Bats, Liuwa, Kafue Itinerary 2027
Typical Day on Expedition
Our daily activities will generally be structured as follows.
Morning Departure
I normally leave camp about one and a half hours after sunrise. This allows everyone to pack up without needing lights and makes the process both safer and more comfortable. The exact departure time will be provided the day before and may vary depending on the distance we need to travel or the activities planned for the day.
Morning Coffee Stop
About 2 to 2½ hours after departure we stop for a coffee break of roughly 30 minutes. I will boil a kettle and provide the water. Guests should bring their own mug, coffee, tea, milk and sugar.
Lunch Stop
We normally stop for lunch 2 to 2½ hours after the coffee stop. Lunch breaks usually last about 45 minutes, and again I will boil a kettle for anyone wanting hot water.
Afternoon Stop
An afternoon stop is seldom necessary as we normally aim to arrive in camp during the afternoon. If required, we will arrange a short stop depending on the day’s travel.
Arrival in Camp
I try to arrive in camp at least two hours before sunset. This gives everyone time to set up camp, relax and enjoy the surroundings before dark.
I will check how many people are planning to braai and prepare an appropriate fire so that it is ready around sunset.
Please remember to bring your own braai grid.
Safari Itinerary
Day 1
Nata – Botswana
Accommodation: Nata Lodge Campsite
Our expedition begins near the edge of the vast Makgadikgadi Pans, the remains of an ancient inland sea and one of the largest salt pan systems in the world. The wide open landscapes provide a dramatic introduction to the journey ahead.
Facilities
• Flush toilets
• Hot showers
• 220V electricity
• Restaurant and bar available
Day 2
Livingstone – Zambia
Accommodation: The Waterfront Campsite
Today we cross into Zambia and travel to Livingstone, situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. The town is the gateway to Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world.
Facilities
• Flush toilets
• Hot showers
• 220V electricity
• Restaurant and bar available
• Optional activities available
Day 3
Lusaka Region
Accommodation: Eureka Camp
We travel north through Zambia toward Lusaka, the country’s capital. This is also a convenient point to restock supplies if needed before we head further into Zambia’s rural regions.
Facilities
• Flush toilets
• Hot showers
Day 4
Mkushi Region
Accommodation: Fika Lodge Campsite
Continuing north we pass through Zambia’s central plateau and farming region around Mkushi. This area forms part of the extensive miombo woodland ecosystem which stretches across much of southern Africa.
Facilities
• Flush toilets
• Hot showers
• Electricity available
• Restaurant available
Day 5
Kasanka National Park
Accommodation: Pontoon Camp Campsite
From the Mkushi region we travel to Kasanka National Park, home to the largest mammal migration on Earth by number. After setting up camp we prepare for the evening bat viewing.
Facilities
• Flush toilets
• Hot showers
Day 6
Kasanka National Park
Accommodation: Pontoon Camp Campsite
In the late afternoon we head to the forest viewing platforms to witness the famous bat emergence.
As sunset approaches, millions of straw-coloured fruit bats begin leaving the swamp forest canopy. For about 45 minutes to an hour, wave after wave of bats stream overhead as they depart to feed across the countryside.
The sound of millions of wings moving through the air creates an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Facilities
• Flush toilets
• Hot showers
Day 7
Central Zambia
Accommodation: Fika Lodge Campsite
After the bat migration experience we begin travelling south again, retracing our route through Zambia’s central regions.
Facilities
• Flush toilets
• Hot showers
• Electricity available
• Restaurant available
Day 8
Kafue National Park Region
Accommodation: Roy’s Camp
We continue toward Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s largest protected wilderness areas.
This part of Zambia consists of vast woodland and river systems with excellent birdlife and wildlife.
Facilities
• Flush toilets
• Hot showers
Day 9
Kafue National Park Region
Accommodation: Roy’s Camp
We spend the day exploring the Kafue area. At this time of year the rainy season may be beginning, and the black clay soils in parts of the park can become muddy.
If road conditions allow we may explore parts of the park. Otherwise we enjoy a relaxed day beside the river watching wildlife and birds.
Facilities
• Flush toilets
• Hot showers
Day 10
Liuwa Plain National Park
Accommodation: Katoyana Campsite
Today we travel west to the remote plains of Liuwa National Park, entering from the Kalabo side. The landscape gradually opens into vast grasslands stretching to the horizon.
Facilities
• Basic toilets
• Showers available
Day 11
Liuwa Plain National Park
Accommodation: Katoyana Campsite
Liuwa hosts Africa’s second largest wildebeest migration, with tens of thousands of animals arriving on the plains during the early rainy season.
This is also the calving season, and it is common to see newborn calves across the plains.
Facilities
• Basic toilets
• Showers available
Day 12
Liuwa Plain National Park
Accommodation: Katoyana Campsite
We spend another day exploring Liuwa’s vast plains. The park is well known for its spotted hyena clans, as well as lions and cheetah that move across the open grasslands.
The landscape here feels almost coastal — endless horizons, big skies and open plains.
Facilities
• Basic toilets
• Showers available
Day 13
Zambezi River
Accommodation: Kabula Lodge Campsite
Leaving the plains we travel south to the Zambezi River, where we spend a relaxing evening beside one of Africa’s great rivers.
The lodge is also known for tiger fishing, which guests may enjoy if they wish.
Facilities
• Flush toilets
• Hot showers
Day 14
Nata – Botswana
Accommodation: Nata Lodge Campsite
We cross back into Botswana and return to Nata for our final evening together after an extraordinary expedition.
Facilities
• Flush toilets
• Hot showers
• 220V electricity
• Restaurant and bar available
Day 15
Departure
After breakfast the expedition concludes and guests begin their onward journeys.
