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Isangano National Park

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Animal habitat
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Isangano National Park (Zambia)

Weather…

Isangano National Park is a remote conservation area located in the Luwingu District of northern Zambia, encompassing approximately 840 square kilometers. Situated on the eastern periphery of the extensive Bangweulu Wetlands, the park's terrain consists primarily of alluvial floodplains, grasslands, and swampy marshes. Established as a national park in 1972, it was intended to safeguard the unique ecological balance of this wetland system. While the park faced significant challenges from poaching and administrative neglect for several decades, new conservation initiatives are aiming to restore its wildlife populations. Historically, the area has been an important habitat for the elusive Sitatunga antelope and a wide variety of waterfowl. The landscape is heavily influenced by the flow of the Chambeshi and Lukulu rivers, which inundate the region seasonally and provide a life-sustaining water source. Due to its isolation and limited road access, Isangano remains a destination for dedicated conservationists and intrepid travelers seeking an untouched African wilderness.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222222222018182124272623
Rain mm250188157434101218117263

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The dry season from May to October is best for general wildlife viewing in Isangano National Park. During the rainy season wetlands flood, making water birds particularly abundant.
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Best time of day
Early morning sees the highest animal activity as they visit water sources. Late afternoon also brings sightings of predators such as hyenas and jackals.
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Etiquette
Follow park regulations and only exit your vehicle at designated points. Feeding animals is strictly prohibited, and noise should be kept to a minimum.
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What to bring
Binoculars and a camera with telephoto lens are essential for a successful safari. Light, neutral-coloured clothes, sunscreen, and a hat protect you from the strong sun.
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Getting there
The park is located in northern Zambia, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Access is usually via unpaved roads from the town of Mporokoso.
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What to expect
Since the protected area is less developed, animals may be shyer and require more time. Spend several hours in the wetlands to discover the rich bird diversity.

Geography

Coordinates
-11.00000, 30.20000

Facts

  • Isangano was officially gazetted as a national park in 1972.
  • The park covers a total land area of 840 square kilometers.
  • It is located within the Chambeshi River drainage basin.
  • The park borders the eastern edge of the Bangweulu Wetlands.
  • It is a key sanctuary for the swamp-dwelling Sitatunga antelope.
  • The area is administered as part of Zambia's Northern Province.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bangweulu SwampsBangweulu Swamps24 km · WExplore →
Bangweulu WetlandsBangweulu Wetlands59 km · WExplore →
LuwinguLuwingu77 km · SEExplore →
Bangweulu BasinBangweulu Basin78 km · SExplore →
SamfyaSamfya80 km · SWExplore →
Chambeshi MonumentChambeshi Monument101 km · NExplore →
Chambeshi FloodplainChambeshi Floodplain101 km · NWExplore →
MirleftMirleft116 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How demanding is Isangano National Park?
Very demanding, only for experienced adventurers.
Are there health risks due to the weather?
Yes, high temperatures and malaria are factors.
Are there sanitary facilities in the park?
No, there is no tourist infrastructure.
What is the best season?
Cooler, dry months are preferred.
Do you need to book a ranger?
Yes, accompaniment by rangers is mandatory.
Isangano National Park: where is it located?
Isangano National Park is located in Zambia.
Isangano National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
Isangano National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Isangano National Park is a remote conservation area located in the Luwingu District of northern Zambia, encompassing approximately 840 square kilometers.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Kitwe — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Kitwe
Kitwe is one of the most developed commercial and industrial areas in the nation, alongside Ndola.
Ndola — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Ndola
Ndola is the third largest city in Zambia and the industrial and commercial center of the Copperbelt.
Chingola — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Chingola
Chingola is a city in Zambia's Copperbelt Province, known for having one of the largest open-cast mines in the world.
Luanshya — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Luanshya
Luanshya is a town in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, established in the early 20th century.
Mufulira — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Mufulira
Mufulira is a mining town in the Copperbelt Province, highly dependent on the Mufulira Mine.
Chililabombwe — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Chililabombwe
Chililabombwe is a copper mining town in the Copperbelt Province, located very close to the DRC border.
Kalulushi — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Kalulushi
Kalulushi is a town founded in 1953 as a residential area for mine workers in the Copperbelt.
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Chambishi
An industrial town in the Copperbelt province known for its large copper mining operations.
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Lufwanyama
A district town in the Copperbelt, recognized for its natural resources and mining potential.

History & landmarks

Mukuba Mall — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Mukuba Mall
One of the largest and most modern shopping centers in Ndola and the entire Copperbelt Province.
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Nkana Stadium
A traditional football stadium in Kitwe that is the home of Nkana FC.
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Arthur Davies Stadium
Another significant sports stadium in Kitwe, named after a promoter of Zambian sports.
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Nchanga Stadium
A versatile stadium in Chingola, primarily used by the Nchanga Rangers as their home ground.

More places

Mporokoso Plateau — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Mporokoso Plateau
An elevated terrain region in the Northern province of Zambia.
Chola Hills — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Chola Hills
A mountain range in the northeast.
Tanganyika Plateau — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Tanganyika Plateau
An extensive plateau above Lake Tanganyika.
Mbala Highlands — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Mbala Highlands
Highland area near the border with Tanzania.
Nsumbu Lake Habitat — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Nsumbu Lake Habitat
Shore landscapes at Lake Tanganyika.
Mbala Highland Gardens — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Mbala Highland Gardens
Horticulture in cooler highland areas.
Bwana Mkubwa Mine — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Bwana Mkubwa Mine
One of Zambia's oldest copper mines, used today mainly for ore processing.
Indeni Petroleum Refinery — Isangano National Park (Zambia)
Indeni Petroleum Refinery
Zambia's only petroleum refinery, processing crude oil for the national market.