Nsumbu National Park (also known as Sumbu) lies on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika near its southern extremity, in Zambia’s Northern Province. It covers an area of about 2000 km² and has some 80 km of lake shore including four bays (Kasaba, Kala, Nkamba and Sumbu), and Nundo Head Peninsula.
There are two(2) active lodges on Lake Tanganyika, Nkamba(an exclusive lodge within the Nsumbu National Park), and Ndole Bay just north of the park. Kasaba Bay Lodge was shut in 2006.
Sumbu Park provides game viewing combined with sports fishing on the lake, and a beautiful landscape. The lake shore includes rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, the balancing rocks, and pristine waters, with views to the mountainous eastern shore of the lake. Swimming is not allowed as crocodile and hippo are common. Nkamba Bay Lodge located in the park offers game drives, walks, canoeing, sports fishing, overnight trails and boating safaris.
Notable wildlife seen in the Park: Crocodile, Hippopotamus, Buffalo, Zebra, Bushbuck, Warthog, Puku, Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Eland, Hartebeest, Spotted Hyena, Side-Striped Jackal, Serval, Impala,Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Elephant, Lion (occasionally), Leopard (occasionally), Blue Duiker (rare), Sitatunga (rare).
Notable birdlife seen: Flamingo, African Skimmer, Spoonbill, Ducks, Herons, Whiskered Tern, Storks, Grey-Headed Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, White-Winged Black Tern, Whiskered Tern, Fish Eagle, Palmnut Vulture, Pel’s Fishing Owl.
Nsumbu can be visited throughout the year, but general wildlife viewing is best in the Dry season, from month of July to November, when the bush has dried out, and animals make their way to predictable water sources. The vegetation thins out during these months, which makes spotting animals easier.