Kasanka Bat Safari

Highlights

• Experience the awe-inspiring sight of up to ten million fruit bats filling the skies
• Experience the famed and wild South Luangwa National Park
• Opportunities to spot the Thornicroft Giraffe and other big cats, including lions and leopards
• Stay in intimate African bush camps and lodges offering spectacular views
• Delve into Zambian culture with a visit to the Kawaza village
• The Kasanka Bat Safari provides endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts
• Participate in a safari that not only respects but contributes to the conservation
• Led by knowledgeable guides who offer insight into wildlife, landscapes and cultural aspects
• This "Zambia Bat Safari" can be tailor-made with Zambia Lodges and transfer options

Safari Information

• Departure: Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
• Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
• Lodging: Bush Camps
• Group Size: Maximum 6
• Valid: Late November/early December
• Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris

A Once In A Lifetime Experience: Zambia's Kasanka Bat Migration

The Bat Migration in Zambia's "Kasanka National Park" compares only to a few of Africa's great migrations, the wildebeest and zebra migration in East Africa being one of them. Witness up to ten million straw-coloured fruit bats (Eidolon helvum) take to the skies at dust each year around late November and early December. This is one of Africa's Wildlife events that needs to be on all calendars at least once in your lifetime.

Kasanka National Park is around 390km² in size but impressively hosts up to 108 mammal species and over 450 species of birds; these numbers are surely high enough to keep the most avid photographers and naturalists happy for weeks.

Day 1: Luangwa Valley

• Our representative will assist you with connecting flights to Mfuwe Airport and the Luangwa Valley upon arrival at Lusaka International Airport.
• Luangwa River Camp is our home for the next three nights, with spectacular views of the Luangwa River.
• Enjoy lunch and a small siesta before heading out into one of Africa's wildest National Parks for an afternoon and night game drive.
• Overnight: Luangwa River Camp

Day 2: Luangwa Valley

• As dawn arrives, we have breakfast and coffee around a campfire before departing for our morning walk or game drive.
• We enter the South Luangwa National Park via either boat from the camp or by road, weather depending.
• The Thornicroft Giraffe is on our list of mammals to spot and photograph; the Thornicroft Giraffe can only be found here.
• Back to Luangwa River Camp for lunch and a few hours to relax by the pool, take a nap, or just sit back and enjoy the views.
• Heading out on our afternoon and early evening game drive, we focus on spotting the big cats, Lions and Leopards before returning to camp for dinner and night nights.
• Overnight: Luangwa River Camp

Day 3: Luangwa Valley

• Day three is plus-minus, the same as day two.
• Game drives and walks are on offer within the South Luangwa National Park.
• An interesting option is to visit the Kawaza village, meet up with the locals and get a glimpse into rural Zambian village life.
• Overnight: Luangwa River Camp

Day 4: Kasanka

• Today is the big "Bat" day; we board our flight to the Kasanka .
• On arrival, we made our way to our home for the next few days, Wasa Lodge.
• The afternoon is relaxing with the bird and mammal life of this spectacular park.
• Overnight: Wasa Lodge

Days 5 - 6: Kasanka

• The next few days, relaxed as they are, offer up bird-watching from hides and short game drives around the area.
• Other than the bat migration, sitatunga, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, and Pel's fishing owl are definite highlights.
• Now let us not forget why we are here in the first place, bats, bats and 10,000,000 more bats!
• Our time is spread, taking in pretty much all the park can deliver, where relaxation, wildlife and photography go hand in hand.
• Overnight: Wasa Lodge

Day 7: Kasanka Bat Safari Ends

• Breakfast and then our flight back to Mfuwe and onward connection to Lusaka.
• With a tear in our eyes, we say goodbye today.
• Stopping if time allows at a few markets on the way.

In Conclusion

On this breathtaking Kasanka Bat Safari through Zambia's wilderness, participants leave with a wealth of unforgettable memories, from the tranquil nights at Nkwali Camp overlooking the Luangwa River to the awe-inspiring sight of millions of bats darkening the sky in Kasanka National Park. Each moment of the Zambia safari, whether it was the thrilling game drives, the serene afternoons spent in the company of diverse wildlife, or the heartwarming interactions with local communities, contributes to a profound appreciation for nature's beauty and the importance of conservation.

This adventure transcends a mere holiday; it is a life-changing experience that instils a deep sense of connection with the natural world, prompts reflection on our place within it, and inspires a commitment to its preservation for future generations.