Bangweulu Wetlands

Bangweulu Wetlands is a unique wilderness destination. This enormous wetland region is hard to investigate and exceptionally occasional, yet it is home to a great many endemic black lechwes. A huge number of these semi-oceanic antelope can be spotted swimming through the water. Sitatunga additionally adores these natural surroundings, however, they are bashful and rarely seen. Elephants and buffalo can be spotted sometimes. Predator sightings are uncommon, yet spotted hyenas and jackals are frequently heard around evening time. The water channels are home to numerous hippos and crocodiles prowling in the reeds.

The park is known for its black lechwe, yet some other strange antelope species are seen here too. The quickest of all antelope is the tsessebe and hundreds can be seen on the field, bordering the floodplains. Sets of modest oribi are especially normal too.

Bangweulu Wetlands is very seasonal. The best time to spot the amazing herds of rare black lechwe in Bangweulu is in June and July when water levels have receded, and grass attracts the grazers.

Bangweulu Wetlands is mainly a birding destination with over 400 species recorded. Many marsh specials can be seen here, and the star attraction is the sought-after shoebill stork. This is one of the easiest places in Africa to see this prehistoric-looking bird. The ‘shoebill guard program’, employs local fishermen to monitor nests. When floodwaters are high, from December to March, the area is an important stopover-feeding place for migrating birds.

Bangweulu Wetlands offers a great birding experience throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the wet season from December to March. It is also the time when migratory birds are available and a lot of birds can be seen in breeding plumage. 

Bangweulu Wetlands is very seasonal. The best time to spot the amazing herds of rare black lechwe in Bangweulu is in June and July when water levels have receded, and grass attracts the grazers.