Kasanka Bats & Bangweulu Wetlands Zambia Safari
Summary of this Budget Safari Package
Experience an unusual and authentic African bush adventure, camping in the wild Kasanka and Lavushi Manda national parks of Zambia! Travel in a small group, each with your own private guide, two per vehicle, camping in rooftop tents. A dedicated chef prepares all your meals and the safari crew takes care of logistics and camp chores so that you can sit back and simply enjoy the journey!
Few people get to see the remote and pristine wilderness areas this exclusive, yet affordable, Zambian Safari explores. On this adventure, we witness the incredible migration of several million fruit bats in Kasanka, as well as encountering a rich array of wildlife, plants and birds, including rare species such as sitatunga, wattled-crane, Ross’s Lourie and blue monkeys. During our two-day adventure in the Bangweulu Swamps of the Lake Waka Waka wetland system, expert guides also take us to view the elusive shoebills of Lavushi Manda National Park.
This phenomenal African adventure will leave you with unforgettable memories and once-in-a-lifetime photographs!
Itinerary for this Tour
Day 1: Lusaka
This Kasanka & Bangweulu Wetlands Safari begins in Lusaka, the capital and largest city in Zambia. At the start of the safari, you are collected from the international airport and transferred to your guesthouse for your first overnight stay in Zambia.
Once you have settled in at the guesthouse your safari guide meets up with you to discuss the program for the next day.
This evening dinner at your guesthouse in the booming city of Lusaka is included.
- Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Lusaka to Wasa – Kasanka National Park
Early on the morning of day two, we leave Lusaka, driving northeast to Kasanka National Park. Entering the national park via Maluashi Gate we proceed to our overnight lodge located on the banks of a big lagoon.
We cover a long distance today thus the lodge staff prepares dinner for us. We enjoy a traditional meal and spend the night in comfortable chalets.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 & 4: Pontoon 1 – Kasanka National Park
Wake up to beautiful views of the lagoon where you may see puku, hippo and other wildlife. An early start is recommended as sunrise is one of the optimal times for watching bats.
The lodge is close to Mushitu (swamp forest) and on day three we spend the morning exploring the forest in front of the lodge. In the forest, you will get to see millions of bats and a rich array of birds!
After watching the bats and birds in the forest at the lodge we proceed to our campsite for the next two nights. The campsite lies in an evergreen forest looking out over a swamp where rare sitatunga antelope often gather. The famous Fibwe Hide, close to camp, is ideal for watching the shy sitatunga. The camp is also near to an elevated bat hide built at treetop height to provide outstanding bat watching and stunning views.
During our time at Pontoon 1 campsite, we embark on activities with local guides who take us to see the bats, birds and animals of this unique region. Exploring with local guides enables us to gain real insight into the local ecosystem and to fully experience the wilderness of Kasanka. Hiring the local guides also helps to support the local communities of the area.
Sunset is also an ideal time for viewing the bats because this is when they return to roost after a day of feeding.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 & 6: Bufumu & Mateshe – Kasanka National Park
On day five we pack up camp and set off to explore more of Kasanka National Park. We take a slow drive to the remote northwestern area of the park where the “Tall Tree” is found. The canopy tower known as “Tall Tree” stands 14 metres tall, offering exceptional views over the Mateshe. The tower is ideal for birdwatching as well as taking in the stunning views.
The north-west region of Kasanka hosts an impressive diversity of wildlife and birds. You can explore the African bush on foot with one of our guides and simply enjoy the peace and quiet.
We spend two nights camping in the secluded area allowing enough time to unwind and soak up the wild surroundings.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 & 8: Kabwe River – Kasanka National Park
On day seven we pack up camp and move on to our next campsite at Kabwe, located nearby on the banks of a river.
The camp at Kabwe is also in a remote and tranquil spot overlooking an attractive grassland. The campsite lies halfway between the Bat Forest and Bufumu Forest – the perfect position for accessing the best birdwatching and game viewing opportunities in the area. In between wildlife and bird watching activities, we relax at the camp, admiring the beautiful setting.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 & 10: Bangweulu Wetlands – Lavushi Manda National Park
Day nine begins with an early morning departure from our camp at Kabwe. From there we exit Kasanka National Park and cover the short distance to Lavushi Manda National Park.
Entering Lavushi Manda Park we make our way to the world-renowned Bangweulu Wetlands. Bangweulu is a designated Ramsar Convention Site recognised as one of the most important wetlands in the world.
We spend the next two nights at a dedicated Shoebill camp in the Bangweulu Swamps. Expert guides take us out to search for the shoe-billed storks by boat. Our excursions are carefully planned to maximise our chances of excellent shoebill sightings over the next two days.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Bangweulu Wetlands to Lusaka
Waking up early on day 11, we have breakfast at camp and enjoy our last moments out in the wild Bangweulu Swamps. Then we set off on a game drive, taking us back to the park gate. Leaving Lavushi Manda National Park we drive southwest back to Lusaka, where our adventure began.
Along the way, we pass the southern tip of the Democratic Republic of Congo and pause to refuel in Mposhi. Arriving back in Lusaka you are dropped off at the guesthouse where dinner and your last overnight stay is included.
- Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Luggage Allowance: A maximum of 20kg’s of baggage is permitted per person. A soft bag needs to be used for your luggage. No hard-shell cases can be carried. Excess luggage can be stored safely in Lusaka
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