Kasanka National Park

Nestled on the southwestern edge of the Lake Bangweulu basin, Kasanka National Park is a serene sanctuary and one of Zambia’s smallest parks. Covering just 450 km² (280 mi²), it is richly endowed with a variety of ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, forests, lagoons, meadows, and dambos. These diverse habitats support an exceptional range of animals, birds, and fish, making Kasanka a haven for nature lovers.

Though visitors shouldn’t expect large herds of animals around every corner, Kasanka is one of Zambia’s most picturesque parks. It is renowned for its incredible birdlife and a spectacle like no other—the annual fruit bat migration. From October each year, approximately 10 million straw-colored fruit bats descend upon the park in what is considered the world’s largest mammal migration. Watching them take off at sunset and return at dawn is a mesmerizing experience.

Kasanka’s history is a testament to the power of conservation. In the mid-1980s, the park faced the threat of complete depletion due to rampant poaching. David Lloyd, a British conservationist, recognized that poaching indicated the presence of wildlife and decided to act. Together with a local farmer, he raised funds and established the Kasanka Trust to restore the park. Through community collaboration, they developed infrastructure, including tourist camps, roads, and bridges, and worked with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure the park’s rehabilitation. Today, Kasanka serves as a model for community-driven conservation.

The park’s diverse landscapes, including miombo woodlands, swamp forests, grasslands, floodplains, and riverine forests, are home to some of Zambia’s rarest birds and animals. Visitors can enjoy leisurely nature walks and game drives, offering opportunities to see recovering populations of hippos, sable antelopes, and Liechtenstein’s hartebeests. Swamp-dwelling sitatunga, reedbucks, waterbucks, Sharpe’s grysbok, and the rare blue monkey also thrive here. Elephants occasionally make an appearance, and their numbers are steadily increasing.

Anglers can try their luck fishing for tigerfish, bream, and barbel in the Luwombwa River, with boats available for hire. However, anglers should bring their own tackle.

Kasanka is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 330 recorded species, including rare sightings of Pel’s fishing owl, pygmy goose, Ross’s loerie, ospreys, and wattled cranes. The elusive shoebill stork may even make an appearance for the lucky observer.

Whether it’s the stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, or the inspiring story of its restoration, Kasanka National Park offers visitors an unforgettable glimpse into Zambia’s natural beauty and the resilience of conservation.