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BANGWEULU FLOODPLAINS NATIONAL PARK: The lake is beautiful with a productive lakeside population, and together with the wetlands (a protected area) lies in a shallow depression in the North Zambian Plateau. 17 rivers flow in to the basin and only one drains it, the Luapula. Higher sections of the Park have woodland and grassland vegetation, the vast floodplain has grasslands depending on the intensity of annual flooding.
This is swamp territory. Game and birdlife are at their most diverse in the woodland and on the grasslands. The Shoebill Stork and other fairly rare birds can be found here. The Black Lechwe is unique to the floodplains and the shy Sitatunga can walk on the reed beds. Other animals such as Elephant and Buffalo come only when the water has receded. All trips around the swamps are made by boat.
When to go: In the rainy season November to March birdlife is amazing but lots of insects too. The floodplain generally starts to dry out in late April. By June / July there is better access to the swampland and its floating mats of vegetation. August is mid winter with pleasant days but very cold nights. KASANKA NATIONAL PARK: Kasanka is Located on the south western edge of the Lake Bangweulu basin, its one of Zambias smallest parks but with rivers, lakes and wetlands, lagoons, forests, meadows and grasslands. There is wide variety of animal and birdlife and fish. Its not known for prolific animals, but for its beauty and rarer birds and wildlife.
Past poaching in the park has depleted animal stocks, but steps are being taken to remedy that and encourage growth. Its possible to see Hippo, Hartebeest, Sable and Puku, also Sitatunga and he Blue Monkey. Elephant sometimes appear and there are hopes of more coming in the future. 330 species of bird live here including Pels Fishing Owl and The Shoebill Stork.
When to go: Open all year round with game sightings in the dry season and good birding in the wet season from November to March. SUMBU NATIONAL PARK: Located in the most northern tip of Zambia, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Sumbu has 100km (62 miles) of some of the most pristine shores of this massive lake. The lake has excellent angling and some scuba diving. Stunning landscapes and sandy beaches, cliffs, coves and bays with valleys and rocky hills.
The Lufubu River makes its way through the Park in a valley with 300 metre escarpments on both sides. There are sizeable Game Management Areas in the north western boundaries of this Park, forming a network of protected areas. The Park has suffered declining wildlife numbers in the past, but they are recovering. Sightings are not guaranteed but animals in the Park include Buffalo, Elephant, Lion and Leopard, also Zebra and Spotted Hyena to mention only a few.
Hippos are active at night. Birdlife is prolific with migrant species such as the flamingo also present. There are some sacred areas shrouded in mystery which are important to the local Tabwa people.
When to go: Warm weather all year round, with warmest temperatures in September and October, evenings and mornings are coolest from May to August. Game viewing is best in the dry season.
OTHER SMALLER PARKS IN ZAMBIA:
Luambe: Situated between north and south Luangwa Parks on the east bank of the Luangwa River, its a beautiful area with an increasing animal and bird population. Lavushi Mandla: No longer a wildlife reserve due to poaching, Tsetse flies are rife here. No infrastructure at all. Located in the Mpika vicinity Isangano: Also does not have any infrastructure and a devastating history of poaching, it can be reached by turning west off the Mpika / Mpulungu road, at Chambeshi. Mweru Wantipa: In the far north surrounding Lake Mweru, its similar to the Bangweulu swamps. There are few animals left and no development at all. Lukusuzi: On the eastern escarpment between North and South Luangwa Parks, no development and game numbers not determined. | 
