South Luangwa

The South Luangwa National Park in Zambia lies at the southern tip of the Rift Valley. This is quite simply one of the premier wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. Here the brooding Luangwa River meanders through this luxuriant valley. The rift valley escarpment is the park's natural boundary to the east, whilst the river marks its western boundary. In between you bask in its beautiful landscapes:  from primeval forest, to lush savanna, to huge ox bow lagoons of verdant green and finally, groves of majestic ebony trees. This variety attracts a diversity of wildlife including the famous Luangwa leopards and thousands of hippo and crocodile. Birding is also excellent with over 450 species in the park.

An ideal South Luangwa safari is 6-8 nights, staying in 2 or 3 different South Luangwa safari lodges. Many visitors spend a couple of nights maxing out their camera’s memory cards in the central South Luangwa lodges such as Chinzombo Lodge, Nkwali or Mfuwe. Here the animals are relaxed and used to vehicles. (but it can get busy.) Then you head to some of the more remote Luangwa lodges. Delightful bush camps occupy prime sites on ancient oxbow lakes amidst shady ebony groves. (If you remember your school geography, these are the only reminders of the original water course).

The South Luangwa is particularly known for its walking safaris. Both multi-day set tours, but also simply walking from one bush camp to another. Or simply exchanging a morning game drive for a bush walk, or perhaps combining the two. The safari camps are super-flexible, compared to many other safari destinations.