Established
1972
Size
390 km²
Elevation
1,100–1,200 m
Ecosystem
Swamp, Miombo Woodland, Grassland
Best Time
October – December (bat migration)
Entry Fee
$15 per adult/day
About Kasanka National Park
Kasanka National Park is best known for hosting the world's largest mammal migration — not wildebeest, but bats. Every year between October and December, approximately 10 million straw-colored fruit bats descend on a tiny patch of mushitu swamp forest, creating the densest concentration of mammal biomass on Earth. The spectacle of millions of bats darkening the sky at dusk as they leave to feed, and returning at dawn in an avalanche of wings, is one of Africa's most extraordinary natural phenomena. Outside bat season, this small community-managed park offers gentle safaris with sitatunga antelope, hippos, and excellent birdlife.
What Makes It Special
10 million bat migration
World's largest mammal migration
Sitatunga antelope
Possible Shoebill sightings
Community-managed park
Wildlife & Species
Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season
Best wildlife viewing
OctNovDec
Shoulder Season
Fewer crowds, good value
JunJulAugSep
Green Season
Lush landscapes, birding
JanFebMarAprMay
Where to Stay
Wasa Lodge
Mid-RangeLakeside lodge with treehouse viewing platform overlooking the bat colony forest.
From $200/night / night
Luwombwa Lodge
Mid-RangeRiverside lodge deep in the park with excellent sitatunga and birdwatching.
From $180/night / night
Camping
BudgetBasic campsite near the bat viewing areas with cold-water ablutions.
From $15/night / night
Safari Packages
3-Day Kasanka Bat Migration
Witness 10 million bats darkening the sky in the world's largest mammal migration
5-Day Kasanka & Bangweulu Shoebill
Bat migration plus tracking the elusive Shoebill stork in the Bangweulu Wetlands