Nsumbu National Park : This park is located along the southwestern shores of Lake Tanganyika, forming part of the border with Zambia‘s section of the lake. This encompasses an area of approximately 2200 square kilometers, featuring extensive stretches of intact shores along the expansive inland lake. The western end is situated between Tondwa and the Kaputa Game Management Area, both of which have played a significant role in protecting the park from poaching activities. The wonder encompasses pristine beaches, rocky cliffs, riparian woodlands, bays and ports, rugged hills, and profound valleys.
The Lufubu River meanders through a valley bordered by escarpments on either side, defining the boundaries of this park. Several smaller rivers, such as Nkamba and Chisala, flow directly into the Tondwa swamp and subsequently into the bays. The majority of the park features miombo woodland, accompanied by rare combretum thickets and riverine woodlands that extend to the lakeshore. This type of eco region creates an attractive habitat for wildlife.
Wildlife in Nsumbu National Park
The specific park is notably recovering from the decline in animal populations during the 1980s due to poor management and increased poaching activities. A variety of animals can be observed, including the roan and sable antelopes, eland, hartebeest, buffalo, zebra, lion, spotted hyena, hippos, jackal, impala, leopard, bushbucks, warthog, puku, and others. This section of the lake typically boasts an abundance of swimming crocodiles, hippos, and even wallowing buffalo.
The park boasts a rich diversity of birdlife, featuring numerous migratory species arriving from both Eastern and Southern Africa. The flamingo is among the most beautiful of migratory birds. The inhabitants of the lakeshore include the skimmer, grey-headed gull, fishing owl, spoonbill, whiskered tern, fishing eagle, Palmnut vulture, and several marabou storks, ducks, and herons.
Nsumbu is renowned for its outstanding offshore fishing.
Among the fish caught are the large Nile Perch, giant tiger fish, catfish, lake salmon, and the delicious yellow-bellied variety. The Zambian National Fishing Competition takes place on the lake annually, typically in March or April.
Ndole Bay is surrounded by lush, stunning vegetation and unique beaches. Two engine boats glide across the lake, revealing the magnificence of the vast waters. Ndole Bay is the premier recreational diving center in Zambia, offering the latest equipment for use and all PADI programs, featuring our own resident instructor and ecologist. The lake is home to numerous vividly colored fish, creating an enchanting inland sea sanctuary.
Activities to do in Nsumbu National Park
Birdwatching
In Nsumbu National Park, the tracking and sighting of various bird species occur in the rainforest, along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, and in other areas of the park. Notable species include flamingos, spoonbills, storks, ducks, lesser black-backed gulls, white-winged black terns, African skimmers, whiskered terns, grey-headed gulls, and palmnut vultures, among others. Within Nsumbu National Park.
The park stands out as one of the premier locations globally for observing a vast array of birds. During the summer rainy season, tens of thousands occur. The park is accessible; however, it requires complete independence as there are no serviced campsites available. Visitors are allowed to embark on game drives and safaris, as the park hosts a variety of species and other potentially dangerous animals. This location offers a remarkable opportunity to observe the critically endangered Wattle Crane and enjoy the impressive acrobatics of the Africar Skimmers. Ducks are found in numerous varieties, such as the Whistling Duck and the Fulvous Duck. Other wader species are also delightful to observe. In Nsumbu National Park, the tracking and sighting of various bird species occur in the rainforest, along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, and in other areas of the park. Notable species include flamingos, spoonbills, storks, ducks, lesser black-backed gulls, white-winged black terns, African skimmers, whiskered terns, grey-headed gulls, and palmnut vultures, among others. Within Nsumbu National Park. The park stands out as one of the premier locations globally for observing a vast array of birds. During the summer rainy season, tens of thousands occur. The park is accessible; however, you must maintain complete independence as there are no serviced campsites available.
Visitors are allowed to embark on game drives and safaris, as the park is inhabited by a variety of species and other potentially dangerous animals. This location offers a remarkable opportunity to observe the critically endangered Wattle Crane and enjoy the amazing acrobatics of the African Skimmers. Ducks exist in numerous varieties, such as the Whistling Duck and the Fulvous Duck. Other wader species are also available for enjoyment.
Walking Safari In Nsumbu National Park
In Nsumbu National Park, the nearby lodges organize walking safaris through the park with an armed guide or ranger. For instance, Ndole Bay Lodge exclusively offers walking safaris in Nsumbu National Park during the dry season.
A short walk through the National Park. Following a short boat journey, you are accompanied by an adept game scout. You stroll along a beach, then follow a gentle stream until you arrive at a secluded waterfall embraced by trees. You choose the pace and take breaks often to observe any wildlife you encounter. The area is home to various inhabitants, including the puku antelope, warthog, bushbuck, monkeys, waterbuck, and hippo, while buffalo and elephant are the most commonly seen animals.
Fishing in Nsumbu National Park
Sport fishing is a major activity in Nsumbu National Park, taking place on Lake Tanganyika. It offers an exciting fishing experience featuring Nile perch, tiger fish, and golden perch. Combining sport fishing with a game viewing safari creates a distinctive outdoor adventure in Africa, especially in Nsumbu National Park in Zambia.
Boat Cruise and Ride in Nsumbu National Park
Nsumbu National Park spans approximately 100 km of Lake Tanganyika’s shoreline. The excursion features a 45-minute boat ride along the unspoiled coast, with lodges providing various activities such as fishing, boat trips, and beach rides along the crystal-clear waters of Africa’s expansive lake in Nsumbu National Park.
Explore Kampasa Rainforest in Nsumbu National Park
Nsumbu National Park tours feature boat rides along the shorelines and game drives within the park, allowing for wildlife spotting along the way. The experience includes a 45-minute walk along the edge of Nkamba wetland, offering views of the escarpment on the opposite side and a forested glade that is an ancient stand of isolated rainforest, holding religious significance for the local people of Zambia. The surrounding woodland is abundant with wildlife, including Puku, bush buck, hippo, buffalo, elephant, water buck, warthog, and duiker, all of which are commonly encountered during the trip in Nsumbu National Park.
Getting there Nsumbu National Park
Accessing Sumbu National Park and Nkamba Lodge can be achieved by traveling by road through Mansa and Kasama to reach Sumbu. Travel can be arranged by air from Lusaka or Ndola to Kasaba Bay-Nkamba Bay Airports, or alternatively by boat from Mpulungu. Murram roads connect Sumbu to Nkamba Lodge and Kasaba Bay, leading to various scout camps. Currently, the Department of Civil Aviation owns and operates Kasaba Bay Aerodrome. Additional laterite airstrips can be located in Kasama and also in Mprokoso. Many of the Lodges provide private boats as well as cars or trucks for convenient transportation in the area. Additionally, there are agencies that provide car or truck services. The MV Liemba ferry operates on major ports of Lake Tanganyika, accommodating up to 500 passengers.
