Few wildlife phenomena really stand out as extraordinary. This 7 night safari is one of them, with up to ten million fruit bats converging upon Kasanka National Park in Zambia. The wildebeest migration in East Africa, the monarch butterflies arriving in Mexico come to mind. Well this is amongst those top events in the wildlife calendar. Up to ten million “straw-coloured fruit bats” converge upon Kasanka National Park as the fruits of a local tree ripen. These bats roost in a specific woodland and literally cover the trunks of the trees like thick icing. Then at sunset they all take off and fly out to forage. The sky is thick with bats. You can view all this from the 60 ft high hide, in a tree top, next to the woodland. And from this hide, during the day you will see many sitatunga in the swamp below. These migrations happen in other parts of Africa, but they tend to occur in urban areas, and with the growth of cities, bat numbers seem to be on the decline. To see millions of bats dispersing at dusk against the setting sun is one of the wildlife wonders of Africa, and one that definitely shouldn’t be missed.
The safari combines with a few nights at Luangwa River Camp in the renowned South Luangwa National Park, where you will get to relish in the splendours of the Emerald Season in South Luangwa. The South Luangwa National Park, Zambia marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. This is one of the most exclusive experiences on offer in the African bush. The park is centred around the Luangwa River. Untapped by man, its natural ebb and flow of flooding makes much of the park inaccessible by road which keeps it a sanctuary for the large concentration of game that live there. A paradise for birders, over 450 species are to be found in the park, and the wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, hippos, giraffe, leopards and lions.
Luangwa River Camp – 3 nights
Wasa Camp – 3 nights
Lusaka – 1 night
Rate from: USD6525.00 per person sharing (Included: Internal flights Lusaka/Lusaka and all safari costs.
Not included: International flights, Visa and airport departure taxes)
Available date: June 2025 (Set Departure)
Itinerary:
Valid late November/early Dec Every year at the end of October thousands of “straw coloured fruit bats” congregate in the trees of the Mushitu swamp forest near the confluence of the Musola and Kasanka rivers in Kasanka National Park. The bats come to feed for a short six weeks on the abundance of seasonal fruit including wild loquat and water berries. By mid November their numbers reach into the millions. These migrations happen in other parts of Africa, but they tend to occur in urban areas, and with the growth of cities, bat numbers seem to be on the decline. To see millions of bats dispersing at dusk against the setting sun is one of the wildlife wonders of Africa, and one that definitely shouldn’t be missed. The safari will continue at Nkwali Camp, where you will get to relish in the splendours of the Emerald Season in South Luangwa. Kasanka is famed for having over 400 bird species, as well as both the tsessebe and sitatunga species of antelope. The South Luangwa River adds to the wildlife experience with the chance to see wild dog and explore the lush, colourful landscape at this time of year.
Day 1:
On arrival at Lusaka International Airport, you will be met by a representative from Tours Africa, who will assist you with your luggage and check-in for your flight to Mfuwe. A guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you at Mfuwe Airport for transfer to Luangwa River Camp, through colourful village life. The ten bedded camp is situated opposite the Luangwa Wafwa (a game rich area of the park) in the Upper Lupande Game Management Area. It offers all the creature comforts of a lodge yet with all the intimacy, tailored activities and flexible mealtimes you come to expect from a bush camp. The camp is unique with its décor of locally crafted and handmade details. The main area is elevated between 1-3 metres on wooden decks affording great views to the park and river. The swimming pool is sunk into the deck, linked by a waterfall. Seating areas are all elevated and open plan with a bar area as well as a dining and reading area. Depending on your arrival time you may settle in for some lunch, siesta then off on an afternoon activity. There is an option to turn back after sundowners or continue to see what nocturnals you can spot, returning to camp by 8pm.
LUANGWA RIVER CAMP Day 2-3:
The next couple of days will be spend as you wish – an option is there to take a walking activity or game drive; or even both. For those with a knack for shopping can take a trip to Tribal Textiles for locally printed fabrics which are sewn into various items – perfect for souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. Perhaps a trip to Kawaza Village to experience an authentic Zambian village, interact with the locals and even sample a local meal. Nothing is set in stone; you can discuss your specific interests with your guide.
LUANGWA RIVER CAMP Day 4:
Kasanka National Park. Your Robin Pope Safaris guide will accompany you for your flight to Kasanka. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Wasa Camp where you will spend the next three days amongst the glory of the bat migration.
WASA LODGE Day 5 & 6:
These days will be quite relaxed with a chance to bird-watch, spend time in the Fibwe hide to catch a glimpse of the shy sitatunga, and view all of the other fantastic species in this area such as Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, Pel’s fishing owl, etc. And of course, you can’t forget the bats!
WASA LODGE Day 7:
After a relaxing breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip and back to Lusaka. Tours Africa will meet and assist you to Protea Lusaka Tower Hotel once you land in Lusaka. You may enjoy a relaxed evening ahead of your trip back home.
PROTEA LUSAKA TOWER HOTEL Day 8:
Depending on your onward flight, you may do an activity or go straight to the airport after breakfast.
