Boat safaris in the wet. Game drives in the dry. Birding a predominant feature
Shoebill Island Camp is a small, twelve bedded camp (under thatch) with panoramic views over the Bangweulu swamps. Bangweulu is a huge area north of Kasanka National Park and is excellent combined with Kasanka.
Bangweulu has three main habitats; open water in the north, vast swamps in the middle and seasonally flooded plains in the south and east. The wetland area is fed by 17 rivers and drained by only one, the Luapula river which feeds into Lake Tanganyika.
The Lukulu, a river feeding the wetlands, has papyrus swamps which is the breeding ground for the huge, almost prehistoric looking Shoebill stork. Bangweulu is one of the few places left in the world to see these bird in the wild. The area also attracts a huge amount of other water birds.
It is also famous for its large herds of black letchwe, indiginous to the area. The flooding in Bengweulu reaches its peak March - May and although it makes game viewing more challenging (you have to go everywhere by boat) it is the best time to visit for the shoebills, which can sometimes be seen from the lodge, and other water birds.
As the waters recede from May to October, you are able to game view by vehicle as well as by boat, banana boat and canoe. The receding water forces the shoebills to migrate to the swamps and at the end of the dry season they may be hard to spot.
As the waters dry up, the game viewing becomes easier with large numbers of letchwe, orabi, tsessebe, civets, genets and mongoose. Shoebill Island Lodge is supported by the Kasanka Trust and for each visitor to the Island, a portion of the money paid is used to assist ZAWA in wildlife management.
12 bedded camp under thatch.
Boat safaris in the wet. Game drives in the dry. Birding a predominant feature
price includes food and local drinks, activities and laundry. Excludes imported drinks.
These wetlands are part of the Great Bangweulu Basin, a vast flat area fed by 17 main rivers and home to the huge Bangweulu Lake. This is an area of swamps and, on the slightly higher ground, scattered woodlands; not surprisingly Bengweulu is a birdwatchers paradise and is well renowned for its flocks of the highly unusual shoebill stork, which are a remarkable sight. There used to be lions in the area but unfortunately they dispersed entirely when various camps were being built, however there are still a number of various species of antelopes, including thousands of the endemic black lechwe. Read more?
Zambia has made a name for itself in the last ten years, as a high quality wildlife destination and one that is particularly good for walking safaris. Intimate (and often rustic) bushcamps, excellent local guides, beautiful riverine scenery and varied game and birdlife are the trademarks of a safari in Zambia. Jump straight to our favourite Zambia experiences. Read more?
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Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.
