Northern Zambia (Kasanka, Bangweulu)
Wild wetlands and the great bat migration 🦇🌿
Northern Zambia is a destination for families who love the path less traveled. This vast region is defined by water: from the swamps of Bangweulu to the sparkling crater lakes and numerous waterfalls that earn it the nickname 'land of waterfalls'. The climate here is tropical, with high rainfall from November to April ensuring the landscapes remain verdant year-round. However, the travel infrastructure is more basic than in the south, making this region best suited for families comfortable with 4x4 travel or charter flights.
The crown jewel is Kasanka National Park, one of the smallest but most accessible parks in the north. Every year between October and December, it hosts the Fruit Bat Migration, where up to 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats descend on a small patch of swamp forest. Viewing platforms allow families to watch this swirling phenomenon at dusk and dawn—a spectacle that rivals the Serengeti wildebeest migration but with a fraction of the tourists. Kasanka is also home to the shy sitatunga antelope and offers excellent canoeing opportunities on the Luwombwa River.
Nearby, the Bangweulu Wetlands offer a completely different landscape of floodplains and papyrus swamps. It is one of the only places in the world to reliably spot the Shoebill, a massive, dinosaur-like bird that fascinates children and adults alike. Walking through the swamps (often in water) is part of the adventure here, so it is better suited for older children and teens. The region also boasts the 'Northern Circuit' of waterfalls, including Lumangwe Falls, which looks like a miniature Victoria Falls but without the crowds. Families can often camp right next to the water, falling asleep to the sound of the river.
Travel here requires preparation. Lodges are often simple, eco-friendly camps rather than luxury resorts. The roads can be rough and long, so breaking up the journey is essential. However, the reward is an intimate connection with nature. There are fewer dangerous predators in these specific areas compared to the Luangwa Valley, allowing for more freedom to explore on foot or bike in designated zones. It is a raw, authentic slice of Africa for the true explorer family.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to the world's largest mammal migration (millions of fruit bats) and the rare Shoebill stork, offering a unique wilderness experience. Peak dry months provide optimal access to wetlands and wildlife viewing, while heavy summer rains (Dec-Mar) flood roads and limit visibility.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Features significant natural history sites and the David Livingstone Memorial, providing profound insights into African exploration and ecology. Educational access is best during the dry season when remote research sites and historical landmarks are accessible by road.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Centred around the spectacular Bat Migration (Oct-Nov) and the vibrant Mutomboko traditional ceremony (July). These world-class seasonal events are the primary draw for sophisticated travelers, with little seasonal activity during the peak rainy months.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers exceptional swamp canoeing, walking safaris, and trekking in the Mutinondo Wilderness. Peak months provide the coolest and driest conditions for physical exertion, while the rainy season (Nov-Mar) creates challenging mud and high humidity.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
A true frontier expedition for experienced drivers seeking raw, scenic landscapes and waterfalls. Only viable in the peak dry season; the region's infrastructure is extremely vulnerable to rainfall, making many routes impassable for much of the year.
Attractions (32 total)
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Bangweulu Wetlands
Mpika
A vast community-managed water wilderness where families can explore winding papyrus channels by traditional dugout canoe.
Visit website →Kasanka National Park
Serenje
A premier outdoor destination offering high-level canopy viewing platforms and forest trails perfect for wildlife-loving families.
Visit website →Lumangwe Falls
Kawambwa
Known as the 'Little Victoria Falls', this site offers adventurous forest walks and stunning views of a 100-meter wide curtain of water.
Mutinondo Wilderness
Mpika
An outdoor activity center featuring over 50km of trails for hiking and mountain biking across dramatic granite inselbergs.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Chishimba Falls Sacred Site
Kasama
A set of three powerful waterfalls that are deeply sacred to the Bemba people, featuring ancient shrines and a lush rainforest setting.
David Livingstone Memorial
Chitambo
A historic monument and visitor center marking the exact location where the famous explorer David Livingstone died in 1873.
Nachikufu Cave
Mpika
A significant archaeological site and cultural area featuring ancient San rock paintings and evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years.
Niamkolo Church
Mpulungu
The impressive stone ruins of the oldest surviving church in Zambia, built in 1895 by the London Missionary Society near the lake shore.
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Kalambo Falls
Mbala
Africa's second-highest single-drop waterfall, plunging 221 meters into a deep gorge on the border with Tanzania.
Chishimba Falls
Kasama
A sacred site for the Bemba people consisting of three successive waterfalls—Mutumuna, Kaela, and Chishimba—on the Luombe River.
Ntumbachushi Falls
Mansa
A series of picturesque waterfalls and natural pools on the Ng’ona River, perfect for swimming and family picnics.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Kalambo Falls Trail
Mbala
10km challenging day hike. 4-6 hours. 400m elevation gain. This trail leads hikers from the top of Africa's second-highest single-drop waterfall (221m) down a steep, rocky escarpment to the base of the falls and the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The path is well-defined but strenuous, requiring good fitness and sturdy boots.
Visit website →Bangweulu Shoebill Trek
Mpika / Bangweulu Wetlands
5km moderate guided trek. 3-4 hours. 10m elevation gain. A unique walking safari through the seasonally flooded grasslands and papyrus swamps of the Bangweulu Wetlands. The primary goal of this named trek is to spot the prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork. The terrain can be muddy and requires wading through shallow water.
Visit website →Chishimba Falls Rainforest Trail
Kasama
5km easy loop. 2 hours. 80m elevation gain. This well-maintained circuit explores the sacred three-tier waterfall system consisting of Mutumuna, Kaela Rapids, and the main Chishimba Falls. The trail passes through a rare pocket of rainforest and includes several viewpoints and bridges. It is culturally significant to the Bemba people as a home of spirits.
Visit website →Fibwe Forest Bat Trail
Kasanka National Park
6km easy forest walk. 2 hours. 30m elevation gain. Located in Kasanka National Park, this trail is world-famous between October and December for the migration of millions of straw-colored fruit bats. The path leads through evergreen swamp forest (mushitu) to the Fibwe Hide, an 18-meter-high platform in a mahogany tree.
Visit website →Lumangwe to Kabwelume River Walk
Kawambwa
6km easy to moderate walk. 2-3 hours. 50m elevation gain. A scenic riverside trail that connects two of Zambia's most spectacular waterfalls. Starting at the massive, block-type Lumangwe Falls (often called a 'mini-Victoria Falls'), the path follows the Kalungwishi River downstream to the multi-tiered Kabwelume Falls complex.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Kapishya Hot Springs
Shiwa Ng'andu
Natural geothermal springs featuring 40°C sulfur-free, crystal-clear mineral water. The site includes stone-lined pools with white sandy bottoms, set within a lush tropical raffia palm forest. Open to day visitors for a fee.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Kasanka Fruit Bat Migration
Serenje
Late October to December, 90-day natural phenomenon, involving over 10 million fruit bats, the world's largest mammal migration. It attracts thousands of international wildlife enthusiasts and global media crews including the BBC. Family-friendly viewing is conducted from high canopy hides at dawn and dusk.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Samfya Beach
Samfya
The premier white-sand beach of inland Zambia, offering a seaside-like atmosphere with clear waters on the shores of Lake Bangweulu.
Lake WakaWaka
Mansa
A pristine and secluded freshwater lake famous for its remarkably clear water and tranquil swimming spots surrounded by lush natural forest.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Shiwa Ng'andu Estate
Mpika
A grand 1920s manor house known as 'The Africa House', where families can tour the historic library and explore the beautiful gardens.
Visit website →Moto Moto Museum
Mbala
A fascinating cultural hub displaying ethnographic artifacts and tribal history, perfect for families wanting to learn about Northern Zambia's past.
Livingstone Memorial
Mpika
A historic monument marking where explorer David Livingstone died in 1873, offering a reflective and educational outdoor site for history-loving families.
Mwata Kazembe Palace
Mwansabombwe
The vibrant royal seat of the Lunda Kingdom, where families can see living history and traditional Zambian court architecture.
Mwela Rock Paintings
Kasama
An expansive archaeological park where families can hike to discover thousands of ancient red-ochre rock art drawings in granite caves.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
The Northern Circuit Waterfall Route
Mansa
Approximately 1,200km loop (7-10 days). Primarily paved on main roads (M3 and D19), though high-clearance or 4WD is required for the final access tracks to the falls. Highlights include the massive Lumangwe Falls, Kabwelume Falls, and Chishimba Falls, traversing the heart of the Congo Basin watershed.
Visit website →Muchinga Escarpment Drive
Serenje
240km paved section of the T2 Great North Road (3-4 hours). This well-maintained highway climbs through the dramatic foothills of the Muchinga Escarpment. It serves as the primary scenic access route for international visitors heading to Kasanka National Park and the Bangweulu Wetlands.
Visit website →Samfya-Bangweulu Scenic Drive
Mansa
80km paved route (1-1.5 hours) connecting Mansa to the shores of Lake Bangweulu. Features well-maintained asphalt with views of tropical landscapes. Highlights include the white sand beaches of Samfya, the nearby Lake WakaWaka, and the vast vistas of one of Africa's largest wetland systems.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Kundalila Falls
Serenje
A picturesque waterfall where the Kaombe River drops 70 meters into a deep canyon with a natural pool suitable for swimming.
Mumbuluma Falls
Mansa
Two beautiful cascading waterfalls located near Mansa that offer a tranquil setting for picnics and natural forest walks.
Kabwelume Falls
Kawambwa
A breathtaking three-tiered waterfall complex located just downstream from Lumangwe Falls, surrounded by lush riverine forest.
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Nsumbu National Park
Mpulungu
A unique park where sandy beaches and the blue waters of Lake Tanganyika meet a rugged landscape home to elephants and diverse birdlife.
Visit website →