This Park is an undiscovered gem. The vast plains are spectacular in the dry season and transform completely from a dry grass flatland to a watery wonderland in the wet season, as the flats fill with water and the migratory birds arrive from far and wide.

Until recently, this park was not open to the public as it fell under the preserve of the Defence Ministry. It was established more than 40 years ago by the Critchley’s, a retired colonel from the British Army, and his wife Erica – an environmentally oriented farming family who then sold it to the National Parks Department. Their farmhouse still exists which is now the Park reception. A little further on are two old chalets and two new chalets available for accommodation.

Blue Lagoon lies only 120kms west of Lusaka on the Kafue Flats and the vast floodplain attracts thousands of Kafue lechwe, zebra, Sitatunga, some buffalo, and numerous water birds. The plains are fringed with acacia woodland. This park is a birdwatcher’s dream. The abundance and variety are astounding and the fact that it has not been opened up until recently and is still undeveloped makes it one of those last untouched places left in Africa.

This park, along with the Lochinvar National Park on the other side of the Kafue Flats together holds the largest concentrations of the Kafue Lechwe, and herds numbering in the hundreds can be observed here. The Lechwe is the most water-loving antelope. It loves these habitats of floodplains and seasonally inundated grasslands. It frequently feeds in shallow water and will submerge if threatened. Although lechwe runs in herds of about 30, several thousand may gather together on the floodplains.

An unusual sight on the plains is the site of huge river pythons which are attracted by the concentration of the lechwe and birds. This Park provides a stark contrast to the other Parks in Zambia because of the vast flat landscape and spectacular birding – a good add-on to your tour of Zambia.

Size of Blue lagoon national park Zambia

Blue Lagoon National Park is a small wildlife haven in the northern part of the Kafue Flats in Zambia’s Central Province. It covers about 500 km² and is very accessible, being about 100 km west of Lusaka (120 km by road).

Location of Blue lagoon national park Zambia

Blue Lagoon National Park can be described as small wildlife habitat positioned in Zambia’s Central Province within the Mumbwa district.

How to get to Blue lagoon national park Zambia

Blue Lagoon National Park is located in the northern portion of the Kafue Flats in the Central Province of the Republic of Zambia. Covering around 500 square kilometers, it is approximately 100 kilometers (120 kilometers by road) west of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. To get to the park, take the Mumbwa-Mongu road from Lusaka, then 27 kilometers on, turn left at the sign that says “Nampundwe Konkola Coppermine,” which is situated opposite the Farmer’s Supermarket. The road will eventually lead up to a sign on the left that says “Blue Lagoon National Park – Nakenda Lodge.” Drive for 7 kilometers until one reaches the entrance gate, and drive in until one comes up to the old farmhouse.

Things to do in Blue lagoon national park Zambia

Wildlife viewing

The Kafue Lechwe is undoubtedly a popular antelope living in the Kafue plains. It’s actually a water-loving antelope that survives from flooded plains and also submerges if threatened. This park and Lochinvar National Park have the biggest total of the Kafue Lechwe.

Birding safaris

There are over four hundred types of birds within this park; and over 40 of them as wetland endemics. Species found here range according to weather conditions while common types including the pelican, Squacco heron, cattle and black egret, the Egyptian goose, open bill stork, white-faced whistling duck, and the blacksmith plover. The termitaria as well are home to unique species for example the red-capped lark, sparrow lark, quail finch among others. Swamp species are the swamp warbler and the flycatcher.

When to visit Blue lagoon national park Zambia

Blue Lagoon is best visited in the Wet season, from November to April. At this time, the 5km/3mi causeway will reach well onto the water, and the sight of the birds and lechwe is spectacular from this vantage point.

Where to stay in Blue lagoon national park Zambia

There are absolutely no listed places to stay within 100 kilometers of Blue Lagoon National Park. Your best shot is the Ngoma Safari Lodge, around 390 kilometers away, in Ngoma.

So travelers with complete camping equipment can spend a night near the park.