Facts about Kasanka National Park Zambia

Facts about Kasanka National Park Zambia

Facts about Kasanka National Park Zambia. Kasanka National Park is under the private-public partnership agreement and is the smallest in Zambia. The Kasanka National Park covers about 420 square kilometers is under the management of Kasanka Trust fund since 1986 but jointly works with the Department of National Park and Wildlife in Zambia.

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Filming in Kasanka National Park

More than 114 wild animal species are living in this park including elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, Zebras and others. A number of wild animals have over time been reintroduced to Kasanka National Park and this explains the huge list of species recorded as residents of this park.

A number of birds also find safety in the environs of Kasanka National Park where more than 471 birds are recorded.

In general, the Kasanka National Park is a rich wildlife habitat for animals and birds because of habitats like miombo woodland, forest like Mushitu which is swamp forest, Riverine forest, Mateshe which is the dry evergreen forest, swamps like around Musola River and others.

Each year thousands and millions of fruit bats storm the forested parts of Kasanka National Park which are stunning to see flying especially during sunset. These millions of bats normally find there way into the park from October through December each year.

The Kasansa Trust Fund is under the registered as a charitable organization in Britain and Netherlands that aims at preserving and protecting wildlife in conjunction with the Department of National Park and Wildlife.

What To See and Do In Kasanka National Park?

Wild animals in Kasanka National Park

The Kasanka National Park hosts a number of wild animals including herds of elephants, reedbucks, sable antelopes, Zebras, defassa waterbucks, lions, leopards , lichtenstein’s hartebeests, side striped jackals, water mongoose, white tailed mongoose, sitatunga and others.

Birding in Kasanka National Park

The Kasanka National Park is a magnet to several birds with over 330 species so far recorded. The presence of various habitants in the park favor the survival of a variety of birds spending time in this park. Some of the birds you may encounter in Kasanka National Park include African fit foot, rare shoebill, African pygmy goose, wattled cranes, red backed manikin, grey olives, Ross’s turaco, lesser jacana, purple throated cuckoo shrike, Pel’s fishing owl and others.

The various vegetation zones in Kasansa National Park provide a safe haven for several birds to stay especially the around the miombo woodland and swamps. Some of the funds that support this trust are from tourism related activities held in the park.

Fruit Bat Migration Experience In Kasanka National Park

Each year a colony of millions of fruit bats migrate to Kasansa between October and December  but there origin is still a mystery although some say the Congo basin may be one of there point of commencement. The fruit bat migration is similar to the great wildebeest migration between Serengeti National park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This fruit bat migration is still a world secret that is picking momentum over time.

During the Fruit bat migration season into Kasansa National Park, the evening are the best as the sun sets because large colonies of bats can be seen hovering in the sky.  The view of the straw colored fruit bats as they emerge from there day roosting points is epic creating unforgettable memories for viewers. The reason that triggers these bats to gather and find there way into Kasansa National park is still mysterious but some think that the fruiting season is the major trigger although this theory is not yet conformed.

Within the park are various view points especially at the lodges where visitors can sit and enjoy the spectacle of these fruit bat but the public also has the opportunity of being part of this experience. The starting season of the great fruit bat migration is normally early October where early birder arrive but as season opens, more and more bats influx the park.

 The straw fruit bats are  believed to be pollinators  which allow fruits in the forest to develop but also disperse seeds and so contributing to the ecological system.

Walking Safari In Kasanka National Park

The great scenery around Kasansa National park makes it a superb destination to visit in Zambia. You just be in company of a ranger guide so that you are in trouble with the wild animals in the park. During the walking safari, in Kasansa National park, you may spot several animals, if its straw fruit season enjoy them too, the evergreen forest and swamp vegetation to mention but a few.

Canoeing In Kasanka National Park

The perennial rivers that cross Kasansa National Park provide a suitable space to watch its beauties with Luwombwa River being the one that drains the Kasansa National Park.  This is a tributary of River Luapula which drains the Bangweulu swamp forming the great Bangweule ecosystem.

Enjoy the Chipya which locally means ‘ burnt’ a name resulting from the presence of the lake basin woodland that is not fully covered to form a canopy but during the severe dry season is prone to catching wild fires.

Look out for the different bird species that live in the park.

When is the best Time To Visit Kasansa National Park

The best time to visit the Kasanka National Park for straw Bat watching secession is November when the great bat migration is in high gear and millions of bats have secure roosting points. The straw fruit bats do not all move or leave the park at age but do it gradually. Although seeing large numbers of wild animals may be rare in this park, you can still enjoy the incredible scenery around it.  

The dry season also offers better opportunities to enjoy a variety of wildlife in Kasanka National Park where the grass is generally lower allowing great viewing. The tracks in the park are quicker to navigate.

How to get To Kasanka National Park Zambia

A visit to Kasanka National park can be by road or charter according to your budget.  For road transport, the roads in the countryside are still in poor condition so require you to hire a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle. You can make arrangements with tour tours operator to put all this arrangement down for you in advance.

In case of charter flight services, you need to book in advance so that all the necessary arrangements including transfer vehicle are arranged prior as there is a private airstrip in the park. Our team is ready to organize your transportation, contact us.

How Much Is The Cost Of Safari To Kasanka National Park?

The cost of Zambia safari to Kasansa National Park varies with activities and number of days to spend in the park. At Encounter Africa safaris, we package our safaris according to Up-Market, Mid-range and basic depending on your budget.

Also the cost of safari in Kasansa National Park area determined by safari timing as the peak season prices are higher while chances of some discounts may be available in the low season when there are less bookings.

Every tourist must pay park entrance fees as this is one of the ways to contribute to the conservation of the wildlife in this park. Although not compulsory, at Encounter Africa Safaris we encourage clients to tip the guides on ground and others staff as this is one way to encourage them to continue with the work of conservation.

Is It safe To Visit Kasanka National Park

Kasansa National Park is under private arrangement in collaboration with the government of Zambia so security is key while in the park. As a tourist, you must follow the guideline of your stay in the park plus during the activities so that you do not hurt yourself or the animals in the park.

Do not step out of your lodge in the night because the park also has predators that may feast on you. Inform your guide in case you are to take a walk away from your facility so that in case you loose your way back, you can be traced. Get in touch with us.

Which Accommodation To Book In Kasanka National Park

The accommodation to book during a visit to Kasanka National Park vary with category that is up-scale, mid-range and budget. Some of the accommodation of Kasansa National Park include Best Western Plus Butterfied Inn, Hyatt Regency Wichita, Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn Lawrence, Bluemont Hotel, Drury Inn and Suites Kasansa City overland Park and others.

Can I Visit Kasanka National Park With Kids?

Visiting Kasanka National Park with children is allowed but they must be in company of the adults. Ensure you pre-brief children about where they are going, what to expect on this tour and much more that is necessary for the feel comfortable.

Make sure you are in the know of your children’ always about so that they do not wonder into the park where wild animals can hurt them or they get lost.

How To Book A Safaris To Kasanka National Park In Zambia

At Encounter Africa Safaris, we can helps you book a Zambia Safari to Kasansa National Park but we need you to provide us some details like when to visit, safari activities to engage in, people travelling with, preferred safari package and others. We package our safaris according to high-end, mid-range and basic.

 Our safari consultants are knowledgeable, professional and ready to work with you to tailor the best Zambia safari itinerary inclusive of your interest. We also offer free advise about the different safaris options available at the destination.  Our safari consultants are ready to work with you to make memories of your tour.

We do organize logistics to support your Africa safaris that is accommodation, transport, driver guides and much more. You can work with us to draft the best Itinerary that will make your Africa safari dream a reality. Our goal for any African safari we plan is to work with clients to make everlasting memories because we understand everyone needs value for their hard earned money.

Are Straw Fruit Bats In Kasanka National Park Dangerous?

Bats may are wild animals so you must not play or provoke there peace. Wild animals sometimes are disease carrying agents so keep away from touching them with your bear hands not even the fruits they feast on. Even the west they produce must not be touched to prevent chances of acquiring germs.

They do not bite humans so no need to fear the bats.

Packing List For A Safari To Kasanka National Park

• A pair of binoculars to capture a closer look of the surrounding of Kasansa National Park especially the different land forms around the city.
• Canvas shoes especially 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
• Sun glasses 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 Kasansa 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 no easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
• Snacks to munch on when you are Kasanka tour in case you get hungry.
•  A camera to keep memorable moment while on a visit to Zambia there many moments that happen
• Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel

Contact us for more information.