Description
Kasanka National Park Annual Bat Migration
7 Days
Your safari starts and ends in Lusaka, Zambia.
Arriving in Lusaka we will spend one night in this bustling African city before heading North for the largest mammal migration on the planet.
We will spend seven days soaking up the beauty and tranquility of Kasanka National Park, and experiencing its rich diversity. Your first two nights will be spent at Wasa Lodge, set on the shores of a large lagoon. Myriad bats and bird species come to replenish their liquids here, while Hippos wallow in these waters. Other large game gathers to drink at its shores. At sunrise, we head out to watch the amazing spectacle of thousands of bats returning to roost. Guest can enjoy excellent viewing of this amazing migration because of the lodge’s bat hide.
While the tour focuses on the bat migration other wildlife frequents the camp and there is the opportunity to see Elephant, Hippo and a dozen different types of herbivores. Our campsites are peaceful and exclusive and Kasanka National Park is one of the few remaining parks in such pristine condition. Bird species number in the hundreds and the spectacle of millions of bats will take your breath away.
We then spend two nights camping under starry skies at Pontoon Camp. The campsite is set in an evergreen forest overlooking a swamp rich in wildlife. While here, you will experience the incredible scenery and game of the area led by experienced local guides. The final two nights of your Kasanka experience will be in Bufumi Forest, where you can see the ‘Tall Tree’. The bird watching here is also excellent due to a canopy viewing area.
Consult our travel advice for your Zambia safari. Please also read our 4X4 Safari Terms and Conditions.
For more information on Kasanka National Park visit the Kasanka Trust site.
Is camping and deep bush not your idea of a safari to Africa? Indulge in a luxury tour with our Luxury Luangwa and Livingstone tour over 7 days. Look at our other African Tours and Packages.
Prefer a self drive safari? Explore our Kafue 4X4 Expedition.
Getting There
Fly In
You can fly directly into Lusaka with either Emirates, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways or South African Airways.
On arrival in Lusaka a driver/guide will be waiting for you in arrivals, he will have a small board bearing your name.
For assistance with flights and domestic arrangements in Lusaka, Contact Us for travel advice.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Lusaka
On your arrival at Lusaka International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation for the night. Once you have all arrived Pierre will meet you at the guest house and go over the following days itinerary. With an early arrival in Lusaka there will be time to visit the Lilayi Elephant Orphanage. (D)
Day 2 – Wasa Lodge
Departing Lusaka early we head Northeast for the Maluashi Gate of Kasanka National Park. Due to the distance travelled today our first nights’ meal will be a traditional dinner prepared by the lodge staff and we will be accommodated in the lodge chalets (included in the tour cost). Set on the banks of a large lagoon it offers fantastic viewing of Puku, Hippo and other species as well as being close to the Mushitu (swamp forest). (BLD)
Day 3 to 5 – Pontoon Camp
Our first morning will be spent having breakfast, relaxing in front of the lodge in the forest taking in the millions of bats as well as a host of other bird species. Sunrise & sunset are the best times to view the bats as they take flight in the evenings or return to roost in the mornings after feeding. There is a Bat Hide set at tree top height giving you the best view. This campsite is situated in an evergreen forest overlooking a swamp clearing favored by Sitatunga, it is close to the Bat hide and Fibwe hide. We will spend 2 nights here with local guides taking us on specialized excursions looking for bats, birds & mammals. To fully appreciate everything this park has to offer local guides are essential, we support the local communities and get the most out of the experience. (BLD)
Day 6 & 7 – Bufumu Forest
Today we will do some exploring of Kasanka National Park as we make our way towards the North West section of the park and the “Tall Tree”. This is a remote area of the park and supports impressive diversities of wildlife. A 14-meter-tall canopy tower overlooks the Mateshe offering impressive views & excellent birding. With 2 nights here there is time to relax, enjoy the scenery, do some walking with one of the guides and enjoy the solitude of the African bush. (BLD)
Day 8 – Depart Kasanka
With a sad heart and an early start we game drive back to the Maluashi gate & begin our return journey to Lusaka. Passing a small corner of the Democratic Republic of Congo we will refuel in Mposhi and continue South West towards our final destination of this tour. Few people ever witness this spectacular migration and you will be taking some fond memories and incredible photographs back home with you. (BLD)
