Experts have dubbed South Luangwa to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, and not without reason. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River, and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa.

The Luangwa River is the most intact major river system in Africa and is the life-blood of this 9059 km² Park. The Park hosts a wide variety of wildlife, birds, and vegetation. The now-famous ‘walking safari’ originated in this Park and is still one of the finest ways to experience Africa’s pristine wilderness first-hand. The changing seasons add to the Park’s richness, ranging from; dry, bare bushveld in the winter, to a lush, green wonderland in the summer months. There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species in South Luangwa National Park. The only notable exception is the rhino, sadly poached to extinction.

With about 400 of Zambia’s 732 species of birds appearing in the Park, including 39 birds of prey and 47 migrant species, there is plenty for the birdwatcher to spot, whatever the season.

An interest in the vegetation of Zambia will enhance your experience of the bush. Some magnificent trees and plants grow in the Luangwa Valley and it certainly adds to the richness of one’s experience to be able to recognize the different tree species and to discover exotic wildflowers.

Among the more common trees in the valley are the mopane, leadwood, winter thorn, the tall vegetable ivory palm, the marula, and the magnificent tamarind tree. They are some magnificent baobab specimens and a few large ebony forests to admire.

Size of South Luangwa national park Zambia

The impressive park covers an area of about 9050 square kilometers of the Luangwa Valley floor and lies anywhere from 500 meters to 800 meters above sea level.

Location of South Luangwa national park Zambia

South Luangwa National Park is in east Zambia’s Luangwa River valley. It’s known for its abundant wildlife. Inside the Mfuwe Gate entrance, the river is often crowded with hippos. The woodland savannah is home to hundreds of bird species. Trails from the park’s lodges wander past baobab trees, herds of elephants, and rare Thornicroft’s giraffes. Spotlights are used to locate the leopard population after dark.

How to get to South Luangwa national park Zambia

By Air

The flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe usually takes 1 hour and 10 minutes or 2 hours and 50 minutes depending on the airplane you travel in.

By Road:

Driving to South Luangwa from Lusaka takes approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes, this will of course vary depending on what vehicle you are using and the route you take.

Things to do in South Luangwa national park Zambia

Mobile Walking Safaris – you will be accompanied by a guide as you walk from one overnight camp to another deep in the heart of the park, along the river banks, exploring areas where there are no roads so you are unlikely to see anything but wildlife. . This park is one of the best known for these types of safaris.

Birding Safaris –there is a vast array of birds in the park. A birding safari is usually accompanied by an ornithologist or an expert birding guide.  Bird lovers appreciate the time to listen to bird songs, twitters, and calls, while still enjoying the opportunity of seeing a large game.

Boat Safaris –the South Luangwa River offers a spectacle of wildlife to view safely from the comfort of your boat.   The Luangwa River is best navigated in the rainy season when it is fuller. The scenery is lush and verdant and hippos and crocodiles are everywhere, elephants will be common too but most of the other animals will not need to come to the river in the wet season so the focus will be on the experience itself more than game viewing but most operators combine boating and walk.

Bush-Spa – In the heart of the South Luangwa National Park is a bush–spa, sure to bring tranquillity and rejuvenation. The therapists use treatments based on traditional therapeutic ingredients as well as traditions like using coffee to exfoliate before a deep cleanse with Marula and then moisturizing with Sausage Tree or Baobab Masks. Relax in the Jacuzzi or enjoy a reflexology massage all set in the picturesque African bush.

Kawaza Village –just outside of the Park is Kawaza village, home to the Kunda tribe. Here you will be able to experience the culture of the local people as well as the opportunity to stay in a simple African thatched hut. The village was the winner of the prestigious British Guild of Travel Writers’ Silver Otter Award for the “Best Overseas Tourism Project.”

Tribal Textiles boasts a large, colorful retail outlet and workshop, located on the road between Mfuwe Airport and the National Park. It’s the perfect place to pick up a special souvenir of time spent in the South Luangwa or shop for gifts for all the family.

Game Drives –many of the lodges offer morning and afternoon game drives. Morning drives usually start before sunrise, allowing you to take in the best of the morning game-viewing. The afternoon drives often continue after dark to try and spot some of the Park’s night-time inhabitants.

Night Drives –this is an opportunity to enjoy the nocturnal creatures of the Park long after the sun has set.

Walking Trips –you will have the opportunity to enjoy the African bush on foot, usually for a few hours at a time. A guide will accompany you and make sure of your safety during your excursion.

Local Village Visits –if you are interested in the culture and heritage of the land, a visit to one of the local villages will definitely give you more insight.

Photographic Safaris –there is no better way to get our best wildlife shots than out on a photographic safari.

When to visit South Luangwa national park Zambia

The best time for watching wildlife in South Luangwa National Park is during the dry season, which takes place from July to October.

Where to stay South Luangwa national park Zambia

Many of the camps have fantastic views with many overlooking the river or other water sources which will, of course, attract plenty of game. Below we have chosen a few of our favorites:

Kakuli Camp, Kaingo camp, crocodile camp, Chinzombo camp and Chikoko camp.