Every year during October, up to ten million straw-coloured fruit bats arrive at Kasanka National Park in Zambia. Topping the wildebeest migration in Serengeti, it is believed to be the world’s biggest mammal migration.
Migrating from Central Africa, they roost in a one hectare patch of mushitu forest until late December which has become a world-famous spectacle and attracts naturalists, researchers and wildlife thrill-seekers from across the globe. The bats are enticed by the abundance of wild fruits in the area and colonies roost during the day, packing themselves around branches and trunks which often break under their sheer weight. As the sun sets, the noisy chatter and activity from the colony increases.
Scout bats fly out first before the entire colony stream out of their roost in search of food in a dramatic silhouette against the red sky. The bats at Kasanka have received international acclaim over recent years, featuring in David Attenborough’s BBC ‘Life’ series, CNN’S ‘must-see’ list and Mark Carwardine’s latest book ‘Ultimate Wildlife Experiences’. This exposure has helped to spread the world about this unique experience and encouraged tourists to visit from all over the world. To give visitors the best experience, as well as make sure the bats are undisturbed, specially-made platforms overlooking the bat forest have been constructed, providing superb views across the park, as well as a front row seat on the spectacular bat emergence.
New hides for restricted use are also being constructed so that visitors who join the “bat experience safari” will be hosted on an improved and enlarged central platform, which provides a stunning panoramic view over the core roosting area from a safe distance.
Book yourself a front-row seat to this unique encounter and escape the big city with Kasanka’s bat safari spectacular. A special bat package including charter flights, accommodation and catering is available from Lusaka. Email [email protected] for more details.
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