Fruit Bat Safari: Summary
Fruit Bat Safari in a nutshell
This appropriately named safari is highly specialised. It centres around the world’s largest mammalian migration, which takes place in the small, dense forests of Kasanka National Park, as well as including trips into the lusciously verdant and diverse habitats of South Luangwa National Park.
Making use of two simple bases, the trip first stops at Flatdogs Camp in the Mfuwe area just beyond the South Luangwa gates. Flatdogs offers a relaxed experience, where guests are able to both dine and opt into activities as and when they see fit. It is a comfortable camp, retaining its authentic character whilst offering competitive rates and being good value for money.
The safari then moves to northern Zambia where, between October and December every year, well over ten million straw-coloured fruit bats descend into the forest’s of Kasanka National Park. Backlit by dramatic skies hinting at the promise of storms, the migration is an outstanding spectacle to behold, visited by numerous predatory birds. Vultures, and crowned, martial and fish eagles are all present, as well as the kites and goshawks that come to feast on hatching termites during the rains.
Comparatively smaller than most national parks, Kasanka feels far more tropical than most of Zambia’s forests. The lush habitat is especially favoured by the rare, swamp-dwelling sitatunga antelope, which can almost always be seen from Kasanka’s Fibwe Tree Hide.
At a glance
| Starts: | Lusaka International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 nights | Flatdogs Camp - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia | Full Board |
| 3 nights | Wasa Lodge - Northern Zambia, Zambia | Full Board |
| 1 night | Flatdogs Camp - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia | Full Board |
| Ends: | Lusaka International Airport |
Flatdogs Camp
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Wasa Lodge
Northern Zambia, Zambia
Flatdogs Camp
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Fruit Bat Safari.
- Sighting bushbabies during a night drive
- Exploring South Luangwa on foot
- Climbing the Fibwe tree hide for spectacular views
- Watching the enormous gatherings of fruit bats
- Enjoying stunning views over Lake Wasa from the lodge
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Fruit Bat Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Key species to see on the Fruit Bat Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Fruit Bat Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
96% chance
96% chance
88% chance
81% chance
61% chance
38% chance
21% chance
5% chance
5% chance
4% chance
4% chance
Side-trips whilst on this safari
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Fruit Bat Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
Tribal Textiles Tour
One - two hours
Visit the Tribal Textiles workshop, where hand-painted textiles are produced by more than a hundred local people. The workshop is close to Mfuwe Airport, so is ideally placed for a stop en route to/from the South Luangwa. With products ranging from cushion covers to bags and T-shirts, it's a great place for souvenir shopping while at the same time supporting the local community.
More about Tribal Textiles Tour
Kawaza Village Visit
Two to three hours
Just outside Zambia's South Luangwa National Park lies a normal, working rural African village which is open and welcoming to visitors to the Luangwa valley. There is nothing artificial or contrived about Kawaza Village, and it offers a rare opportunity to experience and appreciate Kunda culture, and meet local Zambians.
More about Kawaza Village VisitLet us help you customise your trip
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