Kasanka National Park - Discovering Zambia

Travelling to Kasanka National Park

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Kasanka National Park, a pretty good destination in Zambia (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Kasanka National Park and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Kasanka National Park, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Zambia, here's everything to know about Kasanka National Park for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Kasanka National Park

Kasanka National Park is located in the northern part of Zambia, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a relatively small park covering an area of about 390 square kilometers. Kasanka is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, hippos, buffalo, leopards, and several primate species. One of the park's main attractions is the annual bat migration, where millions of fruit bats gather in the park's forests to feed and mate. In addition, the park offers visitors the opportunity to go on guided nature walks, boat rides, and safari drives. The best time to visit Kasanka is between June and October, during the dry season when wildlife is more active.

What to visit in Kasanka National Park

Sure, here are some of the tourist attractions in Kasanka National Park, Zambia: 1. Bat Migration: Kasanka National Park is home to one of the largest mammal migrations on Earth - the bat migration. Every year from October to December, millions of fruit bats fly from the nearby forests to feast on the park's abundant fruit trees.
2. Wetland Safari: The park's wetlands offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the area via boat and spot a diverse range of birds and species such as the rare Sitatunga antelope.
3. Game viewing: Kasanka National Park boasts an impressive range of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and various species of antelopes like Puku.
4. Nature Walks: Guided nature walks in the park are an excellent way to explore the lush vegetation, learn about the park's plant and animal life, and get up-close with nature.
5. Bird Watching: With over 400 bird species, Kasanka National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Some of the most notable birds found in the park include the wattled crane, the Ross's turaco and the Pel's fishing owl.
6. Kasanka Trust Cultural Village: The village is a living museum encompassing many traditional lifestyles of various Zambian tribes. Visitors can witness daily village life, learn how to cook local meals, and immerse themselves in the fascinating heritage of Zambia's people.
7. Kapishya Hotsprings: Located just outside of the park, the Kapishya hotsprings offer visitors a relaxing break after a long day of exploring the park. The natural hot water baths are set in a scenic landscape and provide a perfect escape from the daily hustle-bustle.
These are just a few of the highlights of Kasanka National Park, Zambia, there are many other tourist attractions that can enrich your experience of this beautiful national park.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Zambia, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Kasanka National Park.

When to go on holiday to Kasanka National Park

The best time to visit Kasanka National Park in Zambia is between October and December. During this period, the park experiences its annual bat migration which is a spectacular event to witness. The migration sees millions of bats descend into the park’s forests to feed on fruit and nectar. Outside of the bat migration season, the rainy season runs from November to April, and many roads in the park become impassable. The dry season from May to October is also a good time to visit as wildlife congregates around water sources.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Kasanka National Park

Kasanka National Park is located in the Northern Province of Zambia, about 600 km north-east of Lusaka, the capital city. Here are some ways to get to Kasanka National Park: 1. By Air: The nearest airport to Kasanka National Park is the Kasanka airstrip, which is served by chartered flights from Lusaka, Livingstone, Mfuwe, and other destinations in Zambia.
2. By Road: You can take a taxi or a bus from Lusaka to Kasanka National Park. The journey takes about 10-12 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions.
3. By Self-drive: You can rent a car in Lusaka and drive to Kasanka National Park. The journey takes about 10-12 hours, and it’s recommended to have a 4x4 vehicle as some of the roads in the park are quite rough.
Once you arrive in Kasanka National Park, you can explore the park on foot or by vehicle with the help of a guide. The best time to visit the park is during the annual bat migration, which takes place from late October to mid-December.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Kasanka National Park, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Kasanka National Park

Kasanka National Park, located in Zambia, is known for its rich cuisine that is influenced by both indigenous and foreign cultures. Here are some typical foods of Kasanka National Park with a short description for each of them: 1. Nshima - a staple food made from ground maize or cassava that is boiled to form a stiff, dough-like consistency. It is usually served with various stews or vegetables and is a popular dish among locals.
2. Kapenta - small, freshwater fish that are sun-dried and deep-fried before being served with Nshima. This dish is popular in Zambia and is a good source of protein.
3. Chikanda - a traditional food made from wild orchid tubers that are boiled, mashed, and shaped into balls. These balls are then mixed with groundnuts or beans and cooked in a sauce of tomatoes and onions.
4. Caterpillar stew - a regional delicacy that is made from large, meaty caterpillars that are harvested from mopane trees. The caterpillars are cooked in a spicy tomato-based stew and are believed to be high in protein and other nutrients.
5. Biltong - dried and cured strips of beef or game meat that are often made at home by locals. This meat is sliced thinly and served as a snack or used as an ingredient in other dishes.
6. Sweet potato leaves - a vegetable dish made from the leaves of sweet potato plants, which are boiled, chopped, and sautéed with onions and garlic.
7. Peanut butter soup - a creamy soup made from peanut butter, chicken broth, and spices such as coriander and cumin. This soup is often served with Nshima on the side.
Overall, the food of Kasanka National Park is a wonderful blend of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods, making it a must-try for any adventurous foodie visiting the region.
You can find general info about typical foods in Zambia here.

Is Kasanka National Park an expensive destination for tourists?

Kasanka National Park in Zambia can be considered a moderately expensive destination for tourists. The cost of traveling to Zambia and accessing the park can be quite high, and visitors should also be prepared to pay for park entry fees, accommodation, and activities. However, the experience of seeing the annual bat migration in Kasanka is truly unique and can make the cost worth it for visitors who are interested in wildlife and nature. To minimize expenses, travelers can consider visiting during the low season, choosing more budget-friendly accommodations, and researching the best deals on activities and tours.

Where to find accomodation in Kasanka National Park

If you are planning to visit Kasanka National Park (Zambia), the best areas to find accommodation are located in the town of Mansa and in the nearby towns of Serenje and Mbala. These towns have a good selection of lodges, campsites, and hotels that cater to a range of budgets. Additionally, some lodges and campsites may also be available within the park itself, although availability may vary depending on the season. It's recommended to make a reservation in advance to ensure you have a place to stay during your visit.
You can check hotel prices at Kasanka National Park here:
Booking.com

Is Kasanka National Park a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Kasanka National Park in Zambia is considered a safe place for tourists to visit. However, as with any travel destination, it is always important to take standard safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, keeping valuable items secure, and following the advice of local authorities. It is also a good idea to research any specific safety concerns or travel advisories for the area before planning your trip.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Zambia here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Kasanka National Park.

What type of travelers will enjoy Kasanka National Park the most?

Kasanka National Park in Zambia is a great destination for all kinds of travelers as it offers a variety of activities and experiences that cater to different interests. However, it is particularly well-suited for nature enthusiasts and families who enjoy outdoor activities.
The park is famous for its bat migration, where millions of fruit bats roost in the park's forest every year between October and December. This is a truly unique experience that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Additionally, the park is home to various wildlife such as elephants, antelopes, and baboons, making it a great destination for safari experiences.
For couples, Kasanka National Park provides a serene and peaceful environment, surrounded by natural beauty. There are many walking and hiking trails, which provide some quality time together while exploring the beauty of the forest.
For young people looking for adventure, the park offers numerous exciting activities such as canoeing, fishing, and bird watching.
Overall, Kasanka National Park offers something for everyone and is a perfect destination for families, nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and couples.

How to get around Kasanka National Park

The best way to move around Kasanka National Park in Zambia is by car or on foot. There are no public transport services within the park so it is best to hire a vehicle or use a tour company to explore the park. Additionally, walking safaris are a popular activity in the park and provide a unique experience to interact with the wildlife and nature up close.

What to see around Kasanka National Park

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Kasanka National Park (Zambia): 1. Luanshya: A mining town situated 200 km from Kasanka National Park. It boarders with the Kafue River and has some good fishing spots.
2. Kundalila Falls: A scenic waterfall situated 165 km from Kasanka National Park, it's one of Zambia's hidden gems.
3. Samfya Beach: A popular beach destination situated 284 km from Kasanka National Park. It's quiet, relaxing and has some spectacular views of Lake Bangweulu.
4. Mansa: A small town situated 218 km from Kasanka National Park. It's known for its hot springs and has some interesting geological features.
5. Kawambwa: A small town situated 158 km from Kasanka National Park. It's the closest town to the famous Kalungwishi River Falls.
6. Bangweulu Wetlands: A unique wetland area situated 300 km from Kasanka National Park. It provides a habitat for many species of birds and other wildlife.
For every travel information about Zambia you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel and this page was partly created with the help of AI: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.