Facts about Blue lagoon National Park Zambia

Facts about Blue Lagoon National Park Zambia

Facts about Blue lagoon National Park Zambia. Blue Lagoon National Park is one of the smallest still remote National Park of Zambia situated in the northern part of Kafue River plains. The Blue Lagoon National Park of Zambia covers about 500 square kilometers.

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Filming in Blue Lagoon National Park

The Kafue River is the lifeblood of Blue Lagoon River situated on the southern part of the Park boundary. Lochinvar National Park also protects these floodplains from the other banks of the River. The Blue Lagoon National Park protects part of the Kafue floodplains that turn into watery wonderlands in the wet season.

The park also protects several channels and lagoons that form part of the Kafue river surrounding. These seasonal flood plains form as River Kafue flows out of Blue Lagoon National Park covering about 6000 square kilometers and later catches up with River Zambezi.

For Keen birder’s Blue Lagoon National Park is a perfect destination where opportunities of seeing the water birds is more possible. These birds are pulled by the marshy flood plains that offer freebies to these incredible birds no matter what time of the day.

Some wild animals also find Blue Lagoon National Park a home like the Kafue Lechwe which are water loving antelopes that spend much time in this area. The Lechwes frequent the floodplains and love feeding in the grasslands, enjoy feeding from the shallow water where they may submerge in case of danger. Other animals like the statungas, buffaloes, Zebras may be spotted too. The flood plains also have acacia woodland vegetation where these antelopes mostly feed.

Brief History of Blue Lagoon National Park

The Blue Lagoon National Park was under the Ministry of Defense for some time and was out of bounds for the public. This remote park was designated over 40 years ago by a retired British army officer called Colonel Critchley’s and Erica his wife in 1976.

This couple was of philanthropists on love with conserving this abandoned gem of wildlife but later they sold the park to National Park Department of Zambia.

Location Of Blue Lagoon National Park

Blue Lagoon National Park lies in the Mumbwa District within the Central Province of Zambia.  From Lusaka city, Blue Lagoon National Park is about 120 kilometers away on the western side of the city.

 To get to Blue Lagoon National Park, from Lusaka city by road, you take the route to Mumbwa- Mongu road, drive for about 27 kilometers to Nampundwe copper mines sign post carry on for about 7 kilometers until you arrive at the park entrance gate.

 For a better experience, hiring a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle in good condition is a great idea for Blue Lagoon National Park. The roads leading to this National Park are still in poor condition and also require you to have enough fuel especially during the set season when the roads get messy.

What Activities To Do Blue Lagoon National Park

Game Viewing

Blue Lagoon National Park has ungulates as the common animals you can spot while on the game viewing expedition. The Lochinvar National Park also is home to some of these antelope from the other side of River Kafue.

Some of the wild animals you may spot in Blue Lagoon National Park include the famous Kafue Lechwe, Zebras, Statungas, some herds of Buffaloes and others.

Birding

Blue Lagoon National Park is a birding haven in Zambia attracting an array of birds from all over.  Some of the birds species include black egrets, pelicans, Egyptian geese, Squacco Herons, Sparrow lark, Swamp warblers and others.

The huge list of birds that flock the flood plains of River Kafue in Blue Lagoon National Park are attributed to the freebies that these bird feed long the banks of the river.

Sight Seeing

If you are looking for untouched destinations for your African safari, Blue Lagoon National Park is one of those destinations you must not forget. The park has been less traveled leaving it still in its natural state and allowing wildlife to thrive with less external disturbance. The stunning calmness of this spot just about two hours drive from the main City Lusaka leaves a lot to desire especially for those wishing to escape from the chaotic city life

When Is The Best Time To Visit Blue Lagoon National Park In Zambia?

 The wet season that is March to May and November is the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon National Park when the seasonal flood plains. A number of birds including migrant birds love spending their time in these plains during the wet season.

The wet season also increases the water in the flood plains of River Kafue and this brings the Kafue Lechwes even closer to viewer. Even though this is the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon National Park, there are less people visiting because it is the low tourism season in Zambia. In Case you wish to get less disturbance and reflect on the life goals away from crowds, Blue Lagoon National Park is the ideal destination.

 The dry period may not be a time bad to visit Blue Lagoon National Park that is June to September even though there is less too see, you get to enjoy the freshness surrounding the park way from the chaotic city. The rough roads of the countryside are quicker to navigate and even the tracks in the park. Other wild animals are quicker to spot since the grass is lower and they keep meandering around the park in search for a meal. Contact us to plan your visit in advance.

How Much Is The Cost Of Safari To Blue Lagoon National Park?

The cost of safari to Blue Lagoon National Park varies with the package you choose and activities you choose to engage in. At Encounter Africa safaris, we package our safaris according to upscale, mid-range and budget.

Some of the factors we consider when considering safaris to Blue Lagoon National Park include number of people travelling with, number of days to stay in the park, time of visiting the Blue Lagoon National Park and others.

Consider paying the park entrance fees for Blue Lagoon National Park because this is compulsory for all visitors. This is one of the ways to support the conservation of wildlife in and around this park.

Is Blue Lagoon National Park Safe?

Blue Lagoon National Park is safe for a visit as there are well trained park rangers to protect, help you in case of an emergency. As a tourists, there are guidelines you must follow while in the park to save you from landing into trouble.

Even though ungulates are the common animals in the park, you must know that they are wild animals that use any tactics that can hurt you in case you cross paths with them so keep away from them.

During the birding safari in Blue Lagoon National Park, do not walk in the park without an escorting ranger guide or else you may land in unsafe places in the park.

Apply some insect repellants before heading for Blue Lagoon National Park because you may face some biting insects. Also wear safari boots that are waterproof to protect yourself from the rough surfaces in the wilderness.

What Accommodation To Book On Safari In Blue Lagoon National Park

Because of the remoteness of Blue Lagoon National Park, there are limited accommodation facilities in and around the National Park but you can also spend the night in Lusaka city. Get in touch with us to help book for you the best accommodation.

Having been a farmland too, Blue Lagoon National Park has limited accommodations as the home of the former owners is now the reception but you can carry your own camping equipment for the night. There are some chalets in the park where you may spend the night.

Can Children Visit Blue Lagoon National Park?

For a wild experience, children can also visit the Blue Lagoon National Park however, they must be under the guide of a responsible adult. Children get the opportunity to learn more about the ecosystem so that they live to appreciate the relevancy of conservation.

 Note that water supply in this park may not be great so you need park drinking water from town.

How Long Is The Safari In Blue Lagoon National Park?

The time you take on safari in Blue Lagoon National Park varies with activities you engage in. During Birding safari in this park, it is best to start early as the birds de-nest to face the day. Even in the late afternoon, the birds re-nest.

You need to have some patience while on safari in this park because animals are not so many and the birds also keep flying to different locations of the park.

Is It Difficult To Do A Safari In Blue Lagoon National Park?

Because Blue Lagoon National Park is less traveled, the tracks in the park are sometimes covered by undergrowth obstructing the way. In case you have to walk on foot, it is best to wear safari waterproof boots that cover beyond the ankles especially during the rainy seasons.

Apply some insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may hurt you.

Carry a pair of binoculars to use in case you have to see some far ranging features.

You need to have a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle in good condition to traverse this park especially during the severe rainy season when the river floods. The park has a road that is 5 kilometers in and out of the flood plains which is roamed by a wide range of wild animals. Get in touch with our team for more information.

What Is The Altitude Of Blue Lagoon National Park

 The altitude of Blue Lagoon National Park is 977 meters to 1009 meters above sea level.

Health and safety precautions of Blue Lagoon National Park

Zambia is a tropical country with high chances of mosquitoes that cause malaria. It is best to take some anti-malarial before traveling just in case. Ensure you eat from designated food centers on a visit to Zambia so as not to get food poisoning.

Carry a first aid kit with you with emergency medication in case you need any urgent medication. Carry a mask to protect yourself from the dusty countryside. In case you get road sickness, carry some pills because the roads are bumpy.

What To Pack For a Safari in Blue Lagoon National Park

• A pair of binoculars to capture a closer look of the surroundings of Blue Lagoon National Park especially the different landforms around the city.
• Safari boots specially if you have to walk as the ground is sometimes very hot and also your feet need to be protected from the rough surfaces along the way.
• Insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may cross your way like mosquitoes. Zambia is a tropical country where you may have some harmful insects that may make you uncomfortable with a bite.
• Rainproof proof gears especially during the wet season. During the rainy seasons, it gets so much and may prevent you from proceeding with the visit.
• Safari hat or cap to protect your head from the dust and buzzing insects
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects.
• Some warmers because Zambia experiences cold conditions early morning and late afternoon.
•  Foldable drinking water bottle to quench thirst during the Tour in Zambia
• Some clothes to wear while traversing Blue Lagoon National Park. Be mindful of the culture of the communities in Zambia so that you do not appear to offend them.
• First aid kit in case of an emergency. It should also contain prescribed medication from a professional doctor.
• Extra batteries fully charged to exchange with in case you one runs low.
• Duffel bag so that you can carry your belongings in case you have to help yourself.
• Some cash to use for on ground purchases as credit cards are not easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
• Snacks to munch on when you are on tour in case you get hungry.
•  A camera to keep memorable moments while on a visit to Zambia there many moments that happen
• Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel

Contact our team for more information.