A flight of no more than two hours from Lusaka or Luangwa takes you to Zambia’s real safari secret: Kasanka National Park. From mid-October to mid-December up to 10 million fruit bats arrive in Kasanka. Clustered in one small patch of forest, their incredible dawn and evening flights provide a sight to rival the Great Wildebeest Migration; sit back on an elevated platform with Wasa’s expert guides and watch it all play out in front of you!

A little-visited region of forest and wetlands, Kasanka is one of the country’s smaller reserves but enjoys private management and a reputation for successful nature conservation. There are elephants and buffalo in Kasanka and many species of antelope – including the rare semi-aquatic sitatunga – plus leopard and jackal. It also offers the adventurous traveller a unique opportunity to experience the wildlife of Africa’s tropical forests, a perfect combination with Zambia’s more familiar safari destinations like Victoria Falls, the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa.

Overlooking hippo-filled Wasa Lake, this relaxed lodge lies at the heart of the experience – and with only seven suites, it promises to be an intimate and personalised stay. A typical day at Wasa Lodge opens with sunrise coffee and biscuits followed by a game drive and perhaps a visit to an interesting community project. Other activities include guided nature walks, mountain biking, tracking baboons with researchers, and what is rated as some of the best bird watching in Africa – you choose your schedule at Wasa Lodge.

Highlights

• Lakeside setting with chortling hippos nearby
• Game drives guided nature walks and community interactions for your schedule
• Astonishing migration of 10 million fruit bats between October and December
• Easy combination with South Luangwa National Park
• Some of Africa's most astounding and rewarding birding
• 12-volt charging points on game-drive vehicles

Activities

• BIRD WATCHING
• CANOEING
• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKS

'This should be on any intrepid traveller's bucket list! Wasa Lodge is back-to-basics but packs a punch on unusual experiences - book early for the annual bat migration or enjoy the 3-night wilderness trails hike. For those searching for the rare shoebill stork, this is the place for you. A simple yet magical place, away from crowds and a bit unusual, adding on a stay here to just unwind after a more intense safari is ideal. You can cycle, hike, canoe, game drive - there is plenty to do... or not...'

Facilities

Wasa is a simple but comfortable lodge; its main building is made up of a reception area, a cosy lounge with a bar and a dining area that leads outdoors to a terrace with fireplace and lake views. Set between its suites is an elevated viewing platform – the best place to enjoy the sunrise over the lake as the hippos and birds vie with each other for prime position in the dawn chorus.

Wasa Lodge has charging points for batteries at the main building but not in the rooms; you are also welcome to bring a 12-volt charger and charge batteries from the vehicle while on a game drive.

Dining

It is an early start at Wasa Lodge but worth it; your choice of tea or coffee arrives at your suite on a tray with traditional rusks (a thick type of biscuit). Sit back and watch the sunrise over the lake before your morning activity. There is a hearty cooked or continental brunch to look forward to on your return at midday and then a mid-afternoon high tea before your afternoon adventure.

The day ends with drinks around the fireplace at camp and a 3-course dinner served in the dining room or outside under the stars.