Kasanka National Park Park

Kasanka National Park is a protected area in central Zambia noted for seasonal wildlife concentrations and wetland systems. It is internationally known for a major annual migration of straw-coloured fruit bats.

The park’s key wildlife attraction is the bat migration, when millions of bats congregate in forested roosts for several weeks each year. In addition to bats, the park contains miombo woodland, dambos and wetlands that support diverse birdlife and resident mammals.

Kasanka was established to conserve wetlands and woodland habitats and to provide a managed area for wildlife viewing and research. Management focuses on habitat protection and sustainable visitor access tied to seasonal wildlife events.

Located in central Zambia, the park lies within the country’s Central Province and is accessed by road from regional towns; it occupies a mix of swamp, woodland and riverine environments.

• Bat migration: Hosts an annual mass appearance of straw-coloured fruit bats - numbering in the millions - typically visible in October and November.
• Habitats: Park habitats include seasonally inundated wetlands and miombo woodland, important for birdlife and several large mammal species.

Kasanka lies about 500 km north of Lusaka. The usual approach is by road: from Lusaka take the Great North Road (T2) toward Mpika, then turn west on gravel district roads; most visitor accommodations will arrange transfers from the nearest paved hub at Mkushi or Serenje. Regional charter flights can land at small airstrips closer to the park during the dry season - arrange through a camp or the park office in Kasanka town.

• Visit in late October during the bat migration to see the dawn exodus from the Kasanka River - guides at the park can arrange boat vantage points.
• Book a guide through the park office in advance; trails are unmarked and seasonal flooding can change routes.
• Bring binoculars for wetland bird hides near the Mapanza plain - it's where rare marsh terns and African jacanas concentrate.
• Avoid the rainy season (December-March) for road access; a 4x4 is recommended if self-driving from Lusaka.