Safari in Northern Zambia
Discover the unique Bangweulu Wetlands, a haven for the shoebill, and the pristine shores of Lake Tanganyika in Zambia's wild north.
Northern Zambia Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Northern Zambia
Northern Zambia Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Northern Zambia
Bangweulu GMA
Bangweulu GMA is a protected area in Zambia.
Chitimba-Lyendwa Community Conservancy
Chitimba-Lyendwa Community Conservancy is a protected area in Zambia.
Isangano National Park
Isangano National Park is a national park of 840 square kilometres in the Northern Province of Zambia, on the northern margin of the Bangweulu Wetlands, comprising a mixture of wetlands and miombo dryland. A small proportion is permanent swamp, adjacent to three main rivers. It was created as a game reserve in Luwingu District in 1957 and declared a national park in 1972.
Kasanka National Park
A unique wetland ecosystem, Kasanka is most famous for hosting the world's largest mammal migration – millions of straw-coloured fruit bats that descend upon the park's evergreen swamp forest between October and December. It also offers excellent birdwatching and sightings of sitatunga, puku, and other wetland species.
Lake Chilengwa
Lake Chilengwa is a protected area in Zambia.
Lavushi Manda National Park
Lavushi Manda National Park is a national park in the Muchinga Province of Zambia with an area of 1,500 sq km. It is the 11th largest of the 20 National Parks in Zambia. The park was initially gazetted as a Game Reserve in 1941, and was declared a National Park in 1972. It is located in a district of the same name (Lavushimanda), with the South Luangwa National Park in the neighbouring Mpika District.
Lusenga Plain National Park
Lusenga Plain National Park is a national park in Kawambwa District, Luapula Province of Zambia, situated to the south-east of Lake Mweru and on the western bank of the Kalungwishi River. Once rich in large game animals, the Park was neglected and wildlife numbers declined, but in recent years there have been improvements including the restocking of some animals and provision of Park staff and infrastructure, such as wildlife scouts and an improved access road. Lusenga Plain National Park is particularly rich in birdlife.
Mutinondo Wilderness
Mutinondo Wilderness is a protected area in Zambia.
Mweru Wantipa National Park
Lake Mweru Wantipa or Mweru-wa-Ntipa meaning "muddy lake" (also called 'Mweru Marsh') is a lake and swamp system in the Northern Province of Zambia. It has been regarded in the past as something of mystery, displaying fluctuations in water level and salinity which were not entirely explained by variation in rainfall levels; it has been known to dry out almost completely. This is compounded by its remoteness and it not receiving the same attention from geographers and geologists as its larger and more accessible neighbours, Lake Tanganyika, 25 km east, and Lake Mweru, 40 km west, with which its name is sometimes confused.
Nsumbu National Park
Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Africa's second-deepest lake, Nsumbu offers a unique combination of terrestrial wildlife and aquatic activities. Visitors can see elephants, buffalo, and various antelopes along the lake, while also enjoying fishing and snorkeling in the pristine waters, known for their endemic cichlid fish.
Compare Parks in Northern Zambia
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Northern Zambia
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kasanka National Park | - | 426 | - | Quiet | High | FLSE (74km) |
| Nsumbu National Park | 2,020 km² | 184 | - | Very Quiet | High | ZKB (36km) |
| Bangweulu GMA | - | 289 | - | Very Quiet | High | FLEA (70km) |
| Chitimba-Lyendwa Community Conservancy | - | 184 | - | Very Quiet | High | ZKB (30km) |
| Isangano National Park | 840 km² | - | - | Very Quiet | High | FLEB (26km) |
| Lake Chilengwa | - | 344 | - | Quiet | High | FLND (12km) |
| Lavushi Manda National Park | - | 337 | - | Very Quiet | High | FLMP (78km) |
| Lusenga Plain National Park | - | - | - | Very Quiet | High | FLKB (44km) |
| Mutinondo Wilderness | - | 337 | - | Quiet | High | FLMP (61km) |
| Mweru Wantipa National Park | 3,134 km² | 110 | - | Very Quiet | High | FLCC (39km) |
54 species recorded in Northern Zambia6 threatened
We love the raw, untamed beauty of Northern Zambia. The sheer scale of the Bangweulu Wetlands is breathtaking, a labyrinth of water and reeds where the air hums with the calls of countless birds. Standing on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, we felt the immense power of this ancient lake, its waters stretching to the horizon like an inland sea. The sunsets here are sensational, painting the sky in fiery hues over landscapes that feel utterly untouched.
Terrain & Altitude
Vast, largely flat floodplains and shallow lake systems dominate, interspersed with mopane woodlands and occasional rocky outcrops.
800-1,100m above sea level
Vegetation
Dominated by extensive papyrus swamps, water grasses, and acacia woodlands that transition to mopane scrub in drier areas.
Water Sources
The immense Bangweulu Wetlands, fed by numerous rivers, and the southern shores of the colossal Lake Tanganyika are the primary water sources.
Unique Features
The Bangweulu Wetlands are one of Africa's most significant bird sanctuaries, particularly renowned for the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork.
Getting to Northern Zambia requires patience and planning. While driving is possible, we strongly recommend chartering a small aircraft into one of the local airstrips. It saves considerable time and bypasses the often challenging road conditions, allowing you to start your safari experience refreshed.
Nearest Airports
Mansa Airport (MNS)
Varies greatly depending on specific lodge location, often 2-6 hours drive
Limited scheduled flights, often charter or private flights are more practical
Kasama Airport (KKC)
Varies greatly depending on specific lodge location, often 3-7 hours drive
Limited scheduled flights, often charter or private flights are more practical
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Lusaka
A long but scenic drive. The tarmac road is generally good until you get closer to the wetlands or lake, where conditions can deteriorate significantly, especially in the rainy season. A sturdy 4WD is non negotiable for comfort and reliability.
From Ndola
Slightly shorter than from Lusaka, the route is similar in terms of road quality. We find it best to break the journey in Kasama or Mansa if possible, to avoid arriving too late.
Temperature
21.1°C
70°F
Rainfall
282.7 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
85.1%
Sunshine
7.9 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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Health & Travel Info
Important health and safety information for Zambia