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Kafue National Park - pristine wilderness

Adventurous travelers flock to Africa to see the "Big Five" and incredibly rugged, beautiful vistas. Those who want to live vacation instead of just take vacation love to have the opportunity to visit areas where they are more likely to see lions and elephants than fellow travelers. What better place to visit than the second largest national park in the world? A landmass about as big as Wales, Kafue National Park in Zambia is a dream come true for avid outdoorsmen.

Kafue National Park is home to 22,400 square kilometers of open land that has become a refuge for wildlife. In recent years, Zambia has taken measures to conserve the land and protect its natural inhabitants. Some 67 percent of the park is designated as a "Wilderness Area;" only walking safaris are allowed to maintain the integrity of the land. While you can't zoom around on a Jeep in these areas, this does ensure that the land is as untouched as possible: Kafue is perhaps one of the most pristine parks in the world.

When in Kafue, take a boat trip along the Kafue and Lafupa Rivers; you'll be rewarded with sights of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants cooling themselves on the banks. Guided tours are available so you have the opportunity to see lions, buffalo, monkeys, antelope, zebra, warthogs, and bushpigs. You may also be lucky enough to spot the elusive impala, cheetah, or leopard that roam the area. It is like being in the midst of a National Geographic extravaganza.

You'll want to skip the rainy season in Zambia; many of the roads and plains are flooded, and you could very well find your accommodations underwater. July through October are prime months to go, and you will enjoy reasonable rates even at this "peak" time. The Park charges $3 per vehicle per day and $15 per person. This is incredible given that you cannot gain admission into amusement parks or zoos for so little - and here, you will be getting so much more!

If you have an inclusive travel package, your lodge will provide guides to boat, drive, or walk with you around the park. Food is usually included as well. Otherwise, you may drive on your own or hire a guide. You may camp in the park for about $12 a night, another very good deal. Don't forget to bring provisions or eat your meals within the park.

If you want to get away, there is no better place to escape to than Zambia. Get off the beaten path, and discover what Africa has to offer.

This post was written by: Franklin Manuel

Franklin Manuel is a professional blogger, web designer and front end web developer. Follow him on Twitter