This suggested itinerary is designed to combine Kasanka's amazing annual bat migration with time on safari in the national parks of Zambia and Malawi.
An estimated 12 million fruitbats arrive in Kasanka National Park from mid-November to feast on the newly ripened fruit - a remarkable wildlife spectacle. Guided walks in Kasanka National Park at dawn and dusk will take you deep into the indigenous woodland used by the fruitbats as a roost. The numbers are so large that this is believed to be the highest density of mammals on the planet. This mass of activity attracts all manner of predators and scavengers including leopards and crocodiles who lie in wait for any bats unfortunate enough to fall to the forest floor.
Your next destination on this 2-week itinerary is South Luangwa National Park, known for its large population of leopards and for a number of endemic animals, including Thornicraft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest. Finally, the trip crosses the border into Malawi to explore the incredible Majete National Park. Majete was decimated by poaching for decades, but over the last ten years extensive conservation efforts have allowed this park to become the only reserve in Malawi to have the ‘Big 5'; notably this will give you the chance to see the elusive black rhino.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart UK
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Lusaka
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Day 2:
Arrive Lusaka
On arrival in Lusaka you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend as you wish, which could involve a swim in the hotel pool.
Accommodation: Pioneer Lodge & Camp
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Days 3-5
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Fly to Mulembo for Kasanka National Park
In the morning, board a charter flight from Lusaka to Mulembo airstrip where you will be transferred to your camp on the edges of the Kasanka National Park. After settling in, there should be time to venture into the park on an afternoon wildlife safari, which will finish with the quintessential safari sundowner.
Over the next two days, you will have a number of excursions into Kasanka National Park, both on foot and by vehicle to see one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world - the sight of an estimated 12 million straw-coloured fruitbats coming to feed on the newly ripened fruits and roost in the indigenous forest. This attracts a number of predators and scavengers as well, including leopards, martial eagles, African hawk-eagles and crocodiles. Other notable species to look out for in Kasanka are sitatunga, Pel’s fishing owl and the rare blue monkey.
Accommodation: Wasa Lodge, 3 nights
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Days 6-8
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Fly to Mfuwe; explore South Luangwa National Park
Another morning charter flight will take you to Mfuwe airstrip where you will be transferred to your next camp, with stunning views of the South Luangwa National Park. After lunch you will be taken on a wildlife safari into the park.
The following two days will involve various excursions. Set out on foot to enjoy the birdlife of the park, including marabou stork, steppe eagle and crowned cranes. There will also be boat trips along the river to see some the water-loving creatures, such as crocodiles and hippos, and more vehicle safaris to try and see as much of this incredible national park as possible.
Accommodation: Nkwali Camp, 3 nights
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Days 9-11
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Fly to Blantyre, Malawi & drive to Majete National Park
Today, you will be crossing the border into Malawi on a charter flight bound for Blantyre and then transfer to your lodge on the banks of the Shire River in the Majete National Park.
Majete offers the first opportunity on our trip to see the black rhino, as well as leopards, lions, elephants and buffalo. Majete has an array of wildlife and a beautiful landscape; in order to explore this wonderful wilderness you will head out on vehicle and walking safaris for two full days.
Accommodation: Mkulumadzi Lodge, 3 nights
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Day 12:
Transfer to Blantyre & depart
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Day 13:
Arrive UK
