Zambia’s Kafue National Park continues to grow from strength to strength as an emerging eco-tourism destination, recording a 25% increase in tourist revenues and 42% jump in visitor numbers in 2024.
The park – thanks to the successes achieved under a co-management agreement between the Zambian government and non-profit conservation organisation African Parks – welcomed a record-breaking US$1.828 million in revenue and 23 828 visitors during the year.
Prior to formalisation of the co-management agreement in 2022, the 22 400 square kilometre wilderness area – Africa’s second largest national park – suffered lack of funding and capacity, which detrimentally impacted landscapes and wildlife populations.
Ian Pollard, Commercial and Enterprise Manager for Kafue National Park, told DMO Africa’s Eden that significant gains were made in reversing these impacts through African Parks’ three pillars:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Community development
- Park revenue generation through tourism
“We’ve signed memoranda of understanding with 15 different community resource boards and co-designed agreements towards improving communication, engagement and a shared vision for conservation of the Kafue landscape,” he pointed out.
African Parks’ community development projects in the region range from education to training and upskilling, clean water and healthcare provision and creating sustainable alternative livelihood opportunities.
This community involvement, together with enhanced protection of the park’s impressive biodiversity (including 158 mammals and over 500 bird species), established the platforms for growth in tourism facilities and infrastructure development.
Pollard pointed out that 80% of revenue earned is reinvested in the park. The remainder benefits government and local communities – making Kafue a true “travel with a purpose” destination.
“Every guest who walks through the gate contributes directly to conservation and community development. That filters down to improving the community and conservation.”
The park’s tourism revenues and international recognition are set to be further bolstered by the opening of Minor Hotels’ Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp in the second quarter of 2025.
The camp will feature 12 luxury tents (including a grand 600 square metre Presidential Villa) with private plunge pools.
In an exclusive interview for Tourism Update’s Zimbabwe & Zambia Feature, Laurie Burr, Complex General Manager for Minor Hotels’ Zambia portfolio, said: “We believe our new camp will be a game changer attracting attention from airlines and private transport providers. This will significantly improve access to the park, putting Kafue firmly on the map as a key tourism destination in Zambia.”
