Kasanka National Park — Attraction in Central Province

Kasanka National Park in Zambia is widely appreciated for its scenic beauty, diverse habitats, and unique wildlife experiences. Here's what visitors say about it:

Fruit Bat Migration: The park hosts the world's largest mammal migration, with over 10 million straw-colored fruit bats arriving between October and December. This phenomenon, best observed at sunrise and sunset from treetop hides, is a major highlight for visitors​

Wildlife: While Kasanka is not known for large game like lions or elephants, it features rare species such as the sitatunga antelope, hippos, blue monkeys, and Kinda baboons. Bird enthusiasts also praise its remarkable birdlife, including species like the wattled crane and Pel's fishing owl​

Activities: Visitors enjoy a mix of activities such as guided walks, canoeing, and game drives. Wilderness trails offer immersive multi-day hiking experiences, perfect for exploring the park's diverse landscapes​

Scenery: Kasanka's varied ecosystem includes wetlands, forests, and grasslands, making it one of Zambia's most picturesque parks. Despite being relatively small, it supports a wide range of flora and fauna​

Community and Conservation: The park has a rich history of community-based conservation. Efforts to rehabilitate it after years of poaching have created a thriving environment for wildlife and...

The bat migration itself warrants a five-star review. However, the overall experience left much to be desired. The park does not post rates or activities online, so we were surprised to find out that visiting the bats (in a hide) was an additional fee ($20 per person) aside from park fees. Some tourists don't travel with an unlimited amount of USD, so unexpected costs are frustrating. My communication with the park also left us confused about what to expect upon our arrival. There is no electricity or running water at the camp sites, and shower water is hauled from the river. These things should be clearly stated on the website to avoid confusion. Signage in the park is almost non-existent, which made navigating the park very difficult at times -- particularly in the dark when visiting the bats. However, with all that said, seeing the bats was incredible and we're glad we made the long trek from Lusaka. Two nights at a campsite was more than enough. The public viewing area is recommended at night (1730-1830) to see the migration, and it's best to book a private hide for morning viewings...

The park is so unique and offers a very serene and relaxing environment. It is home to the famous Bat Migration which is the largest mammal migration in the world and best time to see it is between October - December. The park houses two lodges namely Wasa and Luwombwa as well as camping spots. You’ll have the opportunity to see animals through the game drives offered by Kasanka Trust. The park also houses the Sitatunga which is part of the antelope family and can only be found at Kasanka. For bird lovers, the park is home to hundreds of bird species. I do recommend visiting the park and be ready to have intermittent network especially on Airtel, MTN works just fine. Kasanka is relatively close to waterfalls in the...