ZambiaHow many tours are available for Nsumbu National Park?
There are currently 0 listed tours that include Nsumbu National Park in the itinerary.
Overview
Nsumbu National Park covers an area of 1,255 square miles (2,026 km².) It’s part of the exceptional Nsumbu-Mweru ecosystem (NME), which is five times larger, and is located between Lale Mweru in the west and Lake Tanganyika in the east.
Funded partly by the Frankfurt Zoological Society, which is also involved in the black rhino project in North Luangwa National Park the NME aims to restore the wildlife population of the area that has been almost destroyed by decades of poaching.
Nsumbu National Park (known locally as Sumbu) is at the center of this effort and has already seen an increase in the numbers of many species. Most importantly, the African lion, which was last seen in 2017, has, in September 2024, been reintroduced, with three lions from North Luangwa now living in the park.
These efforts have already made an enormous difference to Sumbu and its value as a tourist destination.
With over 80 species of mammals now secure in the park, it has become one of Zambia’s finest game-viewing areas. Coupled with the birdlife, the many species of aquatic animals, and the varied landscape that includes rugged cliffs, grasslands, forests, and the lake, this is a destination you will never forget.
Pros and Cons
Upsides
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The freshwater lake, with its beaches and private, secluded bays, gives the park a unique advantage over other Zambian parks.
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The picturesque Lufubu River valley, the steep escarpments, and the diverse vegetation all contribute to a beautiful landscape, which is a significant drawcard attracting visitors to the park.
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Lake Tanganyika provides fantastic fishing, scuba diving, and boating activities.
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Being remote, relatively few people make the journey, and the park is never crowded.
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After decades of poaching, the game population of Sumbu is increasing rapidly.
Downsides
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Being the northernmost park in Zambia, Sumbu’s remoteness makes it difficult and costly to get there.
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While the wildlife population is increasing, numbers are still low, so viewing may be less impressive at the moment than in other parks.
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Accommodation in the park is limited to two lodges and some very basic campsites with no facilities, so self-drive visitors must be totally self-sufficient.
Wildlife
After decades of poaching, snaring, and hunting to provide "bush meat," the Nsumbu Tanganyika program has almost completely succeeded in eliminating these activities, and today there are over 80 mammal species in the park. This includes four of the Big Five, with the Black Rhino shortly being introduced to complete the picture
More about the wildlifeBest Time To Visit
With so many varied activities available to visitors to the park, each has a different time of the year that best suits them. See our chart to help you choose the perfect time for your African adventure. Better yet, contact a tour operator for expert advice.
More about best time to visit
Botswana
Ethiopia
Kenya
Malawi
Mozambique
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