The World’s Largest Mammal Migration

Most people hear "migration" in Africa and immediately think of the wildebeest in the Serengeti. But recently, we took a Swiss couple on a tailor-made adventure to Northern Zambia to witness something even bigger - in terms of numbers, at least.

They wanted to see the Straw-Coloured Fruit Bat migration. And let us tell you, nothing prepares you for the reality of 10 million bats taking flight.

We timed their trip for late November, the peak of the season in Kasanka National Park. This isn’t a standard game drive experience. You hike into the Fibwe Hide, perched 18 metres up in a mahogany tree, or stand on the edge of the forest as the sun starts to dip.

Our guests described the sound first - a chattering roar that vibrates through your chest. Then, the sky literally darkens. It’s known as "liquid black" for a reason. Millions of bats pour out of the swamp forest canopy in a swirling vortex to feed for the night. It is a sensory overload in the best possible way.

For this Swiss couple, it wasn't about checking off the "Big Five"; it was about witnessing a natural wonder that few travellers ever get to see.

Want to see it for yourself?

At Land & Lake Safaris, we love these niche requests. Whether you are a photographer looking for that silhouette shot or a wildlife enthusiast wanting to see the planet's biggest mammal gathering, we can organise the logistics, the timing, and the budget to get you there.