Bangweulu Wetlands

Pros & Cons

• Home to the endemic black lechwe
• Community owned protected wetland
• One of Africa's best sites to see the shoebill
• Offers a mix of game drives, walking safaris and canoe trips
• Little-visited off-the-beaten-track destination
• Limited accommodation options
• Fishing villages take away some of the wilderness appeal
• Expensive and difficult to get to

Wildlife

Bangweulu is not a classic wildlife destination. The main attraction is its birdlife. There are, however, huge herds of the endemic black lechwe, and this is the only place to see this graceful antelope. Another wetland special is the elusive sitatunga. Two other unusual antelope – tsessebe and oribi – can usually be seen grazing on the floodplains.

• More about Bangweulu Wetlands' wildlife

Scenery

The wetlands are located in an area known as the Great Bangweulu Basin, a shallow depression fed by 17 rivers. The water level in the center varies between one and two meters, causing the floodline to move over 40km/25mi between the seasons. The area, subject to rising and retreating waters, is the wetland on which the black lechwe and other creatures depend.

Weather & Climate

Bangweulu has a tropical climate that sees average daytime temperatures staying uniform throughout most of the year. The exception is the transition from Dry season (May to October) to Wet season (November to April), when temperatures go up by a couple of degrees. Rain and heat both diminish in the drier months.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time to Visit

Early in the Dry season (May to October), when the water level goes down and there’s plenty of grass for herbivores, is the best time to explore Bangweulu. Animals such as storks and black lechwe are abundant at this time. In the Wet season (December to April), you can forget about doing any driving, but canoe trips are still offered.

• More about the best time to visit

Want to Visit Bangweulu Wetlands?

• Bangweulu Wetlands safaris and tours
• Tour operators for Bangweulu Wetlands