The lush and beautiful riverine vegetation of the South Luangwa attract some of the greatest wildlife concentrations in Africa. Think hippo-packed ox-bow lagoons, and leopard stalking in the primeval forest.
May to November (but some camps stay open all year)
Scroll for more
The South Luangwa National Park in ZambiaΒ lies at the wild, southern end of the Great Rift Valley. Here, the mighty Luangwa River snakes through ancient ebony groves, primeval forest, and lush savanna, creating one of Africaβs most biodiverse sanctuaries. Think hippo-packed ox-bow lagoons, silent mopane woodland, and enough birdlife (450+ species) to distract even hardened big-cat addicts.
An ideal South Luangwa safari is six to eight nights in two or three contrasting camps. Start in the central sectorβChinzombo, Nkwali or Mfuwe Lodgeβwhere game is relaxed and photography is almost too easy.
Then perhaps trade wheels for walking boots and head to some of the more remote Luangwa bush camps. Tiny hideaways on forgotten river loops where elephants rumble past your tent flap.
The South Luangwa is particularly known for its walking safaris. Both multi-day options, but also simply walking from one bush camp to another.
There are daily flights into Mfuwe airport from Lusaka, (and in season you may be able to fly direct to/from Lower Zambezi). From Mfuwe, your lodge collects you to transfer, sometimes game-viewing en route, to the camp.
Also daily flight to/from Lilongwe in Malawi so you can combine South Luangwa with Lake Malawi.
In short: if you like your wilderness raw, your predators plentiful and your sundowners perfectly chilled, South Luangwa delivers in spades.
Chat with our safari designers and craft a tailor-made itineraryβleopard tracking and legendary walking safaris included.
Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are all exceptional safari destinations in Southern Africa β but they shine in different ways. Many
READ MORE
Some destinations feel designed for multi-gen family safaris and Zambia is one of them! Β Whether you’re planning a celebration
READ MORE
Zambia for Families: Luxury Adventures in Africa’s Hidden Gem Zambia may not be the first destination you think of for
READ MORE
Only the best African travel advice, tidbits and tours. No nonsense.
