Two of the least visited areas in Zambia, Bangweulu and Kasanka have very unique and specific reasons for people wanting to visit them, below is a bit of detail about each but if you are interested in including either of these in your itinerary then it is definitely best for us to have a chat about it….
Bangweulu
A vast wetland area famous for being one of the remaining breading strongholds for the prehistoric looking Shoebill Stork. The name meaning “where the water meets the sky” refers to a seasonal wetland that surrounds the permanent waters of Lake Bangweulu. Along with the Shoebill there are estimated to be around 75,000 Black Lechwe, a stunning antelope endemic to the area.
The area is great for those who are African veterans and specifically those keen on birding. We suggest that if you are going this far then you combine it with Kasanka (see below) for both logistical reasons and for the sake of a bit of variety in your itinerary.
Since 2008 the park has been run in partnership with African Parks which has finally protected some of this important area which has been under pressure for many years. Accommodation in the area is limited, at the moment there is one basic but nice little tented camp run by the Kasanka trust, Shoebill Camp.
Kasanka
One of the smallest national parks in Zambia, Kasanka was the first privately run national parks in Zambia, the management of the park is looked after by Kasanka Trust ltd who have been working alongside ZAWA (the Zambian Wildlife Authority) since 1986. The park is made up of 70% miombo woodland with the rest being ‘dambos’ and patches of native forest.
Kasanka is famed for one of the (if not THE) greatest wildlife migrations known to man. In mid to late October Straw Coloured Fruitbats start arriving in one single area of native woodland to roost. Their arrival coincides with the start of the rains and the ripening of local fruit trees. By mid November the numbers are estimated to be around 8 million individuals!!! This in turn brings a number of predatory species of bird waiting for the bats to leave the safety of their roosts each evening.
On top of all this there is a chance to see the Sitatunga, a threatened swamp dwelling antelope which is unfortunately rarely seen outside of zoos.
Accommodation here, as with Bangweulu is limited but the Kasanka Trust operated Wasa Lodge is very passable accomodation in this incredible and unexplored area.