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FROM US$4,980-US$5,530

Fruit Bat Safari

Offering a highly specialised experienced, this safari uses two simple bases for access to South Luangwa and Kasanka National Parks. Visit between October and December when you will witness the world’s largest mammalian migration of millions of fruit bats.

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

Days 1-3

A couple of minutes from the gates into South Luangwa National Park, Flatdogs Camp has come a long way since its early days. It was once known as an excellent backpackers' option (and a hangout for safari operators working in the Valley) and a really low-cost base for visiting the area. Since then, while trying hard to retain its focus on value, it has improved its standards considerably, and it is now a comfortable safari camp, with super staff and good facilities that appeal to a range of travellers.

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Wasa Lodge

Days 3-6

Wasa Lodge is located in the remote Kasanka National Park in northern Zambia.

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Flatdogs Camp

Day 6

A couple of minutes from the gates into South Luangwa National Park, Flatdogs Camp has come a long way since its early days. It was once known as an excellent backpackers' option (and a hangout for safari operators working in the Valley) and a really low-cost base for visiting the area. Since then, while trying hard to retain its focus on value, it has improved its standards considerably, and it is now a comfortable safari camp, with super staff and good facilities that appeal to a range of travellers.

View full itinerary
Flatdogs Camp

Flatdogs Camp

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Wasa Lodge

Wasa Lodge

Northern Zambia, Zambia

Flatdogs Camp

Flatdogs Camp

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

About image

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

About image

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.


Elephant

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Sitatunga

100% chance

Spotted Hyena

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Lion

96% chance

Giraffe

96% chance

Buffalo

88% chance

Leopard

85% chance

Wild dog

63% chance

Wildebeest

46% chance

Eland

19% chance

Roan antelope

6% chance

Sable antelope

6% chance

Aardvark

5% chance

Pangolin

5% 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

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

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 Visit
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