Kasanka National Park

Zambia

Cozy Wildlife Destination

Kasanka National Park is one of Zambia’s smallest national parks, located in the Central Province of Zambia, near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The park is known for its diverse habitats, including rivers, lakes, forests, swamps, lagoons, and grasslands, which support a wide range of wildlife.

 

Unique Features and Attractions

 

Bat Migration: Kasanka is famous for the annual migration of up to 10 million straw-colored fruit bats, one of the largest mammal migrations in the world. This occurs from October to December.

 

Rare and Unique Wildlife: The park is home to several rare and elusive species, such as the semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope, the shoebill stork, and over 470 bird species.

 

Community-Based Management: Kasanka is unique in that it is the only national park in Zambia that is managed through a private-public partnership, with the Kasanka Trust overseeing operations.

 

 

Activities and Experiences

 

  • Wildlife viewing on game drives and walking safaris, with the chance to spot species like hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope.
  • Birdwatching, with the park being a haven for over 470 bird species.
  • Fishing for species like tigerfish and bream in the Luwombwa River.
  • Canoeing and boat trips on the park’s waterways.
  • Visiting the 60ft high hide overlooking the Kapabi Swamp, offering views of the bat migration and sitatunga.

                                                      

In summary, Kasanka National Park stands out for its unique bat migration, diverse wildlife, scenic beauty, and innovative management approach, making it a compelling destination for nature enthusiasts visiting Zambia.

Highlights

Bird Watching
Marine
Photography