
Kasanka National Park
Although small in size compared to other Zambian national parks, it is around 450 km² in total size. Kasanka offers guests a wide range of ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, forests, lagoons, meadows and dambos that all support an abundance of birds, fish and a few plains game species.
- Size: 450 square kilometres
- Location: Central Zambia
- Rainfall: Summer
- Lodges & accommodation: See Kasanka Bat Safari
Where is Kasanka National Park located?
Kasanka National Park is found pretty much in the middle of Zambia, around 525 kilometres north of Lusaka.
Google Maps does not show the national park as such, so we are using 'HERE WeGo maps' for a more accurate location of the park's boundaries: HERE WeGo Maps - Kasanka National Park
Zoom in and out of the above map to get a general idea of where it is located and what surrounds it.
Information On Kasanka National Park
The main attraction and activity for visiting Kasanka is the annual bat migration. Between November and December, millions and millions of Fruit Bats migrate to this region of Zambia. A truly spectacular sight awaits, with the bat migration being on the bucket list of many people around the world (those in the know, of course).
The national park supports a small list of mammal species that one has the chance to spot and photograph, and they include; Elephant, Hippo, Sable Antelope, Liechtenstein's Hartebeest, Puku, Sitatunga, Reedbuck, Waterbuck, Sharpe's Grysbok and the rare Blue Monkey. Predators are very seldom seen in Kasanka.
Birdlife in the summer months is rather good, with over 330 bird species having been recorded, including Pel's Fishing Owl, Pygmy Goose, Ross's Loerie, Osprey, Wattled Crane, and if you are exceptionally lucky, the rare Shoebill Stork.
Best Time to Visit Kasanka National Park?
Kasanka is open year-round for visitors, although it must be noted that during the summer months (the rainy season), certain areas of the park are inaccessible due to flooding.
The best time for the bat migration is between November and December, while the best months for birding is the wet summer season (November - April), when all the migratory species have arrived.
Please note that one has to book in advance should one be interested in the annual bat migration. Please contact us as soon as possible.
Main Attractions Of Kasanka National Park
- Bats, bats and more Bats
- Birdlife photography
- Rare antelope species
- The occasional elephant sightings are truly special
- Kapinga Camp
Kapinga Camp is situated in the extreme north of the Kafue National Park, and in the north-west corner of the Busanga Plains.
The camp has been designed to blend in with the environment and natural products have been used as much as possible in the construction of the camp.
- Nsolo Camp
Nsolo Camp is one of the more historic camps in Zambia. It was cited by Norman Carr in 1987 and Shaddy, the Camp Manager and guide has been studying the wildlife and conducting walking safaris from this camp for over 10 years.
One of the more remote camps in the South Luangwa.
- Mukambi Safari Lodge
Mukambi Safari Lodge offers guests a safari experience in the Kafue National Park's central region, a region famed for excellent wildlife and birdlife.
Located on the banks of the Kafue River, Mukambi offers game drives, walking safaris, fishing excursions, boat and sunset cruises.
- Shumba Camp
Shumba Camp is situated in the northern region of the Kafue National Park, in the famed Busanga Plains area.
The Plains, covering approximately 750 square kilometres, is considered one of Zambia's most important wetlands as well as a wildlife paradise with a wealth of plains game, predators and birds.
- Puku Ridge Camp
Puku Ridge Camp has a very intimate atmosphere and combines an authentic safari experience under canvas with panoramic views over the abundant South Luangwa floodplain below.
Each of the seven oversized tents has picture windows out onto the floodplain over a private viewing deck.
- Kaingu Lodge
Kaingu Lodge offers guests a choice of six tented suites and one family house, a small and intimate lodge that is owner run and managed that is perfect for couples, honeymoons and families alike.
The lodge is set in a pristine wilderness on the banks of the Kafue River with views into National park itself.