If you think a safari is only about the “Big Five,” you’re missing the most elegant part of the Zambian wilderness. Welcome to the antelope capital of Africa.

While many parks across the continent boast large numbers of a few species, Kafue National Park is globally renowned for its sheer variety. In fact, Kafue is home to a staggering 21 different species of antelope—more than almost any other park in Africa. At Nanzhila, our location in the south puts us in the heart of “Specialist Country.”

Two Sable in the Plains at Plains Camp

The “Nanzhila Specials”

For the seasoned safari-goer, the joy is in the rarity. While you’ll see plenty of Impala and Puku, it’s the “Nanzhila Specials” that bring photographers from across the globe:

  • The Sable Antelope: Often called the most handsome of all African antelope, the jet-black coats and scimitar-shaped horns of the Sable are a frequent sight on our plains.
  • The Roan Antelope: Larger and more robust, the Roan is a true prize for any wildlife enthusiast. Seeing a breeding herd of Roan against a golden sunset is a quintessential Nanzhila experience.
  • The Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest: This is a rare antelope species in Zambia, but in the Southern Kafue, they are thriving. Their unique, “H”-shaped horns and sloping backs make them a fascinating subject.
  • The Oribi: Small, dainty, and incredibly fast, these little specialists love the open dambos of the south.
Cheetah seen chasing Hartbeest on the Plains in Kafue National Park

Why Diversity Matters

This incredible range of species exists because of the “mosaic” of habitats found in the south. From the open grasslands (dambos) to the thick Miombo woodlands and the Teak forests, there is a specific niche for every animal.

Expert Tip: If you are looking for the best place to see Sable antelope, the early mornings in the Nanzhila dambos offer the best light and the highest frequency of sightings.

Leopard tackling a waterbuck - Kafue National Park

A Paradise for Wildlife Photographers

For photographers, the Kafue safari animals offer a color palette unlike any other. The deep mahogany of the Sable, the straw-colored coats of the Hartebeest, and the vibrant orange of the Puku provide endless opportunities to capture the “other” side of the African bush.

At Nanzhila, our guides are specialists in tracking these diverse herds. We don’t just “drive”; we interpret the landscape to find the species that make this park so unique.

Ready to tick the “Rare Antelope” list off your bucket list?

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