Bangweulu is one of the best places to view the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill – as well as hundreds of other bird species.
Meet members of the local communities, who migrate seasonally with the water levels and depend on the wetlands to sustain their traditional way of life.
See the Livingstone Memorial, marking the site where Dr David Livingstone died on the edge of the Bangweulu Wetlands, while in search for the source of the Nile.
Visit the local villages and fishing camps to see sustainable livelihood programmes in action, such as traditional fishing methods and bee-keeping
Watch thousands-strong herds of black lechwe in their natural habitat, the only place they can be seen in the wild.
During the wet season, from February to April, the plains come alive with birdlife and are a birdwatcher’s paradise. Interspersed with daily rainstorms, much of the landscape is flooded. Please note that Shoebill Camp and Nsobe campsite are closed at this time due to high water levels. For visits during this time, guests can stay at Nkondo Tented Camp (two hours from the swamp) but should enquire first about road access to the plains.
Shoebill Island Camp opens on the first of May, flights in at this time should be directed to Inja Airstrip (close to Nkondo). Chimbwi airstrip is generally dry from June onwards, please enquire first before landing here. May through to July, the rains have abated and the weather is much cooler. This is the perfect time to see the huge herds of lechwe, vast flocks of migratory birds, and Shoebills, all of whom follow the water levels for their foraging and feeding. Nsobe campsite opens as soon as the water levels begin to drop and the camp is dry. Mokoro/boat trips are a great way to get into the swamp and see the exquisite bird life, alongside the carefully constructed fishing camps and the reality of life in the swamps.
August to December is the real dry season, and during this period the conditions are ideal for game drives and camping; find the groups of Tsessebe herds in the woodlands, or the gatherings of Buffalo around the water holes. Watch the hyena leave their dens at sunset to go hunting, and return again at dawn for a good day’s sleep. Shoebills start to move north with the receding water levels, making sightings of Shoebills significantly harder from September onwards.
Just a short flight from the Luangwa Valley, Bangweulu makes an ideal day trip for those on a big game safari in the area, who are curious to see something different. Bangweulu presents an utterly ‘other’ experience, where the coexistence of people and wildlife can be truly appreciated, and the rich cultural heritage of Bangweulu as a productive fishery can be celebrated.
The park is open from 05h00 to 18h00 for day visitors.
Fees for international day visitors:
Fees for Zambian citizen day visitors:
Yellow Fever inoculation certificates are no longer a requirement for entry into or departure from Zambia. However, visitors travelling on to other countries in Africa are advised to contact their doctor at least eight weeks before travel for up-to-date advice on their vaccination requirements and other health precautions. We also suggest that travellers take appropriate medical insurance for their holiday.
Please note that Bangweulu is a malaria area. It is important to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes by using insect repellents, as well as by wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evenings and mornings. It is also advisable that visitors take prophylaxis medication prescribed by a doctor.
When it comes to drinking water, avoid drinking tap water unless it is boiled or filtered. Bottled water is widely available in Zambia.
Although chiBemba is the predominant local language spoken in the Bangweulu area, English is Zambia’s official language and one can usually find someone who speaks English, even in remote areas.
Please note that all visitors to Zambia require a passport valid for at least six months from arrival. A number of countries either do not require a visa to visit Zambia, or may be issued one at their port of arrival. For confirmation, it is advisable to check with the Zambia Immigration department: http://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm
The local currency is Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). Many tourist destinations will accept US dollars, but change may be a problem if paying with large denomination notes. Try to have some small denomination ZMW notes for buying fresh produce and other supplies at local markets.
Although Zambia is a relatively safe country, always try to travel during the day and give yourself ample time to get to your destination – even quite short distances can require long travel times because of bad road conditions, and 4X4 vehicles with good clearance are recommended in most places. Start your journey with a full fuel tank and plenty of supplies – this should be done in big towns like Serenje or Mpika, as there is no fuel available in the remote areas. Please be aware that cell phone coverage is largely absent in the area. Some small towers have been erected at Chiundaponde and Muwele near Nsobe, but the signal is often poor.
For visitors interested in driving to Bangweulu, there are two options:
Option A: Using the Great North Road via Lavushi Manda National Park, travel north from Lusaka, until reaching 12 km north of the Kalonje railway (70 km south of Mpika). Turn left at the Bangweulu Wetlands signpost, through Lavushi Manda National Park for 66 km. If heading to Nkondo headquarters and tented camp, follow the sign-posted turnoff to your left after 57 km.
If heading to the swamps, continue for 9 km to the entrance gate of the GMA. From the barrier, it is 35 km to Muwele (the last village), approximately 1hr30. The road has villages and houses on either side its whole length; please drive carefully and watch out for children! After 35 km turn left at the radio tower and school and follow the road for another 7.5 km. Take the left turn signposted to Nsobe Camp.
If travelling onwards to Shoebill Camp, continue for 7 km across the floodplain following the causeway to Chikuni. Parking is at the small thatched Nsaka, to the left of the trees and buildings as you approach. Request specific directions for the road to the camp. During the wet season, a boat transfer should be organised from Nsobe or Chikuni.
Option B: Travel via Kasanka National Park and Lake Waka Waka to Nsobe Campsite. This is a dry-season route only. Please get in touch for specific directions.
Access conditions change over time and any traveller to Bangweulu is advised to contact staff at Nkondo headquarters to get an update on prevailing conditions before departure.
Please also get in touch for the most recent rate sheets: [email protected].
Important to know:
Visiting the parks is one of the best ways to support conservation, communities, and the long-term future of these wild areas. Use the link below to plan your visit today! Please make sure to provide your name, contact details, trip dates, number of guests and any other relevant information.