Bangweulu Wetlands, Protected wetland system in Luapula Province, Zambia
Bangweulu is a large swamp system in Luapula Province composed of floodplains, marshes, and seasonally inundated grasslands fed by numerous rivers creating a complex landscape. The wetland encompasses thousands of square kilometers with winding waterways, vegetated islands, and open water channels that shift with seasonal changes.
The wetland was first scientifically documented in the 1940s, leading to its recognition as a Ramsar site and Important Bird Area designated by BirdLife International. This formal recognition established protection for this ecosystem and brought it into international conservation efforts.
Local fishermen and beekeepers work throughout these wetlands using methods passed down through generations that reflect a deep knowledge of the ecosystem. Their practices remain visible in daily activities along the waterways and in the surrounding settlements.
The best time to visit is between May and October when water levels allow safe passage through the waterways and marshes using local transport. Access is through the settlement of Chiengi, and visitors should prepare for remote conditions with basic facilities and services.
The wetland hosts the rare shoebill stork, an unusual large bird found in very few places in the world. Tens of thousands of black lechwe, a semi-aquatic antelope species uniquely adapted to this watery environment, make their home here.
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