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| Zambia: What to see | |||
| Nsumbu National Park | |||
>see photographs Best known for Also known as 'Sumbu' National Park it is well known for the excellent fishing opportunities on Lake Tanganyika. The Zambian National Fishing Competition takes place here every March/April. Location Nsumbu National Park is located in the far north of Zambia and includes approximately 100 km of some of the most picturesque of Lake Tanganyika's shoreline. The Park is flanked on the west, northwest and southwest by Game Management Areas. Size The Park covers and area of 2 020 sq km. Wildlife Four of the Big Five can be seen in Nsumbu National Park: lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. Other species found here include: blue duiker, bushbuck, eland, hartebeest, hippo, puku, sable, sitatunga, reedbuck, warthog, waterbuck and zebra. Other carnivores include: spotted hyena, serval and side-striped jackal. As well as the many resident species of birds there are also migrant species that make the Park and lakeshores their home on an annual basis. The resident water birds include the African skimmer, spoonbill, white-winged black tern, whiskered tern, the grey-headed gull, fish eagle, and occasionally Pel's fishing owl and palmnut vulture. Environment This is hilly country with valleys in between - and the large Lufubu River runs from west to east through the Park and then becomes the eastern boundary emptying into Lake Tanganyika. Running from the Nkamba Swamp the smaller Nkamba and Chisala Rivers drain into Nkamba and Sumbu Bays of Lake Tanganyika respectively. There are balancing boulders scattered through out the landscape - and the shapes of these have significant mythical meaning to the local Tabwa people. Vegetation Combretum thickets cover most of the Park – with Euphorbia trees (candelabra trees) and strangling figs scattered in between. Climate and when to go As with most of the Zambian Parks the dry season from June to October is considered the best time to visit - the wildlife is most concentrated near the lakeshore and rivers thus allowing better sightings, and the roads are in better condition in the dry season. Activities The most popular activity that Nsumbu has to offer is the fishing in Lake Tanganyika - fish caught include Nile perch, tigerfish, Vundu catfish and the "nkupi" otherwise known as yellow belly. Walking safaris and game drives are also popular, as is bird watching. Accommodation There are three lodges that are located in secluded bays along the Park's shoreline including Kasaba Bay Lodge and Ndole Bay Lodge. How to get there By road The most direct route to the Park is from Lusaka to Serenje, Mansa, Kawambwa (all tar roads), then to Mporokoso and Sumbu on gravel roads. This route is 1 363 km from Lusaka. By air There are airstrips at Nkamba Bay and Kasaba Bay (810 km) and one can charter planes to either. By boat From Mpumulungu. Because the roads within the Park are not in great shape the transfers between the lodges are done mostly by boat. |
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