Kasanka Bats & South Luangwa Combo
The Great Bat Spectacle, Then Walking Among the Predators
Overview
This eight-day journey pairs the two best things Zambia does — the ten-million-strong fruit bat spectacle at Kasanka and the finest walking and leopard country in Africa at South Luangwa. You start in the swamp forest, standing under the river of wings at dusk and climbing the Fibwe hide at dawn, then fly south to the Luangwa Valley for open-vehicle drives, walking safaris and some of the best big-cat viewing on the continent. One trip, two very different sides of wild Zambia.
South Luangwa is the home of the walking safari and one of the great leopard valleys on earth. Its oxbow lagoons and ebony groves hold dense concentrations of game — leopard, lion, wild dog, elephant, buffalo and the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe — while the Luangwa River draws huge pods of hippo and crocodile. Combined with the Kasanka bats in November, when the Luangwa is green, quiet and full of newborns, you get two of Africa's most distinct wildlife experiences back to back.
Who It's For
Made for wildlife purists, photographers and repeat safari-goers who want the Kasanka bat event and a classic predator-and-walking safari in the same trip — travellers happy to fly between parks for the very best of wild Zambia.
Package Highlights
The Kasanka Bats
Ten million fruit bats over the swamp forest at dusk and dawn
Luangwa Leopards
One of the best valleys in Africa for seeing leopard
Walking Safaris
South Luangwa is the birthplace of the walking safari
Thornicroft's Giraffe
The Luangwa Valley's own endemic giraffe
Night Drives
Luangwa's famous after-dark drives for genets, civets and cats
Two Parks, One Trip
A light-aircraft hop links the bats and the big cats
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Charter from Lusaka to Kasanka and settle into your lodge by Lake Wasa. As the light fades, head to a clearing for your first dusk at the roost, the sky filling with wings above you.
🏨 Accommodation: Wasa Lodge
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Your Route
Tap a marker to see each stop on your journey.
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Wasa Lodge
📍 Kasanka National Park, Zambia
Kasanka's main lodge on Lake Wasa, a short drive from the Fibwe hide and the bat roost — the natural base for the dusk and dawn flights.
From $320 per person per night
Mfuwe Lodge
📍 South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
A superb lodge beside two lagoons deep inside South Luangwa, famous for the elephants that occasionally walk through reception in the mango season. Excellent guiding and game right on the doorstep.
From $540 per person per night
Time + Tide Mchenja
📍 South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
An intimate, elegant bush camp under an ebony grove on a bend of the Luangwa River — a classic deep-park base for walking safaris and big cats.
From $790 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Classic
(~$0/night)
Comfortable lodges and camps, shared activities and all meals
Get QuoteLuxury
(~$0/night)
Premier camps, private guiding and all internal charter flights
Get QuoteUltra-Luxury
(~$0/night)
Exclusive-use camps, private vehicle, guide and photographer support
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ All internal light-aircraft charter flights as per itinerary
- ✓ Lodge and bush-camp accommodation at both parks
- ✓ All meals at the camps and lodges
- ✓ Dawn and dusk guided bat excursions at Kasanka
- ✓ Open-vehicle day and night game drives in South Luangwa
- ✓ Guided walking safaris with armed guide and scout
- ✓ Park fees and conservation levies
- ✓ Professional, licensed Zambian guides
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights to Zambia
- ✗ Zambian visa fees
- ✗ Travel and medical insurance
- ✗ Premium imported wines, champagnes and spirits
- ✗ Gratuities (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Personal expenses and curios
- ✗ Optional activities not specified
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
This combo lives or dies by the bats, so it runs in the narrow October-to-November window. November is the sweet spot: the Kasanka colony is at its peak and the Luangwa is green, quiet and full of newborns, with excellent leopard viewing. Come for the first three weeks of November for the best of both.
Why Choose This Package
Two of Africa's Best, Back to Back
The Kasanka bat spectacle and classic South Luangwa in one trip.
The Home of the Walking Safari
South Luangwa is where guided walking safaris began.
Superb Leopard Viewing
The Luangwa Valley is one of the finest leopard destinations on earth.
Linked by a Short Flight
A short charter hop connects the two parks, no long drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Kasanka Bats & South Luangwa Combo?
From $5,950 per person | 8 Days / 7 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
