Prepare yourself for an enchanting escape through the wondrous South Luangwa National Park – a veritable jewel of African wildlife sanctuaries and one of our personal favourites! This enormous area, spanning an impressive 9,050km², sits serenely at the end of the majestic Great Rift in Zambia, embracing the Luangwa River with open arms. With a cornucopia of natural splendour and a diverse menagerie of creatures at your fingertips, it's no surprise that South Luangwa National Park is a prevailing destination for heart-pounding game viewing and exclusive safari experiences of unparalleled extravagance.
An exclusive safari experience in an unspoilt environment, Image Credit: Zungulila Bushcamp
South Luangwa National Park – Wildlife
Brimming with exuberance and fueled by the life-giving Luangwa River, which boasts the most unspoiled river system on the continent, South Luangwa National Park's expansive savannah grasslands are home to over 60 species of wildlife. The national park is renowned for its remarkable density of highly coveted animal sightings, including Thornicroft's giraffe, Crawshay's zebra and the illustrious Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard).
South Luangwa is widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries, Image Credit: Time + Tide
For the best Big 5 game-viewing experience, head to the Valley's oxbow pools. Luangwa is a dry-season destination. During the rainy season, the Luangwa River swells up and leaves behind watering holes and lush vegetation as the drier seasons approach. As a result, waves of wildlife congregate at these sporadic water sources, ensuring an excellent game-viewing experience.
The Valley’s oxbow pools are the best place to go for game-viewing, Image Credit: Mwamba Bush Camp
South Luangwa National Park – Walking Safari
Step away from the conventional 4x4 vehicles and lace up your hiking boots for a profound walking safari in South Luangwa National Park – an experience this region pioneered and remains famous for. Here, you'll cross paths with Thornicroft's giraffe, Crawshay's zebra, powerful lions, antelopes, buffalos, and mighty elephants. It's a great opportunity to relish nature in all its authentic glory.
A walking safari in South Luangwa National Park is an intimate way to spot wildlife, Image Credit: Mwamba Bush Camp
With its remote location and limited number of visitors allowed, South Luangwa offers a pristine walking safari escapade that's genuinely unparalleled. And the national park continues to wear the crown as the ultimate destination in Africa for those who desire to traverse big-game terrain on foot and entirely immerse themselves in the natural world.
South Luangwa is considered the birthplace of walking safaris, Image Credit: Zungulila Bushcamp
South Luangwa National Park – Game Drives
We highly recommend a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park. It will get you up close and personal with nature's finest. But if you're craving a bit of variety, mix things up with a couple of game drives too! With an expansive wilderness waiting to be explored, game drives offer the perfect chance to cover more ground.
South Luangwa National Park is home to 60 species of animals including the Big 5, Image Credit: Time + Tide
And trust us, viewing wildlife from an open 4x4 is incredibly comfortable. High seats provide unbeatable all-around vision and make it easy to capture those picture-perfect moments! With experienced guides, you can venture off the beaten path to game-rich areas where you'll discover hidden wildlife gems seldom seen on foot.
Get elevated views on a 4x4 game drive vehicle, Image Credit: Time + Tide
South Luangwa National Park – Birding
And boy, oh boy, walking safaris and game drives are just the tip of the rhino's horn! Avid birders, get ready to brace yourself because South Luangwa's bird-watching is like no other, with over 400 species to spot.
When the dry season draws to a close, the Luangwa River becomes a hub of activity for hundreds of frolicking waterfowls – from the majestic yellow-billed storks to grandiose pelicans. And let's not forget about the striking saddle-billed storks, the elegant crowned cranes, and the stately goliath heron.
With over 400 species of birdlife, it's the perfect bird-watching destination, Image Credit: Tafika Camp
As if that isn't enough, dozens of migratory species like the red-chested cuckoo, the steppe eagle, and the steppe buzzard swoop in before the rains. On top of this, you'll even spot hundreds of carmine bee-eaters nesting in the steep river banks. Talk about a utopia for twitchers!
Observe carmine bee-eaters nesting from a bird hide, Image Credit: Tafika Camp
South Luangwa National Park – Romance
This stunning safari destination's sheer seclusion and intimacy make South Luangwa an ideal choice for a wild and unforgettable romance. As an unspoiled wilderness, where majestic rivers wind their way through rugged terrain and wildlife roams free, it's a place where you can't help but fall in love all over again.
Romantic moments on the tranquil Luangwa River, Image Credit: Time + Tide
Luxurious lodges lying along the tranquil Luangwa River offer soulmates the ultimate in pampering and relaxation. Indulge in couple spa treatments, savour private bush breakfasts, relish in lantern-lit dinners, and watch as the fiery sun dips below the horizon, painting the river in golden hues. It's a magical setting for a wild romance.
A dreamy backdrop for you and your special someone, Image Credit: Zungulila Bushcamp
Where Dreams and Nature Intersect
South Luangwa National Park beckons with its irresistible charm and alluring wildlife. Remember, Africa is full of wonder, and it's up to you to seek it out (with our help, of course!). So, what are you waiting for? Contact our Travel Experts, and let's curate an exceptional wildlife experience of a lifetime.
