Kasanka Trust

Zambia wildlife in Kasanka

Several rare species of Zambia wildlife are abundant in the park, including sitatunga, wattled crane, Ross's lourie and blue monkeys. The Bangweulu Wetlands area, just north of Kasanka National Park, is one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife secrets with over 100,000 black lechwe and the world's most visible shoebill storks.

All in all it's a very rewarding destination for those seeking to delve deeper into Africa's hidden corners and more elusive wildlife. Puku are the dominant animals in the park, feeding off the rich grasses along the Kasanka river and Wasa lakes.

The rivers and lakes are habitat for hippos, crocodiles, otters and monitor lizards, as well as all kinds of fish. The Luwombwa River offers some excellent angling (under special permits). The fierce tigerfish, several tilapia species, Congo yellowfish and barbal catfish are likely catches. (Lodge staff will not cook catches).

Canoes and motorboats can be hired with guides. Perhaps Kasanka's crown jewels are the papyrus swamp areas, home to the world's densest and most visible population of sitatunga antelope.

Roaming across all these habitats are a small but growing population of elephants. And side-striped jackal, civet, genet, porcupine and several species of mongoose are amongst the nocturnal species. Birds of special interest include Pel's fishing owl, wattled crane, osprey, African fish eagle and Ross's lourie. Saddle-billed storks, several species of bee-eater, kingfisher and hornbill are also regularly seen.

Fruit bats

Kasanka is rapidly becoming famous for the millions of the straw-coloured fruit bats that congregate there in their millions in November and December each year. This makes an inspiring Zambia safari experience. At twilight bats fill the sky from all directions for up to twenty minutes as they leave their roost site to feed throughout the night on the abundant seasonal fruit of the "miombo" woodlands.

This event is one of Africa's most amazing and unusual wildlife spectacles – never to be forgotten for those fortunate to witness it. Scientists believe it is the largest aggregation of mammals in Africa, and probably the most concentrated in the world. See the article on the Kasanka bats in Travel Zambia Extra.

Game viewing

Visitors arriving in their own 4×4 vehicles can drive themselves around but there are some restrictions for safety reasons. Walking safaris are accompanied by an armed scout who is knowledgeable on the wildlife and vegetation and in short wave radio contact with HQ.

Follow a honey guide to a bee's nest or track an elephant along its spore. Walks can be arranged from 1 hour to five days! Walking trails of several days are a specialty of Kasanka.

One day of the trail is usually spent drifting down the Luwombwa river by canoe. Zambia safaris don't get much better than this! One or two nights may be spent at the lodges, but otherwise simple tented camps will be set up each night in remote corners of the park. It is possible for visitors to explore the park by bicycle. However visitors must be escorted by a guide or scout.

Bangweulu Wetlands

Just 50 Kilometres to the north of Kasanka are the vast Bangweulu Wetlands. These wetlands support an incredible diversity of water-birds and plains-birds including the shoebill stork, and massive herds of the black lechwe. Elephant, buffalo, tsessebe, reedbuck, oribi and sitatunga have also adapted to life in this environment.

Bangweulu is a great draw for birdwatchers. Wattled crane, saddle-billed stork, spur-winged goose, sacred ibis, glossy ibis, black-crowned night heron, white-cheeked bee-eater, swamp flycatcher, pink- throated and Fulbourne's longclaw, Denham's bustard and numerous ducks live here.

The papyrus swamps along the Lukulu River are also the breeding ground of the shoebill, a massive grey, do-do like bird found nowhere else in the sub-region. Bangweulu is probably the best place in the world to see shoebill storks in the wild.

Access

Most visitors coming from overseas choose to fly directly into Kasanka by private charter as there is an airstrip in the park (12deg 33'South 30deg 09'East) and an aircraft based there. Kasanka Trust can arrange air charters from anywhere in Zambia.

Sky Trails Ltd is an independent charter company based in Kasanka National Park so that there is usually an aircraft available locally for air charters to, from and around the area. Driving times from Lusaka or the Copperbelt are typically five to six hours. The roads are tarred up to the park entrance and are currently in excellent condition.

Nearby attractions

Nakapalyo Tourism Project, Kundalila Falls, Lake Waka Waka, Nsalu Cave, Livingstone Memorial, Shiwa Ng'andu, Kapishya Hot Springs and Mutinondo Wilderness are all quite close to Kasanka.

Zambia wildlife in Kasanka

• Millions of fruit bats in November and December
• Black lechwe
• Sitatunga
• Wattled crane
• Ross's lourie
• Shoebill stork
• Blue monkey
• Puku
• Hippos
• Crocodiles
• Otters
• Monitor lizard
• Elephant
• Side striped jackal
• Civet
• Genet
• Porcupine
• Mongoose
• Buffalo
• Tsessebe
• Reedbuck
• Oribi
• Saddle-billed stork
• Spur-winged goose
• Sacred ibis
• Glossy ibis
• Black crowned night heron
• White-cheecked bee eater
• Swamp fly catcher
• Pink-throated longclaw
• Fulbourne's longclaw
• Deham's bustard

Kasanka National Park is a beautiful wilderness of woodland, plains, lakes, rivers, swamps rich in Zambian wildlife. As well as its attraction for visitors it forms a valuable protected environment for many endangered species. The Bangweulu Wetlands, just north of Kasanka National Park, is one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife secrets with over 100,000 Black Lechwe and the world's most visible Shoebill storks.

Legal set-up

The Zambian Kasanka Trust has responsibility for park management, community development, and tourism under the terms of the management agreement with the Zambian Government. The Kasanka Trusts in the UK and The Netherlands are registered charities, both with a board of trustees. They are primarily concerned with fund-raising for activities in Zambia. They also assist with expert advice and procurement of equipment.

History

In 1985, a British expatriate, David Lloyd, who had lived in Zambia on and off for many years, visited Kasanka National Park. There were no roads or bridges, but he was impressed with the beautiful habitat he found and decided to try and save the Park from complete destruction and the threat of losing its National Park status. Teaming up with a local farmer, Gary Williams, they formed the Kasanka Trust, which was registered in Zambia (1987) and in UK (1989).

Since 1990, the Zambian Government has encouraged and supported the Kasanka Trust initiative, emphasising the importance of co-operation with the local community which has always been central to the Trust's philosophy.

After the first agreement in 1990, the Zambia Wildlife Authority signed a second agreement with Kasanka Trust in May 2002 allowing the Trust to manage the Park and develop tourism to help fund its activities. In June 2002 David Lloyd was awarded an OBE in the UK for his vision and determination in seeing the Kasanka Trust project through to where it is today.

Aims and Objectives

The ultimate goals of Kasanka Trust are to secure the future of biodiversity in Kasanka National Park, funded through tourism revenue and to sustain, as well as stimulate, the local economy through improved natural resource management.

Community Tourism

Open Africa, which supports community tourism, recently launched a new route for independent travellers interested in traditional culture and nature, to be promoted and maintained by community stakeholders.

The Nsobe Sitatunga Experience 'Where The Water Meets The Sky' covers Kasanka National Park, Bangweulu Wetlands, Nakapalayo and other destinations in Northern Zambia. Kasanka Trust actively seeks support from the local community to secure the long term future of Kasanka National Park.

By using education as a basic tool, Kasanka Trust is seeking to increase the community's awareness of conservation and promote economic development.

With the support of the Zambian Ministry of Education, Kasanka Trust has set up a project to aid education in Kafinda Game Management Area. The project is funded by external donations. Kasanka Trust has also sponsored 50 pupils through secondary school and nine teachers for the Community Schools. They have rehabilitated the classroom blocks and teachers' houses of three local Government Schools.

The Education Project continues to expand, sponsoring a growing number of students and introducing a number of new conservation education initiatives.

Support

The Trust’s work within Kasanka National Park and the Kafinda Game Management Area is currently supported by a number of donor organisations. The Fonds Français Pour L’Environnement Mondial (French Global Environment Fund) supports the financial sustainability and community outreach of the Trust. The World Land Trust supports resource protection and community outreach. The US Fish and Wildlife Service - African Elephant Conservation Fund, the Thin Green Line, and the US Embassy support resource protection. Elephant Charge, the US Embassy and the Zebra Trust support the environmental education programme. Kasanka Community School is supported by Dan and Jan Smith. Equipment has been donated by ZamLeather (Zamshu), BBF Safety Group, and Penmarks Ltd.

There has been a lot of other support from many other donors. Corporate Sponsors are eligible for a tax reduction in Zambia. Other benefits for corporate sponsors include increased exposure, discounted rates, offset the companies contribution to climate change and pollution, an environmentally friendly and socially responsible image.

The Kasanka Trust is keen to hear of any ideas for corporate sponsorship or funding of their conservation and community development activities.

Kasanka Trust information

• Wildlife charity
• Manages Kasanka National Park in Zambia
• Important conservation area
• Famous fruit bat migration
• Works with the local community
• 100% of funding spent in the local area
• All proceeds from tourism go directly towards conservation work and community development

The Kasanka Trust is a wildlife charity based in Zambia, the UK and the Netherlands. A visit to Kasanka often combines very well with a visit to other destinations within Zambia. Charter flights operated by Sky Trails are available between all destinations in Zambia and beyond.

The destinations given below fit in well together as a fulfilling Zambia tour. Some can be visited on day outings or en route between camps in Kasanka, whilst others are destinations in their own right.

Kasanka National Park

This park is one of the most picturesque parks in Zambia and contains a rich diversity of Zambian wildlife, bird and plant life, making it an exciting Zambia safari destination. Several rare species are abundant in the park, including sitatunga, wattled crane, Ross's lourie and blue monkeys. Kasanka is also host to a unique, spectacular congregation of several million straw-coloured fruit bats every November and December.

Bangweulu Wetlands

Just 50 km to the north of Kasanka are the vast Bangweulu Wetlands that support massive herds of black lechwe and tsessebe. Bangweulu is a great draw for birdwatchers, with the much sought after shoebill stork, wattled crane, spur-winged geese and numerous water birds. This destination makes for a peaceful Zambia safari destination.

Nakapalyo Tourism Project

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and way of life of the Bisa people by visiting a real, traditional Zambian village. This is a community managed project that provides tourists with an authentic experience to promote cultural exchange and bring development, employment and income to the community.

Kundalila Falls

The spectacular Kundalila (Crying Dove) Falls can be reached in just over an hour by car from Kasanka. The falls lie in an area of outstanding natural beauty. A path leads down to the foot of the falls where a deep pool receives the water from its 65-meter fall. Visitors can swim in this pool if they like chilly water!

Lake Waka Waka

Located an hour's drive from Kasanka National Park, this lake offers a secluded site for an overnight campsite. The spring-fed lake's crystalline waters are crocodile free and wonderful for a refreshing swim.

Nsalu Cave

This National Monument is sadly neglected but is still worth a visit to view Stone Age Man's "schematic" rock paintings. There are none of the figures of animals and people usually associated with Bushman paintings but lines and "ladders" and other unexplained outlines, said by some to be up to 100,000 years old.

Livingstone Memorial

This marks the spot where the 19th century explorer died in his fruitless quest for the source of the Nile River. The monument, located an easy 35 km drive from Kasanka, is built on the site of the 'mupundu' wild fruit tree under which Dr Livingstone's heart was buried.

Shiwa Ng'andu and Kapishya Hot Springs

After visiting Kasanka and Bangweulu, "The Africa House" makes an ideal next stop on the way north. It was built deep in the African Bush by Sir Stuart Gore-Browne in the 1920s. Visitors can explore the estate on horseback. Visit the Kapishya Hot Springs 25 km north west of Shiwa for a rejuvenating bathing experience and some good birdwatching and walks..

Mutinondo Wilderness

To the east of Kasanka and Bangweulu, the Mutinondo Wilderness is an area under private management near the top of the great Muchinga escarpment – a beautiful wilderness area with rocky outcrops, rivers and streams, rolling woodlands and grassy dambos. It has a range of activities from walks, swimming and boating, birdwatching, and guided geological tours.

The Luangwa Valley

No trip to Zambia is complete without visiting the Luangwa Valley – one of Africa's greatest remaining wildlife areas which still preserves high densities of big game along with wide open spaces. It was one of the most exciting places you can go for a rich and rewarding safari experience. South Luangwa National Park combines wildlife and birds with no visible developments.

The park is huge, offering scenic beauty and wildlife experiences. North Luangwa National Park also offers some spectacular game viewing, specialising in walking safaris. The park management is assisted by a project from the Frankfurt Zoological Society which has controlled poaching and allowed the game to increase in recent decades.

Luambe National Park

Luambe National Park is a small park wedged between North and South Luangwa. It is a beautiful area with some good birdwatching and gameviewing. It makes an ideal stopover for adventurers driving between North and South Luangwa.

Tour operator information

• Kasanka National Park
• Bangweulu Wetlands
• Nakapalyo Tourism Project
• Kundalila Falls
• Lake Waka Waka
• Nsalu Cave
• Livingstone memorial
• Shiwa Ng'andu
• Kapishya Hot Springs
• Mutinondo Wilderness
• The Luangwa Valley
• Luambe National Park

The Kasanka Trust is a wildlife charity working to conserve, manage and develop Kasanka National Park in the Northern Region of Zambia. As well as its attraction for visitors it forms a valuable protected area for many endangered species and is an important conservation area with diverse flora and fauna, and exceptional birdlife.

Kasanka is Zambia's first national park under a public - private partnership and is entirely reliant on tourism revenue and charitable funding. All proceeds from tourism go directly towards conservation work in the area.

Lodges

Wasa Lodges

Wasa Lodge lies on the edge of Lake Wasa in the eastern half of the park just 12 km from the park entrance at the tarred road. It is ideally suited for visiting the hide at Fibwe (just 15 minutes drive or 2 hours walk away) and has a fine view with puku, hippo and sometimes even sitatunga visible from the lodge.

In 2019 Wasa Lodge will be upgraded to include new spacious and private chalets. Guests will be offered accommodation in five large private chalets with views of Lake Wasa, and one smaller rondavel.

The lodge also has a living area housing a bar, dining room, reception and verandah overlooking the lake. All the buildings have thatched roofs and are in a traditional style.

Lodge details

• Luxurious chalets and smaller rondavels
• En-suite bathrooms with flushing toilets and showers
• Private verandas with sweeping views
• Dining area, lounge, bar and campfire
• Solar lighting
• Catered or self-catering
• Children welcome
• Open all year round

Luwombwa Lodge

Luwombwa Lodge is located on the banks of the Luwombwa River in the western half of the park nearer the airstrip. This safari lodge has threeen-suite chalets overlooking the river. Two of these are family chalets with three to four beds.

The prime attraction of Luwombwa Lodge is the river. The Luwombwa is a gentle meandering river heavily fringed with evergreen forest, creating excellent bird watching and fishing opportunities. Motor boats and canoes with guides are available at the lodge, subject to availability. Luwombwa also has nearby game viewing, notably at the Chikufwe Plainwhere reedbuck, duiker, sable antelope and buffalo may be seen.

Lodge details

• Three chalets along the meandering river
• En-suite bathrooms
• Dining area with fireplace dominated by a magnificent mpundu (or mobola) plum
• Solar lighting
• No wifi and phone signal
• Catered or self-catering
• Children welcome
• Open all year round

Kapabi Camp

New from October 2019, Kapabi Camp is a 40-minute drive from Wasa Lodge, withviews of Kapabi Lake on the extensive Kasanka River floodplain.

Lodge details

• Four spacious canvas tents
• Enjoy a braai or cook your own food from a kitchen and dining area
• An ideal setting for a private getaway with friends and family
• Solar lighting
• No Wi-Fi and phone signal
• Open for the bat season (October to December)

Camping

There are currently two campsites available for visitors in Kasanka, one near the pontoon along the Kasanka River which has three private sites, and another downstream across the Kasanka at "Kabwe". The availability of these sites depends on conditions and bookings so please enquire before arriving.

Campers should bring all their own tents and equipment, as the sites only have a simple toilet, shower and shelter. Staff are on hand to help with water.

Reservations

The rates are all per person per night. Park Entry Fees for persons, vehicles and private aircraft are excluded except for fully inclusive. There are some discounts for children and Zambian residents for full board services.

Kasanka National Park is open all year. Visitors wishing to book can do so through Wildman Safaris or directly with Kasanka Trust.

Safari lodge accommodation

• Two lodges in Kasanka
• Two camp sites in Kasanka
• Charter flights operated by Sky Trails
• All proceeds from tourism go directly towards conservation work and community development

Accommodation rates per person per night

• Camping: $20
• Self catering: $70
• Full board including some activities: $140 - $220
• Fully inclusive with all activities: $350