ISANGANO NATIONAL PARK

Isangano National Park in the Northern Province of Zambia. It covers an area of 840 square kilometers. The park was declared a national park in 1972. It went into decline due to problems caused by human settlement and lack of funds. This has resulted in little wildlife and game in the park. In July 2007, steps were taken to address these problems.  This national park with a total area of 840square Kilometers on an altitude of 1100 miles founded in 1972 is a vast national park in Zambia

History of Isangano National Park

Isangano National Park became a protected reserve in 1957. It was given national park status in 1972 under statutory order number 42 The park went into decline after being given national park status due to lack of financial support, lack of infrastructure, poaching and illegal human settlements in July 2007, the government of Zambia started to take steps to evict illegal settlers in the park under the Provincial Development Coordinating Committee resolution. This was done so that the park could be reestablished and restocked with wildlife

WILDLIFE

There is little wildlife in Isangano National Park and little game because of the illegal human settlements and subsistence hunting by those living in the park. Besides the various migratory species and water birds that can be found in the park, other common animals found at the park are the black lechwe, reedbuck, Oribi, and sitatunga.

BIRDS

The ecology of this wetland area is a favored habitat for many water fowls and numerous migratory species. Species such as the black crowned night heron, Denham’s bustard, flamingo, Fuelleborn’s long claw, glossy and sacred ibis, pelican, rosy-throated long claw, spoonbill, spur winged goose, swamp flycatcher, wattled crane and white fronted bee-eater. The highlights being are the rare – and in-fact endangered – saddle-billed stork and shoebill. A treat for avid birders, and laymen alike.

WHEN TO VIST ISINGANO NATIONAL PARK.

The dry season lasts from May to October and the weather is sunny and rarely rains. June to July is the best time to see big herds of lechwe and other grazers, while May to August is the best time to see the phenomenal shoebill stork. The low water levels allow for activities such as game drives and canoe trips, while the rainy season – November to April – makes driven difficult, so no game drives will be available. However, canoe trips are still available, and the area becomes a wetland paradise and haven for migratory birds. November brings the first rain and new grass attracting the lechwe and other grazers

HOW TO GET TO ISINGANO NATIONAL PARK.

The dry season lasts from May to October and the weather is sunny and rarely rains. June to July is the best time to see big herds of lechwe and other grazers, while May to August is the best time to see the phenomenal shoebill stork. The low water levels allow for activities such as game drives and canoe trips, while the rainy season – November to April – makes driving difficult, so no game drives will be available. However, canoe trips are still available, and the area becomes a wetland paradise and haven for migratory birds. November brings the first rain and new grass attracting the lechwe and other grazers

DIRECTIONS TO ISINGANO NATIONAL PARK

The park lies in the Luwingu and Kasama districts in Luapula province and can be accessed from the west of Mpika or Mpulungu road near Chambeshi. Because of the remote location, there are few maintained roads accompanied by seasonal flooding. Therefore, a fully-equipped 4×4 vehicle, or the accompaniment of a professional and knowledgeable guide or tour operator.