 28.183300