Kasanka National Park

We spent 1 night in Kasanka to watch the bats - this is absolutely spectacular and highly recommended! Since the beginning, Silvester has been very reactive in our communications, and all the staff was very nice. And very helpful when we broke our tent again ;) The room we slept in was clean, with excellent matress and beddings. The food was delicious - congratulations again to the chief. My only suggestion is that the bat experience should be initiated by a briefing on the bats by the guide (why are they here, where are they coming from, etc.) - we got this information as we asked questions but it would have been nice to have this brief before we take the road. I also think that the prices for accommodation and activities should be made clearer on the website and at the lodge - we found out that 1 bat experience per day was included in the package, which was a good surprise! But the price list also mentioned another « activity » per day, which we were not told about. As a result, we were not sure if we were allowed to use this activity pass to see the bats a second time (the reception told us that it was not possible). More clarity will be I think a small effort but can significantly bring more visitors. Thank you again !

Watching the bat migration was incredible, a must-see! The game drive was underwhelming, with only impalas spotted, so I recommend using both activity passes for bat viewing unless you love nature drives. Rooms are great and comfortable, but the food is lacking, so bring extra snacks and extra food to supplement the meals. Overall, serene, fulfilling, and worth a visit!

The bat migration itself warrants a five-star review. However, the overall experience left much to be desired. The park does not post rates or activities online, so we were surprised to find out that visiting the bats (in a hide) was an additional fee ($20 per person) aside from park fees. Some tourists don't travel with an unlimited amount of USD, so unexpected costs are frustrating. My communication with the park also left us confused about what to expect upon our arrival. There is no electricity or running water at the camp sites, and shower water is hauled from the river. These things should be clearly stated on the website to avoid confusion. Signage in the park is almost non-existent, which made navigating the park very difficult at times -- particularly in the dark when visiting the bats. However, with all that said, seeing the bats was incredible and we're glad we made the long trek from Lusaka. Two nights at a campsite was more than enough. The public viewing area is recommended at night (1730-1830) to see the migration, and it's best to book a private hide for morning viewings (0430-0530).

The fruit bat migration is fascinating. Finally I could really see what a bat looks like! We camped, the facilities were not wonderful. The food (daily set menu) was good, however, and staff lovely. Be aware that to go with a guide to view the bats is an additional expense to the park fee. If you pay the lodge in USD, the bills have to be post 2009 (I think) and have no markings or stains on them.

Kasanka National Park in Zambia is widely appreciated for its scenic beauty, diverse habitats, and unique wildlife experiences. Here's what visitors say about it: Fruit Bat Migration: The park hosts the world's largest mammal migration, with over 10 million straw-colored fruit bats arriving between October and December. This phenomenon, best observed at sunrise and sunset from treetop hides, is a major highlight for visitors​ Wildlife: While Kasanka is not known for large game like lions or elephants, it features rare species such as the sitatunga antelope, hippos, blue monkeys, and Kinda baboons. Bird enthusiasts also praise its remarkable birdlife, including species like the wattled crane and Pel's fishing owl​ Activities: Visitors enjoy a mix of activities such as guided walks, canoeing, and game drives. Wilderness trails offer immersive multi-day hiking experiences, perfect for exploring the park's diverse landscapes​ Scenery: Kasanka's varied ecosystem includes wetlands, forests, and grasslands, making it one of Zambia's most picturesque parks. Despite being relatively small, it supports a wide range of flora and fauna​ Community and Conservation: The park has a rich history of community-based conservation. Efforts to rehabilitate it after years of poaching have created a thriving environment for wildlife and eco-tourism​

Well worth the effort to get there...very few tourists. The BAT migration is worth the price of admission alone. Elephants are around but scarce ..Hippos too.

The park is so unique and offers a very serene and relaxing environment. It is home to the famous Bat Migration which is the largest mammal migration in the world and best time to see it is between October - December. The park houses two lodges namely Wasa and Luwombwa as well as camping spots. You’ll have the opportunity to see animals through the game drives offered by Kasanka Trust. The park also houses the Sitatunga which is part of the antelope family and can only be found at Kasanka. For bird lovers, the park is home to hundreds of bird species. I do recommend visiting the park and be ready to have intermittent network especially on Airtel, MTN works just fine. Kasanka is relatively close to waterfalls in the northern circuit

It’s hard to rate this place. Its 5 stars if you go in November just to see the bats because it’s epic. Otherwise, go to Kafue or south luangwa or lower Zambezi. Details.... 1. No wildlife except for bird watching. Saw some baboons and one elephant after 3 days of being there. 2. Very limited food and beverage options at the lodge. 3. It’s really tough to get to this park (solid 7 hour drive from Lusaka).