South Luangwa National Park
Take a Walk through the South Luangwa Valley
Eastern Zambia’s South Luangwa Park is a game-rich 9050 square kilometre stretch of fertile valley-floor, cupped by the Muchinga Escarpment to the West and North West and Luangwa River to the South. Located at the tail-end of the Great Rift Valley, this park is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. The woodland savannahs of Luangwa teem with animals, including large herds of buffalo, Thornicroft giraffe, zebra and elephant and around 14 varieties of antelope.
The Park’s magnificent predator population includes lion prides of up to 30-strong as well as wild dog, caracal and jackal. The wary resident leopard are most likely to be seen on one of Luangwa’s unique escorted night drives, along with smaller creatures like serval, genet, civet, and honey badgers.
South Luangwa National Park is just a two-hour drive from Mfuwe International Airport in the Mambwe District of the Eastern Province, an airstrip serviced by domestic carrier, Proflight Zambia.
Best known for its privately-guided walking safaris, South Luangwa National Park not only provides on-foot and up-close encounters with its resident wildlife, but also the opportunity to explore its extraordinary tree population, including the odd-shaped Baobab, ancient creaking Leadwoods, Sausage trees, Tamarinds, Wild Mango and the dramatic scenery of the Ebony Forests. Indulge in a walking tour and Inhale the dusty essence of the African bush, relish the warmth of the sun on your shoulders and discern the nicker of nearby zebra amongst a tapestry of sounds carried on the breeze.
The spectacular oxbow lakes that characterize South Luangwa National Park are rich repositories for wildlife such as basking crocodiles, elephant, buffalo and water birds. The lakes’ ever-changing foot traffic leaves a unique history along the water’s edge as the sun crosses the sky.
Best Time to Visit the South Luangwa
Prime wildlife viewing at South Luangwa National Park is during the dry season from July to October. However, a visit during the wet season from November to April, when some lodges are still open, affords visitors the priceless sight of a multitude of newborns clustered amongst the vegetation.
highlights
Three subspecies are endemic to South Luangwa; Thornicroft’s giraffes, Cookson’s wildebeests, and Crawshay’s zebras
The natural salt springs in Nsefu Plains are home to flocks of crowned cranes: a unique photo opportunity.
South Luangwa is world-renowned for its guided walking tours, so take the chance to experience the valley on foot.