Bats about Zambia

Every year at the end of October thousands of “straw coloured fruit bats” congregate in the trees of the Mushitu swamp forest near the confluence of theMusola and Kasanka rivers in Kasanka National Park. The bats come to feed for a short six weeks on the abundance of seasonal fruit including wild loquat and waterberries. By mid November their numbers reach into the millions.These migrations happen in other parts of Africa, but they tend to occur in urban areas, and with the growth of cities, bat numbers seem to be on the decline. To see millions of bats dispersing at dusk against the setting sun isone of the wildlife wonders of Africa, and one that definitely shouldn’t be missed.

The safari will continue at Nkwali Camp, where you will enjoy the Emerald Season in South Luangwa.

The Bangweulu wetlands, just north of Kasanka are one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife secrets with over 100,000 black lechwe and the world’s most visible shoebill storks. Kasanka is famed for having over 400 bird species, as well as both the tsessebe and sitatunga species of antelope.The South Luangwa River addsto the wildlife experience with the chance to see wild dog and explore the lush, colourful landscape at this time of year.

Gallery

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Information

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Included

All meals, transfers, flights Lusaka - Lusaka, game viewing and park fees, laundry and bar drinks.

Not included

International flights, premium drinks, tips, visas.

Is it for you?

Suitable for all ages and fitness.

Best time

November

Getting there

International flights to Lusaka, Zambia 3 times a week direct from London then internal schedules and charters.

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Sunny
- 15
- 28
- Feb
- Sunny with Cloud
- 15
- 28
- Mar
- Heavy rain
- 15
- 26
- Apr
- Heavy rain
- 15
- 26
- May
- Sunny
- 10
- 24
- Jun
- Sunny
- 0
- 20
- Jul
- Sunny
- 3
- 22
- Aug
- Sunny
- 8
- 25
- Sep
- Sunny
- 15
- 30
- Oct
- Sunny
- 15
- 30
- Nov
- Rain
- 15
- 26
- Dec
- Rain
- 15
- 38

An unmissable huge mammal migration spectacular!
Remote and untouched Kasanka Park
Beautiful Emerald Season Zambia.
South Luangwa's incredible wildlife

Itinerary

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Duration: 7 nights

Day 1 On arrival at Lusaka International Airport, you will be met and assisted with luggage and check-in for your flight to Kasanka National Park. Your Robin Pope Safaris guide will meet you in Lusaka and accompany you on the flight. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Wasa Camp where you will spend the next four days enjoying the bat migration.

Day 2-4 These days will be quite relaxed with a chance to bird-watch, spend time in the Fibwe hide to catch a glimpse of the shy sitatunga, and view all of the other fantastic species in this area such as Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, Pel’s fishing owl, etc. And of course, you can’t forget the bats! You will also have the opportunity to visit the Bangweulu Swamps for a day to see the Black Lechwe during the calving period, as well as a variety of interesting water birds.

Day 5 After a relaxing breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip where you will meet your plane for the flight to South Luangwa. A beautiful flight over the escarpment and down into the Luangwa River Valley. Transfer to Nkwali Camp.The drive takes about one hour through colourful village scenes, agriculture, and bush. Late afternoon game drive.

Day 6 At dawn breakfast is served around the campfire followed by a morning walk or game drive then after brunch back at Nkwali you can cool off in the swimming pool or siesta. Following tea you will go out on an afternoon game drive that continues into the early night giving the chance to see the nocturnal world.

Day 7 Another day of morning and afternoon game drives or walks as you with with the opportunity to visit Kawaza village if you would like to find out about Zambian rural life.

Day 8 You will be transferred to Mfuwe airport for your flight home.

Pricing guidelines for Zambia

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless airlines have special offers). Zambia combines well with Malawi and Botswana.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week mid-high season safari staying in one park in good lodge or tented campBetween £3000 and £5000
2 week safari in various parks in quality lodges and tented camps.Between £4000 and £6000
1 week ‘green season’ safariFrom about £2500 +
2 weeks Zambia and Lake MalawiBetween £4000 and £5000

Zambia