Although only 390 km2 (150 sq mi) in size, Kasanka National Park in Zambia’s central province is one of Africa’s hidden gems. Although most famous for the millions of African Straw-coloured Fruit-bats that migrate to a small forest patch inside the park annually between October and December, the park boasts many other highlights too. These include:
• 114 Mammal species including African Elephant, African Buffalo, Leopard, Hippopotamus, the very rare Sitatunga, Puku, Sable and Roan Antelope, the Kinda subspecies of the Yellow Baboon and the scarce Blue Monkey.
• At least 470 bird species recorded in the park including Martial Eagle, African Fish Eagle, African Hawk-Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Finfoot, Rufous-bellied Heron, African Pygmy Goose, Marsh Tchagra, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Fulleborn’s Longclaw and many others.
• An incedible variety of other fauna and flora including massive Nile Crocodiles.
• Stunning landscapes with Brachystegia woodland, shallow lakes, forest patches, many rivers and the beautiful Mambilima Falls
• Very successful public-private partnership that runs the park, with good anti-poaching measures and a clear conservation vision for the future.
The absolute best way to enjoy Kasanka is by a walking safari. Join us on an unforgettable 3 night private guided mobile walking safari into the heart of Kasanka National Park. We will embark on an adventure to reconnect with nature and escape into pristine and unspoilt wilderness. With incredibly diverse habitats, fantastic birding and unique wildlife, your journey through the park will enrich your soul. There is simply no better way to feel close to nature than on foot. You can set your own pace, stop and look or smell everything around you, and experience things you have would never be able to do on a safari vehicle.
Most visitors coming from overseas choose to fly directly into Kasanka by private charter as we have our own airstrip in the park. It is a about a 1 and a half hour flight from Lusaka, 1 hour from Mfuwe in the Luangwa, and just 45 minutes from Ndola. We offer two options for this walking safari.
Option 1: ITINERARY – MUSHITU SWAMP FOREST AND KASANKA WILDERNESS SAFARI
Day 1:
Wasa Lodge to Pontoon
After arriving at Wasa Lodge in the heart of Kasanka we will enjoy lunch before hiking to Pontoon Campsite for our first night. Ideal for families or small groups and our most popular campsite, Pontoon is set in a stunning location in an evergreen forest overlooking a swamp clearing favoured by Sitatunga. It is also in close proximity to the Bat Forest and Fibwe Hide.
Day 2:
Pontoon Area
Today we will enjoy guided walks in the area in and around Pontoon and spend our second night at the camp overlooking the swampland with a canopy of birdlife to enjoy.
Day 3:
Return to Wasa Lodge
This morning we will wake up early to enjoy sightings of Sitatunga across the dambos while enjoying a big breakfast. We will hike back from Pontoon to Wasa with a guided afternoon walk around the lake and spend our last night at Kasanka in the chalets at Wasa Lodge. Wasa lodge has a total of 7 chalets (4 large chalets and 3 smaller rondavels), all of which are set in the treeline or overlooking over the lake. The larger chalets all have double and single beds in the room, a verandah and a simple shower, basin and flush toilet in an en suite bathroom. The smaller chalets have double or twin beds and an en suite bathroom with flush toilets and simple bucket showers. The main dining area has beautiful views and is complemented by a cosy bar and chill zone while many a warm and cold drink are enjoyed around the fireplace outside the main building. The tranquil surrounds and welcoming staff will make sure your last night in Kasanka is unforgettable.
Day 4:
Departure
Breakfast in the dining area overlooking Lake Wasa before packing up and heading home.
Option 2: ITINERARY – MIOMBO AND RIPARIAN WOODLAND SAFARI
Day 1:
Luwombwa Lodge and Bufumu Campsite
This morning we will arrive at Luwombwa Lodge in Kasanka and enjoy lunch before enjoying a guided walk through the woodlands to Bufumu campsite where your camp will be set up and waiting for you to enjoy your first night under the stars. A remote campsite near the “Tall Tree”, there is also a fantastic 14 m tall “Canopy Tower” which overlooks the Mateshe. The birding from here is amazing, all at or below eye level!
Day 2:
Bufumu Campsite
We have the full day to enjoy guided walks in the area in and around Bufumu and spend our second night at the camp overlooking the Mateshe with amazing birding, general wildlife viewing and breathtaking landscapes.
Day 3:
Return to Luwombwa Lodge
After breakfast, we will hike back from Bufumu to Luwomwba Lodge. Enjoy guided river activities and walks in the area and spend your last night at Kasanka in the chalets at Luwomwba Lodge. Luwombwa has 3 chalets (1 x 3 sleeper and 2 x 4 sleepers). All of the chalets are situated on the banks of the river, each of them serviced by a flushing toilet and bucket shower system. There is simple dining chalet alongside a fireplace as well as a beautifully located lapa with table and chairs also overlooking the river
Day 4:
Departure
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Luwomwba before heading home.
Dates for both these safaris are between April and October every year. This walking safari can be combined with several of our existing African wildlife safaris. These include:
• Best of Zambia safari
• Malawi and Zambia wildlife safari
• Best of Zimbabwe safari
For more information on this active safari or for any other related queries, please email us at info@naturetravelactive.com
