Kasanka Bat Migration Expedition
Experience one of the world’s most extraordinary natural spectacles as millions of straw-colored fruit bats gather in Zambia’s Kasanka National Park—a sight unlike any other.
Day 1: Arrival in Lusaka – Transfer to Kasanka National Park
– Arrival in Lusaka: Arrive in Zambia’s vibrant capital, Lusaka, and meet your expedition team for a warm welcome.
– Transfer to Kasanka National Park: Depart Lusaka for a scenic drive to Kasanka National Park, a hidden gem known for its incredible bat migration and rich biodiversity.
– Check-in & Relaxation: Settle into your lodge or campsite, surrounded by pristine wilderness.
– Dinner & Briefing: Enjoy a delightful dinner while your guide introduces the next few days of bat-watching and wildlife encounters.
Day 2: Kasanka National Park – The Bat Migration Begins
– Morning Game Drive: Start the day with a morning game drive, exploring Kasanka’s landscapes and searching for elephants, antelopes, and other resident wildlife.
– Birdwatching: Kasanka is also a haven for bird lovers, with over 400 species of birds to spot. Keep your binoculars ready for sightings of the Ross’s Turaco, kingfishers, and eagles.
– Relaxation at Camp: Return to camp for lunch and some downtime before the main event.
– Evening Bat Viewing: As the sun begins to set, make your way to the bat forest—an awe-inspiring spectacle awaits as millions of bats take flight at dusk. The sky darkens with their vast numbers, creating an unforgettable scene.
– Dinner & Campfire Stories: After the bat viewing, return to camp for a traditional dinner around the fire, sharing stories and marveling at the day’s events.
Day 3: Full Day Safari – Bats & Wildlife Encounters
– Early Morning Bat Viewing: Rise before dawn for another opportunity to witness the bats as they return to their roosts, creating a breathtaking scene as the first light hits the forest.
– Bush Breakfast: Enjoy a bush breakfast as you soak in the serene atmosphere of Kasanka.
– Daytime Safari: Embark on a mid-morning safari to discover more of Kasanka’s wildlife, from the majestic Sitatunga antelope, one of the park’s highlights, to shy bushbucks and reedbucks along the wetlands.
– Afternoon Rest & Leisure: Relax at camp, take a nature walk, or spend time at one of the park’s bird hides for some quiet birdwatching.
– Evening Bat Viewing: Head out again in the late afternoon to witness the second spectacular bat exodus as they fill the sky at dusk.
– Dinner & Reflection: Enjoy a hearty dinner and reflect on the magnificence of the bat migration.
Day 4: Explore Kasanka – Visit the Fibwe Hide & Tree Canopy
– Morning Canoe Safari: For an added adventure, take a canoe trip along Kasanka’s waterways, offering a different perspective of the park’s flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for hippos and a wide array of birds along the banks.
– Fibwe Hide & Tree Canopy Walk: After lunch, visit the Fibwe Hide for the chance to spot the rare Sitatunga antelope in its natural swampy habitat. Continue your exploration with a walk along the tree canopy walkway, offering a unique vantage point over the forest.
– Sundowner Bat Experience: Conclude the day with one final bat migration viewing, this time with sundowners in hand, making the moment even more memorable.
– Farewell Dinner: Return to camp for a celebratory farewell dinner, exchanging memories of this incredible natural event.
Day 5: Kasanka to Lusaka – Departure
– Morning Game Walk: Begin your final day with a leisurely guided walk through the park, enjoying the early morning sights and sounds of the bush.
– Transfer to Lusaka: After breakfast, depart for Lusaka, enjoying the scenic drive back to the capital.
– Departure or Optional Stay: Upon arrival in Lusaka, prepare for your onward journey or extend your stay to explore more of Zambia’s wonders.
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