Kasanka National Park

Getting There

Kasanka National Park is located in Zambia’s Central Province, on the edge of the Lake Bangweulu basin. It’s easily accessible by road or air, and many visitors to the park choose to self-drive. Our recommendation, though, is to take a charter flight, which we are happy to arrange for you.

GPS Coordinates: 12.5465° S, 30.2155° E

Driving to Kasanka National Park

Because walking and cycling tours are offered in Kasanka, taking your own vehicle to the park is not a bad idea. 

• From Lusaka, it's about a 7-hour drive, 323 miles (520 km) on the Great North Road that runs through Kapiri Mposhe and on to Tanzania. The road is tarred all the way and in good condition.

• If a 7-hour drive sounds too much, we recommend two stopovers. The Forest Inn is about 160 miles (260 km) from Lusaka, and about 47 miles (75 km) further is the Sweetwater guesthouse. 

• From the Copperbelt, drive south to Kapiri Mposhe, join the Great North Road to Serenji, and then a further 75 miles (122km) to the park entrance. 

Flying to Kasanka National Park

Charter flights from most Zambian towns are often the best and least costly way to reach the park.  Kasanka Trust maintains the local landing strip and will provide transport to your lodge. The flight time from Lusaka is approximately 80 minutes and 45 minutes from Ndola on the Copperbelt.

Is Kasanga National Park Safe to Visit?

At Africa Safaris, we rate Zambia as one of the safest countries in Africa, and Kasanka presents no safety issues for visitors. The involvement of the local community in running the park has resulted in their awareness of how important it is to offer excellent service, and they are extremely friendly and helpful.  

Kasanka is one of the few parks that offer both walking and cycling tours to visitors, reflecting the lack of threat from predators, but obviously under the guidance of our trained professionals. For some information on what not to do in a national park, read our safety guide.

Is Kasanka National Park a Malaria Area?

Yes, contracting malaria is a risk for visitors to Kasanka, particularly in the rainy season. There are three steps we advise:

• Consult your doctor before visiting the park about the best antimalarial medication.

• Use a mosquito repellent.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, especially in the evenings.

Tsetse flies are also present in the park, as they are in most central African parks. They are most active in the hottest months and can inflict very irritating bites. Fortunately, the risk of contracting sleeping sickness is extremely low.

Conclusion

The phrase “hidden gem” is a little overworked, but it certainly applies to Kasanka National Park. It's owner-managed, which has meant a growth in the wildlife population, improved infrastructure, and innovative ways of making your visit one to remember. Plus, you can witness the incredible sight of ten million fruit bats taking to the skies! Let Africa Safaris turn your dream vacation into reality.