South Luangwa National Park

The Original Safari Destination

South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s premier wildlife destination. The park is located between the Luangwa River to the east and the Mchinga escarpment in the west. South Luangwa National Park is stunningly rich in wildlife. It’s home to over 60 species of mammals and almost 450 bird species. The dramatic and fascinating topography of the landscape is beautiful. The Luangwa River meanders down the valley. With the seasonal rise in water levels the formation of Ox Bow lakes form resulting in small islands. The fertile soil associated with the lagoon systems allow for nutrients, resulting in many animals found close to the river.

The South Luangwa is the home of walking safari. The high quality of guiding and the density of wildlife result in one of the best safari experiences. Night drives are another popular activity offered by all camps. Guests have the opportunity to see nocturnal species. The early evening hours are also one of the best times for watching predators hunting. The Valley provides an excellent habitat for leopards leading to higher than usual concentrations, although they are very often seen on night drives, it is not at all uncommon to see them during the day as well.

highlights

Walking Safaris

As the birthplace of the walking safari, South Luangwa is a great place to awaken your senses and really experience the African wilderness on foot. On a walking safari guests get to learn about the smaller wildlife, survival techniques in the bush, the flora and medicinal uses of certain plants. Walks are accompanied by an armed game scout and a professional walking guide.
Walking Safari in South Luangwa with Time + Tide
Leopard in a Sausage Tree

High Population of Leopards

South Luangwa is home to one of the highest populations of leopards. The leopards are easily spotted and therefore draw many photographers to this region to capture these beautiful cats.

Healthy population of Wild dogs

South Luangwa is home to the second largest population of the African Wild dogs. With a strong carnivore conservation model, these incredible animals are making a comeback in the region. The destination offers one of the best opportunities to see and photograph these animals.
Wild Dogs in South Luangwa
Walking Safari in Zambia

Endemic Species

The Luangwa valley has some species of animals which are only endemic to this region; they are the Thorinicroft Giraffe, the Crawshay Zebra and the Cookson’s Wildebeest.

Birding

South Luangwa is home to over 450 species of birds and more than 100 species can be spotted in one day!. Besides the wonderful array of resident birdlife, the park also welcomes migratory birds. During the drier months from July – September, the breeding season of the African Spoonbill commences and lasts a few months. The Yellow Billed Storks also migrate to Zambia for their breeding season which commences at the end of the long rains.
Malachite Kingfisher
Carmine Bee Eaters in South Luangwa

Carmine Bee-Eaters

Late August and early September is a spectacular time to visit South Luangwa, it marks the arrival of the Southern Carmine bee-eaters. These birds migrate into Zambia, gathering in their thousands to breed. It’s a spectacular sight to witness and a photographer’s paradise to capture these birds in their masses. The best time to see the birds is first thing in the morning when they are busy excativing their nests.

Game Drives

South Luangwa has an abundance of wildlife as a result of the fertile spoils of the land. Explore the rich diversity of the surrounding area and the wildlife by hopping into the camp vehicle and going out on safari, both during the day and night.
Game Drives in South Luangwa National Park
Photographic Hides Kafunta South Luangwa

Photographic Hides

Photographic hides offer comfort, incredible photographic opportunities and a great way to experience and observe the wildlife and birdlife up-close! It’s an incredible feeling when wild animals pass by almost within arm’s reach, sometimes at eye-level, providing for great photography.

Best time to visit

The best time for watching wildlife in South Luangwa National Park is during the dry season, which takes place from July to October. From about October to December the weather tends to get really hot. If you’re a first time guest to South Luangwa, we recommend that you plan a trip between June – September. During the dry season, the Luangwa River becomes a gathering place for animals as they emerge from the high-temperature, bush areas in search of the river’s clean water. Some lodges are open during the ‘Emerald Season’ when the rains turn the dry landscape into a lush, green oasis and the birthing season begins Most lodges operate seasonally – from the end of March until the end of October.
Best time to Visit South Luangwa National Park

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