Luambe is one of Zambia’s smallest national parks. Situated on the eastern bank of the Luangwa it lies in the heart of the Luangwa valley between Lukusuzi, North and South Luangwa national parks. The park was declared in 1938 and is, therefore, one of the oldest conservation areas in Zambia.

The wildlife found in Luambe is similar to that of its larger neighbouring parks and includes all the typical large herbivores, carnivores as well as some less well-known species. However, the animals of Luambe are generally present at lower densities than in the bigger parks with the advantage that Luambe is less crowded than its more famous neighbours.

Habitat diversity in Luambe National Park is enormous and within a few kilometres, the vegetation ranges from the riverine forest, cathedral mopane woodland, and floodplain acacia thickets to the sausage tree-dotted open grasslands of the Chipuka plains.

There are over 200 species of bird in Luambe and elephant populations as well as those of lion and leopard are said to be on the increase – so it’s well worth visiting now before everyone else catches on!

Size of Luambe national park Zambia

At just 254 km², Luambe is one of Zambia’s smallest national parks. Situated on the eastern bank of the Luangwa it lies in the heart of the Luangwa valley between Lukusuzi, North and South Luangwa national parks. The park was declared in 1938 and is, therefore, one of the oldest conservation areas in Zambia.

Location of Luambe national park Zambia

Luambe National Park is located in the Eastern Province of Zambia. The park is situated north-east of the famous South Luangwa National Park, and south of the North Luangwa National Park. Like its neighbours, it is located in the Luangwa River rift valley.

How to get to Luambe national park Zambia

The access roads to Luambe National park are suitable only for high clearance 4×4 vehicles. From the south, it’s a 70 km (approx. 3–4 hours) drive from Mfuwe on a dirt road through the Nsefu sector of South Luangwa National Park to Luambe’s southern ‘Chakolwa Gate’ entrance. From Lundazi it’s a 120 km (approx. 3 h) drive on a dirt road to Luambe’s northern ‘Chipuka Gate’ entrance.

Things to in Luambe national park Zambia

Wildlife viewing

The most common larger game species found in Luambe are puku, impala, warthog, bushbuck, waterbuck, kudu, hippo, zebra and buffalo. However, sightings of Cookson’s wildebeest, roan antelope, Lichtenstein´s hartebeest, eland, common duiker and Oribi are also possible. Thorn croft’s giraffe has been seen regularly over the last two years. Elephant is common in Luambe and said to be on the increase.

Larger carnivores such as lion, leopard, spotted hyena, and the wild dog is regularly seen. Smaller carnivores such as the serval, African wild cat, African civet, blotched genet and various mongoose species can also be found, especially during night drives.

Birding tours

Luambe National Park supports more than 200 species of bird. For the avid birdwatcher, birding in Luambe National Park can be spectacular with rarities such as the African skimmer, racket-tailed roller, Pel´s fishing owl, white-backed night-heron, Angola pitta and Lilian´s lovebirds.

Large colonies of southern carmine bee-eaters can be found along the banks of Luangwa River in September and October. Other regularly seen species include spectacular raptors such as the Martial, Tawny and African Fish Eagles as well as a variety of water birds including heron, ducks and goose.

Bushwalks

Guided bush walks can be arranged in the park to see wildlife on foot.

When to visit Luambe national park Zambia

The cooler dry season from the end of May to October proves to be the most suitable travel season for Luambe National Park. Especially in October, there is an abundance of hippos and crocodiles in the Luangwa River. In September/October some wonderful carmine bee-eater colonies can be observed in the sandbanks of the Luangwa. Outside these months the park becomes almost impassable due to heavy rainfall.

Where to stay in Luambe national park Zambia

The only accommodation in the park is the picturesque Luambe Camp, located directly on the banks of the Luangwa River. This accommodation offers classic game drives in the morning and afternoon to experience the diversity of the park. Guided bush walks can also be enjoyed in order to get particularly close to the multi-faceted animal and plant world. In particular birding tours are a special experience in Luambe National Park, because an extensive, colourful bird world is resident in the vastness of the region.