Kafue Flats

The Kafue Flats are a vast floodplain in the Central and Southern Provinces of Zambia, stretching for about 255 kilometers along the Kafue River. Covering an area of approximately 6,000 square kilometers, the relief is exceptionally flat, with minimal elevation changes that allow the river to spread widely during the seasonal rains. Geologically, the flats occupy a shallow basin filled with deep layers of lacustrine and alluvial deposits, remnants of a much larger prehistoric lake system. The annual flood cycle dictates the environment, transforming the area from an expansive inland sea into a mosaic of lagoons and nutritious grasslands. This unique habitat supports the endemic Kafue Lechwe antelope and over 400 species of birds, making it a globally significant wetland. Historically, the flats have been central to the pastoralist traditions of the Ila and Tonga people, who migrate their cattle with the rising and falling waters. The construction of the Itezhi-Tezhi and Kafue Gorge dams in the 1970s significantly altered the natural flood regime, leading to ongoing conservation efforts. Today, the Kafue Flats remain a vital resource for hydroelectric power, commercial irrigation, and wildlife conservation.

Nearby cities

Livingstone

Livingstone is a historic colonial city and tourism center for the Victoria Falls.

Mazabuka

Mazabuka is known as the 'Sweetest Town' in Zambia due to its massive sugar cane plantations.

Choma

Choma serves as the provincial capital of the Southern Province and an agricultural center.

Monze

Monze is a significant agricultural town in the Southern Province, named after a local chief.

Kalomo

Kalomo was the first administrative center of Northern Rhodesia before the capital was moved to Livingstone.

Siavonga

Siavonga is a town on the northern shore of Lake Kariba, known as a popular tourist destination.

Maamba

Maamba is a coal-mining town in the Southern Province, home to Zambia's largest coal mine.

Sinazongwe

Sinazongwe is a town on the northern shore of Lake Kariba in the Southern Province, mainly focused on fishing.

Blue Lagoon National Park

A small, water-rich paradise in the Kafue Flats, famous for its incredible birdlife and swamp-dwelling antelopes.

Lake Kariba

The world's largest man-made lake, a paradise for anglers, houseboat vacationers, and sunset lovers.

History & landmarks

Lochinvar National Park

A birdwatcher's paradise on the Kafue Flats, famous for thousands of waterbirds and the unique Kafue lechwe antelope.

Kariba Dam Wall

A massive engineering structure between Zambia and Zimbabwe that controls the flow of the Zambezi River.

Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Airport

The international airport in Livingstone that serves as a gateway to the famous Victoria Falls.

Royal Livingstone Hotel

A luxurious five-star hotel on the banks of the Zambezi, just steps away from the Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls Power Station

A historic hydroelectric power station at the falls that generates electricity for the region.

Nature

Ngonye Falls

Powerful falls on the Zambezi River in western Zambia, noted for their width and scenic beauty.

More places

Munali Nickel Mine

One of the few mines in Zambia specializing in the extraction of nickel.

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Kaleya Smallholders Sugar Estates

A major agricultural project for sugarcane production for the nearby refinery.

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Nakambala Sugar Estate Factory

Zambia's largest sugar factory, surrounded by extensive sugarcane plantations.

Sebanzi Hill Iron Age Site

An archaeological site on the edge of the Kafue Flats that shows continuous occupation for centuries.

Kafue Escarpment

The edge that separates the Kafue Valley from the central plateau.

Kabwe Lowlands

Lower lying areas south of the plateau.

Kabwe Plateau

A central plateau where Lusaka lies.

Kabwe Escarpment

A topographical step that limits the central plateau.