Bangweulu Wetlands

Bangweulu means “where the water meets the sky”, which is a perfect description of this extraordinary community-owned protected wetland in north-eastern Zambia.

The sprawling Bangweulu floodplains seam to stretch forever into the horizon in Zambia’s remote Northern reaches. In the dry season as the flood waters recede, tens of thousands of endemic Black Lechwe roam the grassy plains. In the rainy season, the vast plains flood, attracting flocks of migratory birds. A spectacular sight with Pelicans, Storks, Cranes, Herons and over 370 other species of birds gather including the very rare Shoebill Stork, these wetlands are also one of the must visit ‘Birding’ locations in Zambia.

Bangweulu Highlights

• Translocations are bolstering Bangweulu’s wildlife. Between 2020 and 2021, a total of seven cheetahs were successfully reintroduced to help restore the landscape in a collaborative effort between Zambia’s DNPW, African Parks, the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Ashia Cheetah Conservation and National Geographic.
• Continuous law enforcement recruitment and training, as well as specialised training in water-based operations, has resulted in a highly efficient team of over 80 rangers.
• Bangweulu has been designated an “Important Bird Area” by BirdLife International and a “Wetlands of International Importance” under the RAMSAR Convention. And a comprehensive Shoebill Rehabilitation and Breeding facility is contributing to help grow the numbers of the critically endangered shoebill species.

During the wet season, from February to April, the park comes alive with birdlife and is a birdwatcher’s paradise. As the plains are wet, sightings can be done by boat, while a number of walks are also available.

From May to July, the plains are drier, and the weather is much cooler. This is the perfect time to see lechwe and shoebills while walking and driving in the park.

From August to December is the real dry season, and during this period the conditions are ideal for game drives and camping. The dry season is also the best time to see shoebill nests.

Just a short flight from the Luangwa Valley, the park makes an ideal day trip for those on a big game safari in the area.

Pros & Cons

• Home to the endemic black lechwe
• Excellent birding opportunities
• A chance to see shoebill
• Community-owned protected wetland
• An opportunity to meet local communities
• Activities include game drives, walking safaris and mokoro trips
• Little-visited off-the-beaten-track destination
• Good park management under African Parks
• Limited game-drive circuit
• Very seasonal destination

Best Time to Go – May to July (Shoebills and black lechwe)

High Season – Never (The park is never busy)

Size –  6,000km² / 2,317mi²

Altitude – 1,160-1,186m / 3,806-3,891ft