Pontoon Campsite #1 - Kasanka National Park
Pontoon Campsite #1 is a camp near Kasanka National Park.
- Location
- Kasanka National Park, Northern Zambia, Zambia, Southern Africa
- Coordinates
- -12.573061, 30.234646
- Activities
- camp
PlnrScore: 27/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
457 species observed within 20 km, 48 mammals, 121 birds.
- Straw-coloured Fruit Bat (Mammalia, 45 observations)
- Puku (Mammalia, 42 observations)
- Sitatunga (Mammalia, 33 observations)
- Kinda Baboon (Mammalia, 24 observations)
- Southern Bushbuck (Mammalia, 22 observations)
- Peters's Epauletted Fruit Bat (Mammalia, 16 observations)
- Common Hippopotamus (Mammalia, 15 observations)
- Spur-winged Goose (Aves, 14 observations)
- Kivu Reed Frog (Amphibia, 14 observations)
- Dobson's Epauletted Fruit Bat (Mammalia, 14 observations)
Best Time to Visit Pontoon Campsite #1
The best months to visit Pontoon Campsite #1 are September, October, April, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Poor, temperature 20.61°C, rainfall 315.6mm, sunshine 7.4 hrs, humidity 86.3%
- February: Poor, temperature 20.94°C, rainfall 252.5mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 85.2%
- March: Good, temperature 20.93°C, rainfall 173.6mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 82.5%
- April: Great, temperature 20.71°C, rainfall 38.7mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 72.3%
- May: Great, temperature 19.46°C, rainfall 0.7mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 57.6%
- June: Great, temperature 17.98°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 53.7%
- July: Great, temperature 17.88°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 47.9%
- August: Great, temperature 20.48°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 42.1%
- September: Great, temperature 23.3°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 37.1%
- October: Great, temperature 25.24°C, rainfall 17.6mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 40.5%
- November: Great, temperature 24.22°C, rainfall 74.4mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 58.4%
- December: Good, temperature 22.54°C, rainfall 209.8mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 72.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to visit Pontoon Campsite #1 for the bat migration?
We absolutely love visiting Pontoon Campsite #1 from late October through December. This is when the incredible straw-colored fruit bat migration descends upon Kasanka National Park, and the campsite offers front row seats. The sheer scale of it is breathtaking, a true spectacle of nature you won't forget.
Beyond the bats, what other wildlife can we expect to see near Pontoon Campsite #1?
While the bats are the main draw, we always keep our eyes peeled for the park's resident puku and Sharpe's grysbok, which are quite unique to this region. You might also spot hippos in the nearby waterways and a variety of birdlife. It's a more intimate wildlife experience than some of the larger parks, which we find rather special.
What kind of accommodation and amenities does Pontoon Campsite #1 offer?
Pontoon Campsite #1 offers comfortable, rustic chalets that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. We found them to be clean and well maintained, providing a cozy base after a day of exploring. Expect essential comforts rather than outright luxury, which perfectly suits the remote location.
How accessible is Pontoon Campsite #1, and what should we pack for the journey?
Getting to Pontoon Campsite #1 involves a bit of an adventure, often requiring a 4x4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season. We recommend packing light, breathable clothing, good walking shoes, insect repellent, and a reliable headlamp. The journey itself is part of the experience, taking you through beautiful Zambian landscapes.
What are the typical costs associated with a stay at Pontoon Campsite #1?
While prices can fluctuate, we generally budget around $150-$250 per person per night, which usually includes accommodation and meals. Park entry fees are additional. It's a worthwhile investment for such a unique and memorable safari experience in a less-traveled corner of Zambia.