South Luangwa National Park Zambia

South Luangwa National Park

Discover the unparalleled beauty of South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia, widely regarded as one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Luangwa is known for its dense populations of game, the park offers a rich diversity of species, including large herds of elephants, buffalo, and various antelope.

South Luangwa is especially famed for its pioneering walking safaris, where expert guides lead visitors through the wilderness for an up-close encounter with nature. The park’s landscape, featuring the meandering Luangwa River and lush riverine forests, attracts a variety of predators, particularly leopards. South Luangwa is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 bird species recorded.

It is also a top safari accommodation destination in Africa. The healthy Luangwa River cuts through the 9 059 square km South Luangwa National Park, feeding life into diverse habitats. See spectacular wildlife gathering along the banks, around the oxbow lagoons and in the fantastic vegetation. Stay in top-class safari camps, walk and game drive in South Luangwa Zambia.

Luangwa History Stories

South Luangwa National Park was initially created as Luangwa Game Reserve in 1904 with the help of dedicated British conservationist Norman Carr.  Founded as a game reserve in 1938, it became a national park in 1972.

Carr was a man who had the courage to step away from traditional safaris of hunting trophy animals with guns to promote tourism based on conservation and photography, walking safaris and inspiration in nature. In fact, the famous walking safari originated right here, thanks to his dedication as a game ranger in the 1940s which saved the park’s integrity from mass tourism.  

In the 1950s, he persuaded the local Paramount Chief to set aside a portion of tribal land as a Game Reserve and built the first game viewing camp open to the public in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). Profits from this remote photographic camp in the bush went back into the community.  The rest as we say with Luangwa National Park Zambia is history.

Highlights

  • A superb destination for birders with all the water around – water birds wade in the dry season, and then the migrants arrive from Europe and Africa as the warm rains come.
  • Entering the park, you will first see hippos galore, in pods of 30 to 70 – there are about 50 hippos per every kilometre of the River!
  • Walking safaris are what make the park what it is today – these can be short or they can be about three hours long, or they can take a few days as guests walk from camp to camp, on true wilderness trails. 

Family Holidays to South Luangwa National Park

Take your family on an authentic wilderness trail in the famous South Luangwa National Park for an unforgettable nature education experience. Take your children on walking trails to see the Big 5 and get close to hippos and antelope herds.   

We show you top-of-the-range safari lodges, roadside cabins and bush camps in this region where children will feel in awe and want to explore. 

The Lovely Luangwa Valley

Glory in the beauty of the Luangwa Valley. One of the remaining unspoilt wilderness areas in Zambia, it is also known as the ‘Valley of the Leopard’. Look out for these elusive cats who love sausage trees and the thick mopane forests. In fact, South Luangwa boasts the highest density of leopards globally! 

South Luangwa National Park is the southernmost of three national parks in the valley of the Luangwa River, a world-renowned wildlife haven which is known to locals simply as “the South Park.” Concentrations of game along the meandering Luangwa River and its lagoons are amongst the most intense in Africa. 

The river teems with hippos and crocodiles and provides a lifeline for one of the greatest diversities of habitat and wildlife, supporting more than 60 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds. It supports large populations of Thornicroft’s giraffe, and herds of elephants and Cape buffaloes often several hundred strong. 

 

A Wealth of Wildlife in Zambia

From the minute you enter South Luangwa National Park, you see dense concentrations of game, hypnotic interactions between predators and prey, astonishing birds and fascinating reptiles. 

Impala and Puku are common sightings and most guests are lucky to see predators like energetic African wild dogs, regal lions, and stealthy leopards. Unique animal sightings include Zambia’s very own Crawshay’s zebra herds, shy bushbuck and stately kudu, with its spiral horns and queenly face.

When To Visit Luangwa

The peak travel season for South Luangwa safaris is May to October when things are still pleasantly cool and dry. The best time to spot game is September and October, very hot and humid. Go birding in the rainy or green season, January to April, though some lodges close. March to June is the best time to spot the elusive African wild dog. 

The Best Safaris to South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park Zambia is hailed as one of the great wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. Safari camps, accommodation and the best safari packages to Zambia here.

Plan a Zambian tour and safari with Voyage2Africa, the African and Zambian travel experts – enjoy signature experiences to premier Zambia wildlife destinations south of the equator. We bring you thrilling adventures in the infinite spaces of the South Luangwa National Park and beyond in Zambia. 

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