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The world’s largest mammal migration by size can be seen in the skies above Kasanka, one of Zambia’s lesser-known parks. Found towards the southwestern edge of the Lake Bangweulu basin in the north of the country, it’s here that the quiet, unassuming power of nature and the effortless fluidity of the animal kingdom hit home.
Every year, as many as 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats travel thousands of kilometres to Zambia, drawn to the fruit forests offered by its swampy marshes found in this region. If you’re not familiar with this astonishing natural occurrence, let this visual story inspire you for your next possible African adventure as we take a deep dive into a few facts around the fascinating Kasanka Bat Migration.
Travel Planning Tip: If you are considering combining a visit to Kasanka with a stop-over to see the iconic Victoria Falls, keep in mind you will visit during the low season, when water levels are low or may have dried up on the Zambian side. Reach out to our expert travel advisors, who can help you with detailed insights to tailor your safari experience.
1. Kasanka is the largest mammal migration by number.
The Kasanka Bat Migration sees about 8 to 10 million bats arriving each year. This makes one of Africa’s most popular experiences, the Great Wildebeest Migration across Tanzania and Kenya, pale in comparison with only 2 million animals, such as zebra, eland, and tommies, in addition to wildebeest. You can expect a gothic display of swirling shadows as this immense cauldron of bats takes flight.
2. It happens from late October in a small area in Kasanka.
Despite the massive number of bats, the migration occurs in a surprisingly small area – just 2 hectares (5 acres) of Kasanka’s swamp forest. The long-distance migration takes place in late October every year until early December.
Research by the Kasanka Land Trust (KLT) also shows that the bats fly an average of 50 km from their roost in the evening to feed on wild loquat, red milkwood, and water berries. This makes dawn and dusk the best times to observe the wonder of their movements in the millions as they leave and return to the swamp forests.
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3. These bats cover thousands of kilometres in search of fruit.
The African straw-coloured fruit bat is Africa’s second-largest fruit bat, with a wingspan of up to one metre. Once a year, they travel thousands of kilometres from the Congo rainforests in the furthest recorded migration of any African mammal, according to research by the World Land Trust.
“The bats come to Kasanka to feast on the abundance of fruit the forest produces after the first rains and will eat up to twice their body weight each night. This gives the bats the energy reserves for the rest of their long migrations across Africa, and is especially vital for pregnant females.”
4. The bat migration is vital to keep forests flourishing.
This mesmerising display of bat behaviour is an important process for “global biodiversity and ecosystem health,” adds KLT. “By feeding on fruits and flowers, the millions of winged mammals provide important seed dispersal and pollination services, boosting the health of the overall ecosystem.” This seed dispersal is essential for maintaining biodiversity in Kasanka and other surrounding forests.
5. Kasanka is a protected sanctuary for these bats.
Despite forming the largest concentration of mammals in the world during this migration, the fruit bat species has declined by 30% over the past decade due to deforestation and being hunted for bush meat. Kasanka, as a result, has become a key protected sanctuary for the bats, with the KTL as a conservation partner.
During this time of the year in Zambia, you’ll not only see this bat spectacle but also large expanses of lush grasslands, bright flowers, and migratory birds. You may also spot swamp-dwelling sitatungas and waterbucks, as well as rare blue monkeys.
Ready to take your dream safari? Reach out to our travel experts who have first-hand knowledge to guide you in planning the right safari for you.
Written by Micky Baker
• Travel Writer
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Written by Micky Baker
• Travel Writer
Part of the Zambia Safari Collection