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Unbeknownst to even some of the most seasoned safari travellers, Zambia is home to the largest mammal migration in the world. Every year in October and November, between eight and 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats arrive in Kasanka National Park, just in time for the first rains of the season and the bounty of fruit that follows. Here, you can witness swarms of bats moving to and from their roosts at dawn and dusk, marking one of nature’s most spectacular shows.
Why Should You Go on This Experience?
Witness Something Remarkable
Scientists estimated that Kasanka National Park’s ephemeral mega-colony of bats has the highest density of mammalian biomass on the entire planet. Each year, the bats devour around 330,000 tonnes of fruit, and while they’re in the park, they attract all kinds of predators and scavengers.
Great Photo Opportunities
Capture the drama of the migration in beautiful, undisturbed landscapes with fewer tourists in the frame. Hides built into the forest canopy offer incredible perspectives of this natural phenomenon.
Best Destinations for Migration Safaris in Zambia
Kasanka National Park
Kasanka National Park is the only place in the world where you can witness this awe-inspiring bat migration. Although it’s one of Zambia’s smallest national parks, it boasts five perennial rivers that support species like hippopotamus, elephant, zebra, leopard, and hyena.
Five Tips for Migration Safaris
1. Visit During Peak Migration
The wet season (October to December) is when the migration is at its most dramatic, with straw-coloured fruit bats congregating in Kasanka National Park.
2. Pack Your Camera
You’ll need a really good camera and lens to capture the bats in low-light conditions. If you have the equipment, make sure you bring it along.
3. Get Vaccinated
Although it’s incredibly unlikely that you’ll get bitten by a bat, these animals are known vectors of the rabies virus. Make sure your rabies shot is up to date before you travel.
4. Pack for the Elements
The straw-coloured fruit bat migration takes place at the beginning of Zambia’s rainy season, so make sure you pack waterproof clothing.
5. Combine with Other Safaris
While the migration is a bucket-list experience in its own right, you’ll want to explore Zambia’s other national parks while you’re in the country.
