Kasanka Wilderness Trails

AT A GLANCE

This walking safari can be done as a standalone safari, but we highly recommend adding it onto one of our existing Zambian wildlife safaris as a 4 night extension. Highlights of this walking safari include:
• Experiencing the African bush by foot – nothing beats it!
• A chance of seeing 4 of Africa’s Big Five, and some very rare antelopes
• Excellent birdwatching, including many range-restricted and special species
• Countless smaller creatures, insects, reptiles and more
• Incredible scenery in one of Zambia’s most photogenic parks
• Real “out of Africa” safari, with wood fires and camping under trees
• Excellent cuisine, top class service and expert, experienced guides

Although only 390 km2 (150 sq mi) in size, the picturesque little Kasanka National Park in Zambia’s central province is one of Africa’s hidden gems. This peaceful sanctuary, situated on the south western edge of the Lake Bangweulu basin and way off the beaten tourist track, is blessed with rivers, lakes, wetlands, forests, lagoons, meadows and dambos, thus supporting a uniquely wide range of animals and abundant birds and fish.

Rescued from becoming another defunct national park by British expat David Lloyd in the late 1980s, Kasanka has blossomed into a fantastic private-public success story. The Kasanka Trust and Zambia National Parks and Wildlife Services run the park together, ensuring growing animal numbers and improvement in tourism infrastructure. But make no mistake, despite the recent boosts, Kasanka is still a proper slice of wild and untouched Africa. We love it!

Being part of the Congo Basin, the area ecologically is in between the dryer well-known safari destinations in eastern and southern Africa and the rainforests of central Africa. The park is mostly flat and has an average elevation of about 1,200 m (3,940 ft) above sea level. There are five perennial rivers in the park, with the largest being the Luwombwa, and also a number of permanent, shallow lakes and water bodies, with the largest being Wasa. Brachystegia woodland, also known as miombo woodland, covers around 70% of Kasanka’s surface area, interspersed with grassy dambos, papyrus swamps and three different types of forest.

These days Kasanka is most famous for the millions of African Straw-coloured Fruit-bats that migrate to a small forest patch inside the park annually between late October and middle December. This is the largest mammal migration on the planet, dwarfing even the legendary wildebeest migration on the Serengeti plains of east Africa. Kasanka is not all about bats though, and boasts many other highlights too. These include:
• 114 Mammal species, including African Elephant, African Buffalo, Leopard, Hippopotamus, the very rare Sitatunga, Puku, Sharpe’s Grysbok, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest, 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 Wattled Crane, Martial and African Fish Eagle, African Hawk-eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Finfoot, Rufous-bellied Heron, African Pygmy Goose, Marsh Tchagra, Ross’s Turaco, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Fulleborn’s Longclaw and many others,
• An incredible variety of other fauna and flora, including some massive Nile Crocodiles,
• Very successful public-private partnership that runs the park, with good anti-poaching measures and a clear conservation vision for the future, and
• Stunning landscapes, with Brachystegia woodland, shallow lakes, forest patches, many rivers and the beautiful Mambilima Falls.

The absolute best way to enjoy Kasanka is by a walking safari. Join us on your choice of three different and unforgettable 4 night private guided mobile walking safaris 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. It gives you a chance to see the small things as well the more obvious! Follow a honeyguide to a bee nest or track an African Elephant along its track.

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. Walkers are accompanied by an armed scout for safety and also to glean local knowledge. You just carry what you need for the day with other luggage taken ahead separately.

*Please note: 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.

Wasa has a total of 7 chalets, all of which are set in the treeline or overlooking the lake. 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 our stay in Kasanka’s main camp is unforgettable.

We are right next to the beautiful Lake Wasa, and some of the species we hope to see on our first walk include African Elephant, African Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile, Sable and Roan Antelope, Sitatunga, Hartebeest, Puku, Bushbuck, Common Warthog, Wattled Crane, Spur-winged Goose, White-faced Whistling Duck, African and Lesser Jacana, Striped Crake, African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron and more.

We return to the lodge for relaxation and dinner, and our first night under star-filled African skies.

Night 2: Mululu Camp
Today we hike to our next camp, Mululu. Ideal for families or small groups and our most popular campsite, Mululu 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.

The tree hide at Fibwe is generally rated as Africa’s best vantage point for observing Sitatunga antelopes. Perched 18 meters high in a huge mahogany tree, it gives a panoramic view over the Kapabi swamp. Visitors often see more than 20 Sitatunga in a single visit and the record is 94! Occasionally Nile Crocodile, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, African Buffalo and African Elephant can also be seen from the platform. Many species of birds, including coucals, mousebirds, Böhm’s Bee-eaters, Ross’s and Schalow’s Turacos can also be seen here.

Another highlight here is the golf ball-shaped pods of the Red Mahogany tree which, when they pop open, reveal the seeds, and leave behind what looks like a beautiful wooden flower. We will sit around the camp fire, chatting and enjoying an authentic African dinner before we head off to bed after an exciting day in the Zambian bush.

Night 3: Kapabi Camp
The floodplains of the Kasanka river between Kapabi and Kabwe boast Kasanka’s densest mammal populations. This is the area where we will be walking today, enjoying the stunning scenery and rich wildlife. The area also boasts the crown jewel of Kasanka, the papyrus swamps. Here we hope to see Sitatunga, Bushpig, Serval, African Marsh Harrier, Lesser and Greater Swamp Warbler, and if we are extremely lucky, even the iconic and highly sought-after Shoebill. Other birds include several kingfisher species and the rare Pel’s Fishing Owl.

We spend our night at the camp overlooking the swampland with a canopy of birdlife to enjoy. This is also probably the best spot in Kasanka for practising your sunset photography. Truly stunning!

Night 4: Wasa Lodge
This morning we will wake up early to enjoy sightings of Sitatunga across the dambos while enjoying our breakfast. We will hike back to the main camp at Wasa with a guided afternoon walk around the lake and spend our last night at Kasanka in the chalets at Wasa Lodge. Dinner around the camp fire will be special tonight, having seen some fantastic fauna and flora up close and having made friends for life.

Day 5: Departure
We have breakfast in the dining area overlooking Lake Wasa before packing up and unfortunately heading home.

Luwombwa Lodge is beautifully located on a wide bend of the river, offering some of the best fishing in the park. Situated on the banks of the Luwombwa river, the chalets are tucked away offering a private stay with a focus on adventure and exploration.

Remember to look around the camp tonight for the super cute bushbabies that are sometimes cajoling in the trees. They will make our first night under African skies even more special.

Night 2: Bufumu Camp
We will have breakfast and then walk to our next campsite, Bufumu. It is perched on a slight rise above the Mulembo river overlooking the floodplain and adjoining riparian forest. A remote campsite near the “Tall Tree” (a 67 metre high Wooden Banana tree), there is also a fantastic 14 metre tall “Canopy Tower” which overlooks the Mateshe. The birding from here is amazing, all at or below eye level!

We have the full day to enjoy guided walks in the area in and around Bufumu and spend our night at the camp overlooking the Mateshe dry evergreen forest with amazing birding, general wildlife viewing and breathtaking landscapes. Here we hope to see Bushbuck, African Buffalo, Blue Duiker, Trumpeter Hornbill, White-backed Vulture, Olive Sunbird, and with a huge dose of luck even one of Africa’s top avian targets, the African Pitta.

We will sit around the campfire, chatting about our previous trips around the world and where we would like to go next, all while enjoying the excellent African cuisine and the sights and sounds that only the mother continent provides.

Night 3: Chikufwe Camp
This morning after breakfast we walk to our next camp, Chikufwe. Although in the miombo woodland that dominates Kasanka, this habitat still offers great variety. During our walk we should see some interesting plants, including Pyjama Lillies and “pineapple flowers”, along with thousands of little termite mounds on the plains.

This is a great area for African Elephant, Kinda Baboon, Leopard, the famous fruit bats, Crowned Eagle, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Black-backed Barbet, Miombo Pied Barbet, Purple-banded Sunbird, Racket-tailed Roller, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Green Twinspot, greenbuls, Gaboon Adder and more. At night, look out for the elusive and totally unique Aardvark around the camp area while we have our dinner and socialise.

Night 4: Luwombwa Lodge
After breakfast, we will hike back to Luwomwba Lodge. We will enjoy a walk in the area and spend our last night at Kasanka in the chalets at Luwomwba Lodge. We could see African Broadbill on our walk, a beautiful and special little bird. Also look for Wild Ginger that grows on the ground in this area; try it!

There is a dining area with a fireplace as well as a beautifully located lapa with table and chairs also overlooking the river. A great way to finish your walking safari!

Day 5: Departure
We will enjoy a hearty breakfast at Luwomwba before heading home.

Wasa has a total of 7 chalets, all of which are set in the treeline or overlooking the lake. 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 our stay in Kasanka’s main camp is unforgettable.

We are right next to the beautiful Lake Wasa, and some of the species we hope to see on our first walk include African Elephant, African Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile, Sable and Roan Antelope, Sitatunga, Hartebeest, Puku, Bushbuck, Common Warthog, Wattled Crane, Spur-winged Goose, White-faced Whistling Duck, African and Lesser Jacana, Striped Crake, African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron and more.

We return to the lodge for relaxation and dinner, and our first night under star-filled African skies.

Night 2: Mululu Camp
Today we hike to our next camp, Mululu. Ideal for families or small groups and our most popular campsite, Mululu 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.

The tree hide at Fibwe is generally rated as Africa’s best vantage point for observing Sitatunga antelopes. Perched 18 meters high in a huge mahogany tree, it gives a panoramic view over the Kapabi swamp. Visitors often see more than 20 Sitatunga in a single visit and the record is 94! Occasionally Nile Crocodile, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, African Buffalo and African Elephant can also be seen from the platform. Many species of birds, including coucals, mousebirds, Böhm’s Bee-eaters, Ross’s and Schalow’s Turacos can also be seen here.

Another highlight here is the golf ball-shaped pods of the Red Mahogany tree which, when they pop open, reveal the seeds, and leave behind what looks like a beautiful wooden flower.

We will sit around the camp fire, chatting and enjoying an authentic African dinner before we head off to bed after a tiring but exciting day in the Zambian bush.

Night 3: Chikufwe Camp
Today we hike to the Chikufwe plains and the Chipya woodland surrounding it. Although in the miombo woodland that dominates Kasanka, this habitat still offers great variety. During our walk we should see some interesting plants, including Pyjama Lillies and “pineapple flowers”, along with thousands of little termite mounds on the plains.

This is a great area for African Elephant, Kinda Baboon, Leopard, the famous fruit bats, Crowned Eagle, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Black-backed Barbet, Miombo Pied Barbet, Purple-banded Sunbird, Racket-tailed Roller, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Green Twinspot, greenbuls, Gaboon Adder and more. At night, look out for the elusive and totally unique Aardvark around the camp area while we have dinner, relax and socialise.

Night 4: Luwombwa Lodge
After breakfast, we will hike back to Luwomwba Lodge. We will enjoy a walk in the area and spend our last night at Kasanka in the chalets at Luwomwba Lodge. We could see African Broadbill on our walk, a beautiful and special little bird. Also look for Wild Ginger that grows on the ground in this area; try it!
There is a dining area with a fireplace as well as a beautifully located lapa with table and chairs also overlooking the river. A great way to finish your walking safari!

Day 5: Departure
We will enjoy a hearty breakfast at Luwomwba before heading home.

*Please note: This walking safari can be done as a standalone safari, but we recommend adding it onto one of our existing Zambian wildlife safaris. These include:
• Best of Zambia Safari
• Malawi and Zambia Wildlife Safari
• South Luangwa, Liwonde & Lake Malawi Wildlife Adventure

Please enquire for more information and also to allow us to create the perfect Zambian Safari itinerary for you, personalising and tweaking it to your specific needs.

Do you have a quick question about this safari? Speak to a specialist at
info@naturetravelafrica.com