This is the world’s largest mammal migration. Way larger in numbers, even, than the Great Migration that drives a million and a half wildebeest and zebras across river Mara in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. From October to December, ten million African straw-coloured fruit bats gather in a swampy forest of northern Zambia : Kasanka.
These bats come from all over Africa, and they gather, every year, in one same forest, one same spot. Harry Vlachos and I spent a few days amongst them. In the air : at dusk, before they take away for a snack, and at dawn, when the sunlight arises and calls them to bed. On the ground : in the middle of a roosting session, a good afternoon nap. The rest of the time, we strolled around Hippopotamus, Sitatungas, Sables, Jacanas, Egrets, Ibises, Openbills and others.

Discover… Kasanka Opera.

1. Opening (00:00-07:48)
2. The Glade and the Pond (07:49-15:17)
3. Sun Glare (15:18-21:23)
4. Dark Hour (21:24-26:06)
5. Profusion (26:07-29:47)
6. The Last Dance (29:48-33:36)

📍Kasanka, Zambia

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🚁@adponsard & @bwana_jimmy_productions

🎶 Phaéton, Op.39 - Camille Saint-Saëns Where is it you go - Dope Lemon Tubular Bells (Pt. I) - Mike Oldfield

December 2024