Research Camp - Kasanka National Park
Research Camp is a camp near Kasanka National Park.
- Location
- Kasanka National Park, Northern Zambia, Zambia, Southern Africa
- Coordinates
- -12.590165, 30.254145
- Activities
- camp
PlnrScore: 27/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
459 species observed within 20 km, 48 mammals, 121 birds.
- Straw-coloured Fruit Bat (Mammalia, 43 observations)
- Puku (Mammalia, 40 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 Research Camp
The best months to visit Research Camp 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 makes Research Camp a special base for exploring Kasanka National Park, especially outside the peak wildlife season?
We love Research Camp because it offers a unique perspective on Kasanka, particularly during the fruit bat migration. While other areas might quiet down, the skies above the camp and the surrounding miombo woodlands teem with life. It's an intimate experience, far from the crowds, and the camp itself provides a comfortable and knowledgeable hub for these incredible natural phenomena.
Beyond the famous fruit bats, what other wildlife can we realistically expect to see when staying at Research Camp?
While the fruit bat spectacle is unparalleled, Research Camp puts you in prime position for Kasanka's other residents. We've spotted shy puku and sitatunga in the wetlands, and the miombo woodlands are alive with diverse birdlife. Keep an eye out for Sharpe's grysbok and even the occasional leopard if you're lucky on a night drive – the guides here are excellent at finding them.
What is the general atmosphere and accommodation style like at Research Camp?
The lodge feels luxurious and timeless, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Think comfortable, well appointed chalets with private verandas perfect for morning coffee or evening stargazing. It’s sophisticated yet unfussy, allowing the wilderness to remain the star attraction.
Considering Research Camp's location, what are the practicalities of getting there and the best time to plan our visit?
Getting to Research Camp typically involves a flight into Mfuwe followed by a road transfer, which is part of the adventure. We recommend visiting between June and October for the best game viewing conditions and drier weather. However, for the truly unique fruit bat migration, plan your trip for late October through December – it’s an unforgettable experience.
What kind of activities are offered directly from Research Camp, and what should we budget for?
Activities from Research Camp focus on immersive experiences in Kasanka's diverse habitats. We particularly enjoy the guided bush walks, which offer a different perspective than game drives, and the night drives are essential for spotting nocturnal creatures. While costs vary, expect to factor in daily park fees and activity charges on top of your accommodation, which is generally mid to high range for this quality of experience.