South Luangwa National Park
The National Park around the Luangwa River has some of Africa’s best game viewing. The high density and variety of wildlife attracts tourist and professionals from around the globe. They come to witness Africa’s large predators, magnificent herds of herbivores, colourful birdlife and the dramatic struggle for survival in the African bush.
The South Luangwa National Park charms its visitors with its rich wildlife as well as its choice of accommodation and infrastructure, making it Zambia’s best game viewing destination. The lodges in the park offer a variety of game and night drives. The South Luangwa valley is also the place where walking safaris originated. A walking safari gives you the most intense and educational experience of African wildlife. If photography is your passion, you will find stunningly beautiful and fearsome scenes to capture.
Intense Wildlife
The South Luangwa Valley offers an impressive section of the African animal kingdom. Fierce predators and large mammals are plentiful and many species are found only in this area. The rich wildlife feeds of the Luangwa River where hippos and large crocodiles laze on the river banks. On the grassland large herds of impala, zebra, puku and African buffalo always on the lookout for the abundant predators including lions and hyenas. The woodlands of South Luangwa are a great place to spot the shy leopard. You chances of spotting the elusive cat will be best on night drives.
Thornicroft’s giraffe can only be found in the South Luangwa Valley and some species of antelope such as the puku and roan antelope are rarely spotted anywhere else. South Luangwa National Park is home to a large population of elephants. The only missing member of the big five, the rhinoceros, has been poached to extinction in this area.
Birdlife
South Luangwa National Park is home to as many as 400 bird species. Most of the birdlife will be found close to the river or fishing in one of the oxbow lagoons. Some of the avian residents include:
- Fish Eagle
- Goliath Heron
- Marabou Stork
- Great White Egret
Shortly before the rains South Luangwa is also graced with many migratory birds:
- White Stork
- European Swallow
- Steppe Eagle
- Steppe Buzzard
- Carmine Bee-Eater
The bird species of the Luangwa Valley are too many to name. The only thing to do really is experience the colourful diversity yourself!
Walking Safaris
Walking safaris where invented in South Luangwa and it is still one of the very best venues to experience the African wilderness on foot. With skilled and experiences guides at your service a walking safari is not as dangerous as it may seem. Humans aren’t the natural prey of South Luangwa’s predators, so conflict can usually be avoided, even without the use of a gun. For optimal security you guides will be armed and you can focus entirely on this magical experience.
A walking safari is great as all borders between you and the animals are removed. This will give you an intensified and authentic experience of this unique habitat and its inhabitants.
When to Go and How to Get There
Game viewing is best during the very dry season from September to November when the animals congregate around the waterholes and oxbow lagoons and sparse vegetation increases visibility. During the rainy season from November to April the park closes down as the rainfall makes the park inaccessible.
It’s easiest to access the park per plane. The airport is 20km from Mfuwe gate. Lodge will pick you up at the airport. If you are travelling in by car, you will want a 4×4 as the dirt roads around here can get quite bad.
