This vast inland sea is surrounded in parts by grassy plains, often 'mowed' by hippos. Rocky bays and stretches of submerged trees provide perfect perches for the many waterbirds inhabiting the area - f ish eagles, cormorants, spoonbills and the stately goliath Heron. Itezhi is also an angling paradise and home to an annual fishing competition. The waters of the Kafue River are home to large numbers of hippopotamus, crocodiles and water monitors. Other species found in the Park include the rare and secretive yellow-backed duiker, common duiker, kudu, grysbok, warthog, bushpig, serval, hyena, jackal, baboon, vervet monkey, porcupine, civet, genet and many species of mongoose .
Unusual features are the knobbly termite mounds scattered across the plains.
There are teak forests, large numbers of the striking 'candelabra' tree, and many large black boulders often looking deceptively like a herd of elephant. Much of the park is covered by 'Miombo' Woodland opening out into large grassy dambos. Game is best sighted in the dry season from April to October, but the beauty of the park is at its best after the rains in the first half of the year. Many of the parks internal roads are inaccessible between November and April. The roads are not well graded and the Park is best visited by air charter or robust four wheel drives.