ZambiaHow many tours are available for Kasanka National Park?
There are currently 0 listed tours that include Kasanka National Park in the itinerary.
Overview
Only 160 square miles (420 km²) in size, Kasanka National Park was proclaimed in 1972. It’s situated in central Zambia on the Central African Plateau, its climate moderated by its 4,000 feet (1,220 m) elevation.
Its unique, diverse habitats and ecosystems include the Mushitu wet evergreen forest, the Mateshe dry evergreen forest, the vast Miombo woodlands, papyrus swamps, floodplains, and grassy shallow wetlands known as dambos.
The story of Kasanka National Park is as unique as the park itself. For many years it was poorly resourced and under constant attack by poachers. In 1985, a British-born resident, David Lloyd, decided to save it from a total depletion of wildlife.
Teaming up with a local farmer, he set about rehabilitating the park, and together, they created the Kasanka Trust using their own resources and raising funds from numerous donors.
Today, the Kasanka National Park is privately managed by the Trust. It works with the local community to protect the environment and create the best conditions for the diverse wildlife in the park and sustainable opportunities for the working population.
The park can best be described as peaceful and picturesque. Because it’s such a small park, we can arrange short day tours that allow you to experience the abundance of animals, birds, and fish species without spending hours traveling.
Upsides
-
Kasanka has many attractions, but the most spectacular is the migration of ten million straw-colored fruit bats to the park between October and December every year.
-
Its small size doesn’t diminish its beauty. In fact, it accentuates the varied landscape and makes it easy for visitors on our tours to see all aspects of it.
-
Unlike Kafue National Park (Link Opportunity: Kafue National Park), Kasanka remains fully open throughout the year.
-
Being relatively undiscovered, the park is never overcrowded.
-
The Kasanka Trust is totally focused on the efficient and effective management of the park without relying on non-committal Government departments.
Downsides
-
If you’re used to luxurious accommodation, you’re in for a culture shock. Both lodges, Wasa and Luwombwa, offer basic rondavels and chalets with tiny bathrooms (some with bucket showers.) They’re spotlessly clean but very simple.
-
Kasanka relies on solar power, which needs upgrading. As a result, there’s lighting in your accommodation but no power points. Recharging cell phones can only be done at the management offices. (If you’re on a wildlife safari, that could be an advantage!)
-
There is a serious threat to Kasanka from illegal deforestation and unapproved development by a Tanzanian company that has ignored the demands to desist.
Wildlife
Over 460 bird species and 114 mammals — impressive numbers for a small national park. Many species, notably the African Elephant, were severely depleted. Still, herds are recovering, and numbers are increasing, making a Kasanka safari a rewarding experience and one we’d love to share with you. In particular, Kasanka National Park is the best in Africa for a glimpse of the shy swamp-dwelling Sitatunga antelope.
More about the wildlife
Botswana
Ethiopia
Kenya
Malawi
Mozambique
Continue with Google
