Kasanka National Park's wide variety of different types of vegetation results in it harbouring a diverse range of animal and bird species. As well as elephant, buffalo and thousands of puku, you'll find Sharp's grysbok, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, sable and the shy roan antelope. Kasanka's predators are shy, but hyena, lion and leopard do occur, along with a host of mongooses, and the rare, slender-snouted crocodile.
One of the park's highlights is the Fibwe tree-hide - a short climb into a magnificent mahogany. It is probably the best place in Africa for observing wild sitatunga, and sightings of these elusive antelope are virtually guaranteed.
Visit Kasanka in November and December and you will witness an enormous gathering of up to 15 million straw-coloured fruit bats. This is one of the highest concentrations of mammals anywhere on the planet and watching them fly at sunset is an awesome sight.
Wasa Lodge is the main base for the park's team. Wasa has eight thatched rondavels, each with en-suite showers and flush toilet, as well as a few more basic chalets. Like the separate bar/dining area, these have a lovely location overlooking Lake Wasa.
Wasa is usually best visited in combination with its sister-camp in the park, Luwombwa Lodge, and possibly with a trip to the Shoebill Island, in the Bangweulu Wetlands. << Click on the menu (above left) for more about Luwombwa and Shoebill Island
Birdwatching: Kasanka is particularly good for birdwatching as it's on the edge of the Central African rainforests, and has many species in common with that ecosystem
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for birdwatching in Zambia
Wildlife safaris: Kasanka's sheer range of different environments makes it a varied wildlife experience, best for experienced Africa hands. It's certainly Africa's best place for watching sitatunga antelope, and superb for bats at the right time!
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for wildlife safaris in Zambia
Wasa Lodge review
It is more than 20 years since we last visited Wasa and it has changed hugely but not at the expense of its simplicity and essence. It is a very special place.
We were most warmly welcomed by ev...
Wasa Lodge review
Kasanka is still under development, interesting because of researchers active in the park. Our guide might have told us a bit more, instead of just pointing at animals. A great contrast to Brent Harri...
Click on the links below to read sections from the Bradt guidebook which are related to Wasa Lodge.
Where to stay Put Wasa Lodge into context – read more about it in the Bradt travel guide to Zambia.
Useful links...
We want you to understand more about Wasa Lodge. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
When to visit Kasana Scroll down this page for some good advice on when to visit Kasanka and Bangweulu - it's different from most of Zambian's other safari areas
Where to stay