OVERVIEW
South Luangwa National Park, located in eastern Zambia, is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
Known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and the Luangwa River, the park offers an authentic and less commercialised safari experience. Covering over 9,050 square kilometres, it is part of the larger Luangwa Valley ecosystem, which is home to an abundance of wildlife and bird species.
How to Get There
Reaching South Luangwa National Park typically involves a combination of air and road travel.
1. By Air:
International Flights:
Most visitors fly into Lusaka, Zambia's capital.
Domestic Flights:
From Lusaka, you can take a domestic flight to Mfuwe Airport. Proflight Zambia operates regular flights between Lusaka and Mfuwe, which is just a short drive from the park's entrance and the accommodations used on our tours / safaris.
2. By Road
From Mfuwe Airport, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the park. Transfers are included in all of our packages.
For the more adventurous, it is possible to drive from Lusaka, which is approximately 700 kilometers away, though the journey can be long and the roads challenging. You may need to allow up to 13 hours including the local buses or self drive cars.
Best Times to Visit
South Luangwa offers unique experiences throughout the year, but the best times to visit depend on what you’re looking to see and do.
Dry Season (May to October)
Wildlife Viewing: This is the peak season for game viewing. As water sources diminish, animals congregate around the river and waterholes, making them easier to spot.
Weather: Days are warm and sunny, while nights can be chilly, especially in June and July. October is the peak of the heat where temperatures can exceed high 30’s centigrade and during the evening drop only to high 20’s.
Green Season (November to April)
During the period January to March, many lodges close down due to the frequent high rain fall and the potential for the river to flood and so this period should be avoided in this region.
Bird Watching: The park becomes a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 400 bird species, including migratory birds.
Scenery: The landscape is lush and green, with beautiful flowers and vegetation.
Calving Season: Many animals give birth during this time, so you might see newborns and predator-prey interactions.
Wildlife
South Luangwa is renowned for its rich wildlife, and visitors can expect to see a wide variety of animals. Hence why the BBC have been filming Natural History films for decades in this area.
1. Mammals:
Elephants
Large herds can often be seen along the Luangwa River.
Lions
The park is home to several prides of lions.
Leopards
South Luangwa is famous for its high density of leopards, often spotted on night drives.
Buffaloes
Large herds are commonly seen.
Giraffes
The park is home to the unique Thornicroft’s giraffe, found only in this region.
Hippos & Crocodiles
Both are abundant in the Luangwa River. In fact Zambia has the highest number of Hippos of any country in Africa and so you will see and hear them a lot.
2. Birds:
With over 400 species, birdwatchers can look forward to spotting the African fish eagle, carmine bee-eaters, and Pel’s fishing owl, among others.
African fish eagle
Carmine bee-eaters
Pel’s fishing owl
3. Other Wildlife:
Wild Dogs
Although rare, sightings of the endangered African wild dog are possible and historically can be frequent in this region.
Antelopes:
Various species, including impalas, pukus, and the endemic Cookson’s wildebeest, roam the park.
Activities
Game Drives
Both day and night drives offer opportunities to see the park’s diverse wildlife.
Walking Safaris
South Luangwa is famous for walking safaris, providing an intimate way to experience the bush.
Bird Watching
Particularly rewarding during the green season.
Cultural Visits
Interact with local communities and learn about their traditions and way of life.
Accommodation
There is a range of accommodations we use in and around the park, most of which are the equivalent to three / four-star accommodation but luxury options are available on request.
All offer the same wildlife experience and so enjoy the more “Affordable Zambia” experience.
Visit Us!
South Luangwa National Park is a destination that promises an unforgettable safari experience, blending incredible wildlife encounters with stunning natural beauty. Whether you're a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, South Luangwa offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the heart of wild Africa.