This remote tract of land, covering 4636 square kilometers, offers one of the finest wilderness experiences in Zambia, if not Africa itself. It is not open to the public and there are no permanent lodges there. Access is with one of the few safari operators granted permission to conduct walking safaris.

The beauty of visiting this Park is the truly remarkable opportunity to experience Africa as it was. It is wild and untouched and you are simply an unobtrusive witness to its natural beauty and drama.  Although declared a wilderness area, the North Park, was not open to anyone other than Game Department rangers for more than thirty years. In 1984, Major John Harvey and his wife Lorna sought permission to conduct walking safaris in the area and for many years were the only operators in this remote wilderness.

Then in 1989, two scientists, Mark and Delia Owens, famous for their book ‘Cry of the Kalahari’, were granted permission to set up a research station in the Park. Through their influence and as a means of helping to curb poaching in the area, the authorities allowed entry to a few more safari operators who bring limited numbers into the Park for guided walking safaris and game drives. Their efforts in the North Luangwa are documented in their book ‘Survivors Song / The Eye of the Elephant’.

There are very few roads and you are unlikely to see anyone else for the duration of your trip. Like the South Park, it lies on the western bank of the Luangwa River bordered on the other side by the dramatic Muchinga Escarpment which rises over 1000 meters from the valley floor. Its hazy outline can clearly be seen from the Luangwa River.

There are a number of tributary rivers running through the Park and into the Luangwa which play an important ecological role in the area. The crystal-clear Mwaleshi River trickles down the escarpment in a series of small waterfalls. It recedes in the dry season, leaving many pools along the way, drawing the animals from the bush to its banks in search of water. No game drives are permitted in the Mwaleshi area, and access is by organized walking safaris only.

The vegetation ranges from mopane woodland to riverine forest, open grasslands, and acacia thicket. Trees include the beautiful sausage tree, vegetable ivory palms, red mahogany, and Leadwood.

Size of North Luangwa national park Zambia

North Luangwa National Park safari offers a remote and wild safari experience. Although it is half the size of its sister park, the South Luangwa, the 4,636km² North Luangwa shares many of its attributes especially its lush vegetation and spectacular wildlife. However, the North offers something extra, with the inclusion of the Muchinga Escarpment.

Location of North Luangwa national park Zambia

North Luangwa National Park is a national park in Zambia, the northernmost of the three in the valley of the Luangwa River. Founded as a game reserve in 1938, it became a national park in 1972 and now covers 4,636 km².

How to get to North Luangwa national park Zambia

Although this park was officially opened to the public in 1984, the infrastructure in and to the Park is not sufficiently developed to cater to the independent traveler. Special permission to enter it must be obtained from the Dept of National Parks and Wildlife Services in Chilanga or Mpika. This is not advisable due to its remoteness should anything go wrong with your vehicle The best way to experience this park is with one of the operators running safaris here. One can fly into either Mfuwe International Airport, about four hours away, and be picked up, or be brought in from the Mpika side of the escarpment. There are two airstrips that are open for charter traffic. See Package Tours in the index for pre-arranged trips in Zambia including North Luangwa.

Things to do in North Luangwa national park Zambia

Game viewing

Early morning and late afternoon are perfect game viewing opportunities. Some morning drives include breakfasts or snacks and late afternoon drives may include snacks and sundowners.

The Park is noted for its massive herds of buffalo, a spectacular sight if they’re seen on the run, kicking up dust for miles behind them. A large pride of lion inhabits the territory and it is not uncommon to witness a kill. Other common mammals are hyena, Cookson’s wildebeest, bushbuck, zebra, warthog, baboon, Vervet monkey, puku, and impala. Elephant and leopard are also seen, but not as frequently as in South Park. You are more likely to see hartebeest, reedbuck, and eland here, however.

Birding safaris

All the birds in the South have been recorded here as well. Sighted regularly are the crowned cranes, purple crested Loeries, broad-billed roller, Lilian’s lovebird, the carmine bee-eater, giant eagle owl, and Pel’s fishing owl. Occasionally seen are the bat hawk, black coucal, and osprey.

Walking Safaris 

These walks were introduced to the Park early on when there were limited tour operators in the business. It is still one of the best ways to see the Park.

Walking trips 

Short walks will allow you to take note and explore the smaller living creatures of the park as well as a great opportunity to take in all its sights and sounds. As there are so few roads in the park, most of the wildlife viewing is done on foot.

Day trip to Mwaleshi Falls 

There is an opportunity to visit these majestic falls as many visitors see this as a highlight of their trip.

Village Experience 

Explore the local villages and see the way the locals live their lives.

When to visit North Luangwa national park Zambia

Operators in this region conduct safaris in the dry season from June to October when animal sightings are at their peak. Access in the wet season is virtually impossible.

Where to stay North Luangwa national park Zambia

North Luangwa explorer’s camp

This North Luangwa Lodge (previously known as Delia Camp) lies on the shores of the Luangwa, where hippos and crocodiles abound. It´s environmentally friendly and functions with solar energy 100% of the time. The river is the source of all the water needs. It has 4 en-suite bungalows that serve as accommodation. They stand at some 2,5 meters above ground level. They were built using local materials such as ebony wood, bamboo canopy, and straw from the bush. The furniture such as bed frames, shelves, tables, and sofa-chairs in the bungalows are beautifully designed with typical African and bush themes. They look astounding.

Luangwa north camp

The Lodge lies on the shores of the Luangwa, where hippos and crocodiles abound. It´s environmentally friendly. It functions with solar energy 100% of the time.

The river is the source of all the water needs. It has 4 en-suite bungalows that serve as accommodation. They stand at some 2,5 meters above ground level. They were built using local materials such as ebony wood, bamboo canopy, and straw from the bush. The furniture such as bed frames, shelves, tables, and sofa-chairs in the bungalows are beautifully designed with typical African and bush themes. They look astounding.

Buffalo camp

If you are still yet to visit the Buffalo Camp for the first time, what you’ll be experiencing is a kind experience of the African wildlife. First of all, because North Luangwa National Park runs as scientific control of the wildlife and limits the number of commercial visitors making Shiwa Safaris one of only two companies operating within the park. That means that on average there is just one guest on every 500 square kilometers and chances that you run on other guests are very, very low. You will be staying in a chalet and, at night, hear hyenas wondering just outside of it. In the morning you may be joined for breakfast by Charlie and Peanuts – our regular elephant visitors.

Accommodation in Buffalo Camp consists of 7 chalets – all built from local materials and with fitted toilets and hot showers. There is a fully stocked bar as well as a kitchen that serves food to the guest who stays on a full board basis and can also be used by self-caterers.

Mwaleshi camp

The four chalets of Mwaleshi Camp are nestled amongst Mopane trees on a scenic bend of the Mwaleshi River. Located in the North Luangwa National Park, the camp is a 40-minute flight from the Mfuwe Airport or 30 minutes from Tafika Camp in the South Luangwa National Park.

Mwaleshi is constructed purely from natural materials but one still enjoys all the comforts with en-suite facilities and hot showers upon request. Mwaleshi is primarily a walking camp offering ample opportunity to experience the variations in the flora and fauna. A vehicle is positioned at the camp to offer short drives and to access walking areas further afield. Most walking safaris venture along the Mwaleshi River, the honeypot of the North Luangwa. Excursions to the Luangwa/Mwaleshi confluence, a mere 10 km distance away, are most memorable due to the impressive pod of 400 hippos that congregate here. A day trip to the Mwaleshi falls is equally exciting and enjoyable.

Overview

Size & Location

How to get there

Activities

Areas of interest

When to visit

Where to stay

Overview

Size & Location

How to get there

Activities

Areas of interest

When to visit

Where to stay

Overview

Size & Location

How to get there

Activities

Areas of interest

When to visit

Where to stay

Overview

Size & Location

How to get there

Activities

Areas of interest

When to visit

Where to stay

Overview

Size & Location

How to get there

Activities

Areas of interest

When to visit

Where to stay

Overview

Size & Location

How to get there

Activities

Areas of interest

When to visit

Where to stay