Places to Visit in Nsumbu National Park (Kasaba Bay), South Africa, Africa
Nsumbu National Park, also called Sumbu National Park, is a Zambian national park situated on the southwestern shore of Lake Tanganyika. The park occupies a total area of around 2000 km², including the four bays, Kasaba, Kala, Nkamba and Sumbu on the shore of the lake. The park has become popular as one of the best outdoor tourist destinations in Zambia, especially as a hotspot of adventure sport and nature enthusiasts.
The lake shore of the park features rocky cliffs, pristine waters and sandy beaches, which makes the park also famous among water sport lovers. Activities can tourists enjoy in the park include boat safaris, game drives, canoeing and sports fishing.
Crocodile, Hippopotamus and Roan Antelope are the major animal species, while Flamingos, African Skimmers and Spoonbill are the popular birds of the park. The geographical coordinates of the Nsumbu National Park are 8.74394° S 30.38269° E and Mpulungu is the closest town (city) to the park.
How to reach Nsumbu National Park?
There are many airstrips in and around Nsumbu National Park but those are not served by any scheduled flights currently, but receives charter flights from Ndola Airport. The closest year round functioning airport to Nsumbu National Park is Ndola Airport. This airport is situated around 900 km southwest of the park and handles flights from Kasama, Lusaka, Mansa, Solwezi, Johannesburg, Addis Ababa and Nairobi.
Food and Shopping in Nsumbu National Park:
Independent shops and restaurants are few in and around Nsumbu National Park. One can consider Ndole Bay Lodge for dining. It is also advised visitors to bring essentials before reaching the park.
Things to do in Nsumbu National Park:
- Sports fishing
- Canoeing
- Game drives
- Boating safaris
Places to see in Nsumbu National Park:
Nsumbu National Park:
The Nsumbu National Park itself is a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure sport lovers. The park offers a great game viewing experience of many typical African wild animals include Bushbuck, Warthog, Puku, Hippopotamus and Hartebeest. Bird watching is also very much popular in the park.
Lake Tanganyika:
The Lake Tanganyika holds the title of the longest freshwater lake in the world. The Nsumbu National Park covers around 80 km shore of Lake Tanganyika, where boating safaris, canoeing, sports fishing and beach exploration can be enjoyed greatly.
Mweru Wantipa National Park:
Mweru Wantipa National Park is situated around 100 km west of Nsumbu National Park, on the shore of Lake Mweru Wantipa. The park is blessed by opulent floras and is famous for hiking and trekking. It can be explored best through a guided tour as its isolated location.
List of other places of interest near Nsumbu National Park include:
- Chisimba Falls
- Kasama Golf Club
- Mutumuna Falls
- North Luangwa National Park
- Moto Moto Museum
- Kapishya Hot Springs
- Mweru Wantipa National Park
- Sumbu National Park
- Bangweulu Game Reserve
- South Luangwa National Park
- Bangweulu Wetlands
- Lavushi Manda National Park
Best time to visit Nsumbu National Park:
The best time to visit Nsumbu National Park depends on visitors’ interest, from November to April is the rainy season which is mainly famous for angling at the lake. However, visitor should consider the months between June and December to visit Nsumbu National Park, when comparatively less rain falls and would be supportive for game drives and other outdoor activities.
Hotels in Nsumbu National Park:
Ndole Bay Lodge is the major option for accommodation in Nsumbu National Park, located on the lake shore and arranges day tours for visitors in addition of providing all basic facilities. Here are some nice hotels near Nsumbu National Park in Northern Province of Zambia:
- Nkupi Lodge, Mpulungu
- Isanga Bay Lodge, Mbala
- Bayama’s Lodge, Mpika
- Mango Grove Lodge, Mpika
- King’s Highway Rest Camp, Isoka
- Kapishya Hot Springs Lodge, Mpika
- Buffalo Camp, North Luangwa National Park
- Mwaleshi Camp, North Luangwa National Park
- Luangwa North Camp, North Luangwa National Park
- Kutandala Camp, North Luangwa National Park
- Mutinondo Wilderness, North Luangwa National Park
- Luangwa Wilderness Lodge, North Luangwa National Park