One of the most impressive bat migrations on earth takes place at Kasanka National Park in Zambia, between October and December every year. Make sure you don’t miss this amazing phenomenon if you happen to be visiting during this time of year.
The world’s largest migration
Travelling from all over the Congo in search of the wild musuku fruits, found in the mushitu swamp forest in the park, more than 8 million fruit bats make their way to this iconic safari destination annually. They descend in great hordes upon Kasanka, making this park the site of the world's largest mammal migration.
Once they have arrived, the bats rise at sunset every day to fill the dramatic Zambian skies with the sound of their beating wings and high-pitched shrieks as they fly in search of these fruits, along with juicy waterberries, mangoes, wild loquats and sour plums.
Bird’s eye view
Creep up to one of the hides, located strategically close to their daytime hideaways to witness them take flight as the sun hits the horizon in the evening. Bateleur eagles, black kites and tawny eagles will be watching too, waiting for a chance to swoop down for dinner.
As the light fades, a few daring souls venture out to check if the coast is clear, then, as if in one movement, the tide of bats begins to flow from the forest. Bat pups hang on to their mother’s bellies for dear life as they race from their resting places, eager to begin the nights feeding.
Bats giving back
The bats can travel a 100km/60 mile circuit during the night, eating their own weight in fruit. Sucking out the juice and scattering the seeds to germinate, this process provides them with feasts for years to come.
Travelers to the North and South Luangwa National Parks and the Bangweulu Wetlands should include Kasanka, to witness the incredible spectacle unfold in the skies above the park at this time of year. Guided walks offer the best opportunity to see the bats up close.
You may be lucky enough to spot another of Kasanka’s unique inhabitants, the shoebill stork, while you are there. Wattled crane, sacred ibis, spur-winged goose, and swamp flycatcher, as well as elephant, buffalo, reedbuck, and hordes of black lechwe are also commonly seen at Kasanka.
Get in touch with us to experience it all in Zambia during your southern African safari.
