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Header photo by F. Willems, Kasanka Trust, Zambia.
"Bangweulu boat" photo by F. Willems, Kasanka Trust, Zambia.
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Bangweulu floodplains gma |
Aprox. 50 kms north of Kasanka National Park in northeastern Zambia lies the vast Bangweulu floodplains. The lake, the huge swamps and the seasonlly flooded grass plains make a huge 15 000 sq. km large haven to birds and animals. Several rivers flows into the Bangweulu flooplains which is a largely untouched part of Africa and rivals Okavango in size.
The waters of Bangweulu fluctuates with the rainy season and is drained by the Luapula river which is part of the Congo River system.
Location: northern Zambia, Altitude: +/- 1140 m, protected area: 6470 sq. km,
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Wildlife in Bangweulu wetlands
Although the Bangweulu gma is a game management area and not a national park, it is a very exciting area with some very unusual birds. The rare Shoebill Stork lives here and so does more than 400 bird species and many mammals. This incredible diversity of birds makes Bangweulu an area of great interest to birdwatchers.
There are no lions in Bangweulu. Until 30 years ago, lions roamed the swamps and preyed on lechwe and sitatunga. But due to the increase in human activity the lions were eradicated. However, there are now plans to restock the area with species locally extinct. Among them - the lion.
Some mammals: Black Lechwe, Buffalo, Elephant, Oribi, Reedbuck, Sitatunga, Tsessebe
Some birds: African Hawk Eagle, African Marsh Harrier, African Pygmy Goose, African Sparrowhawk, Black-crowned Night Heron, Denhams Bustard, Fulbourne's Longclaw, Fulvous Whistling Duck, Glossy Ibis, marsh tchagra, marsh whydah, Pink-throated Longclaw, Sacred Ibis, Saddle-billed stork, Spur-winged goose, Swamp Fly-catcher, Wattled crane, White-cheeked Bee-eater,
Some reptiles:
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Outside the Bangweulu Wetlands
National parks and game management areas are clustered together in Zambia.
Bangweulu floodplains gma borders five other protected areas: Kafinda gma, Lavushi Manda National Park, Chambeshi gma, Kalasa Mukoso gma and the Chikuni Community Partnership Park.
The Chikuni Community Partnership Park is a 2010 sq. km new, private owned park situated close to the Bangweulu gma.
Kafinda gma was established in 1941 and is a nearly 4000 sq. km large area that surrounds the Kasanka national park. Kafinda gma lies to the south of Bangweulu gma.
Lavushi Manda National Park lies to the south-east of Bangweulu gma. It is by some described as a very pleasant landscape but with few animals due to paching.
Chambeshi is situated to the north of the Bangweulu gma and is a 620 sq. km large game management area adjacent to the Isangano national park.
Kalasa Mukoso gma lies to the west of the Bangweulu gma.
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Shoebill Island Camp is situated 70 kms north of Kasanka N.P. on the edge of
the huge Bangweulu wetlands. This areas offers dramatic viewing of Black
Lechwe (over 100,000) Tsessebe and other less often seen animals. It is
however the birdlife, especially Shoebills that attract most visitors.
Accommodation is in ensuite safari tents and reed huts and offers fully
inclusive stays or camping at the campsite.
P. Adr.:Kasanka Trust Ltd. P.O.Box 850073, Serenje, Zambia.
Website:www.kasanka.com
Phone:+873 76 206 7957 Fax: +873 76 206 7959 (both by satellite)
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Other safari Lodges or wilderness camps in or close to the Bangweulu floodplains:
Lake bangweulu water transport guesthouse,
Lake waka waka camp,
Makanga Camp,
Nakapalayo,
Nsobe Campsite
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