Kasanka Bat Safari

Duration
8 days
Price from
£5,375 pp.
Location
Zambia, Africa
Bats At Kasanka National

Trip Highlights

  • Witness the majesty of the bat migration
  • Relax in the Zambian wilderness
  • Spot the big 5 on Zambian game drives

What's Included

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All guides and transfers
  • Internal flights

Our specialist says:

Experience the planet's largest mammal migration with over 10 Million straw-coloured fruit bats in the Kasanka National Park every November

Kasanka National Park is a little-known part of northern Zambia but is home to one of the world’s most extraordinary natural events, the migration of 10 million bats each year. Combine a visit to Kasanka with some time in the iconic South Luangwa which offers some of the best game viewing anywhere in Africa.

Tamara, one of our Zambia experts, says:

"While most people think of a wildebeest when you mention the migration, only those well informed can appreciate the size of the Kasanka Bat Migration. It is hard to wrap your head around the sheer number of Bats that fill the sky... it really is something you have to see to believe"

Start off a trip with an overnight stay in Zambia’s bustling capital Lusaka where you will be able to relax by the pool and prepare for the adventure that awaits you. The next morning you will be transferred to Lusaka airport where you will join the rest of your group for a flight up to Mfuwe, the gateway to the South Luangwa National Park. Here you will spend 3 nights on safari, enjoying the amazing big game viewing that the park offers, as well as the outstanding birding which will be a great prelude to your time further north. From Mfuwe you will be flown up to Kasanka with your guide and head on to the remote lodge that will be your home for the next 3 nights. Spend time exploring with your guide, witnessing the incredible phenomenon that is the bat migration, as well as the other unique wildlife that Kasanka offers including sitatunga, Pel’s fishing owl and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. This is a truly incredible area and one few people are privileged to visit over the course of the year. On the final day fly from Kasanka down to Mfuwe and then take an onward connection to Lusaka for your flights home.

There are few more captivating countries than Zambia and this combines two of its most alluring elements, the game rich plains of South Luangwa and a little secret spot that few people have heard of an even fewer get to visit over the course of the year. A magical journey and one that should be on everyone’s bucket list.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Destination Lusaka

Staying at Latitude 15

On arrival in to Lusaka you will be met and transferred to Latitude 15, a lovely boutique hotel in a leafy part of the city and the perfect spot for an overnight stay. There will be ample time for you to enjoy the excellent facilities the hotel boasts, including two swimming pools, outdoor relaxation areas and two excellent restaurants. The cozy bar area is a lovely spot to round off the evening as you prepare for the adventure in to the bush that awaits you tomorrow.

Day 2 To the South Luangwa National Park

Staying at Luangwa River Camp

This morning you will be collected and transferred back to Lusaka airport to meet the rest of your group for the flight up to Mfuwe, the gateway to the South Luangwa National Park. From the airport you will be driven through the park to the lovey Luangwa River Camp where you will be spending the next 3 nights. Enjoy lunch by the swimming pool and some time to relax before a late afternoon game drives introduces you to the wildlife wonderland that is the South Luangwa.

Day 3 Wildlife galore

Day 4 Enjoy some time to relax

Day 5 On to Kasanka

Day 6 Witness the bat migration

Day 7 The wonders of Kasanka

Day 8 The journey home

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When to go to Zambia

Find out the best time to visit Zambia with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is a good time to visit Victoria Falls, but the rest of the country is very humid and wet leading to many camps shutting during January.

February

February remains wet, so its a good month to visit the thundering Victoria Falls, however only a few camps stay open for boating and walking. The rains have created lush vegetation, during this time of year it is alive with the sound of migratory birds in their breeding plumage, an excellent time for birders to visit Zambia.

March

If you want to witness Vic Falls at its fullest, March is the month to visit, with huge volumes of spray often obscuring the view. The birding is still magnificent in March, and camps offer fantastic value for money as there are no crowds.

April

In April the weather starts to dry, however rain remains a prominent feature of April. In the Lower Zambezi National Park, lush vegetation is at its thickest making animals more difficult to spot. April is seen to be the best time of year to witness the rarely seen Wild Dog in South Luangwa National Park.

May

May is a mixed month, the onset of the dry season means rains are unlikely, however access to certain camps is tricky due to sodden grounds. Game viewing in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi begin to improve as the vegetation things and waterholes begin to dry up, forcing wildlife together.

June

June is a great time to visit Zambia, the ground starts to dry out and camps are offering excellent deals and there are few visitors to share safari vehicles so you may have some areas to yourself.

July

July is high season, temperatures rise and all the camps are officially open. If you want to see game then South Luangwa is the best option, whereas the Lower Zambezi is perfect for river cruises and fishing.

Victoria falls is at its best, without being overly wet and clouded with spray.

August

August's hot and dry weather kicks off what Zambia is famous for, walking safaris. It is the prime time to combine game viewing with Victoria Falls.

September

Temperatures sore in September reaching high 20's making the long days particularly pleasant. This month sees Carmine Bee Eaters arrive, flocks of hundreds nest in river banks providing a thrilling spectacle of colour and sound.

October

October sees temperatures sore again, game viewing is best done in the early mornings to avoid the hot midday sun.

November

November brings the start of the rainy season, but the good news is the sporadic showers are not too disruptive and visitors get to see dramatic skies and stormy skies brewing. Temperatures are high and it can be humid, but the mixed weather brings great value stays. Plus many young animals are being born, making it a fantastic time to see the parks come to life.

December

The rainy season is in full force in December, grasslands begin to lengthen, foliage thickens and game viewing becomes a little trickier. The rivers rise and dependant on water levels travellers can visit 'devils pool' at Vic Falls, providing high excitement and a head for heights needed if you want to get close to the drop off.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

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