South Luangwa National Park Travel Guide
Zambia’s most famous national park is the birthplace of thrilling walking safaris, and showcases Africa at its most wild.
Conserving some two million acres of wilderness in the eastern reaches of Zambia, South Luangwa National Park offers unfiltered Africa at its finest.
Kafue National Park stretches nearly 300-kilometres (186 miles) from north to south, conserving a remarkable 5.5-million acres of land.
With most luxury lodges pitched along the banks of the beautiful Luangwa River, it leaves endless opportunity for memorable days of exploring pristine wilderness areas – such as the remote Muchinga escarpment – that are rarely seen by visitors.
South Luangwa never fails to deliver on memorable wildlife sightings, and is particularly famous for boasting some of the highest concentrations of large game in any of Africa’s national parks.
Alongside plentiful opportunities to photograph the iconic Big Five, other unique highlights include sightings of the Crawshay’s Zebra and puku antelope. South Luangwa is also a haven for birders, with more than 400 bird species spotted in the Park.
In addition to the twice-daily game drives, set aside time for a walking safari. South Luangwa is the spiritual home of safaris on foot, pioneered by conservationist Norman Carr almost a century ago. A walking adventure in South Luangwa follows, often literally, in the footsteps of this legendary safari guide.
The Luangwa River is another highlight of the Park. Here at the southern end of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, the river sustains large populations of hippo and crocodile, and is a magnet for both large herbivores and migrating birdlife.
Our handpicked safari lodges in South Luangwa National Park take huge pride in ensuring a culinary adventure to match the excitement of your daily wilderness excursions. Look forward to a mouth-watering menu of dining experiences, from picnic breakfasts out in the bush, al fresco lunch overlooking the wilderness, to fireside boma dinners beneath the glittering stars of the southern skies. At your chosen lodge the talented chefs will ensure meals are always moments to remember. With advance warning most dietary requirements and preferences can be catered for. Please advise on reservation.
If there’s a rule for safaris in Zambia, it’s this: keep it casual. There is no dress code at any of the safari lodges we recommend in the South Luangwa National Park, so opt for comfortable loose-fitting cotton clothing in neutral colours. In winter, the morning and evening game drives can be chilly so pack a thermal fleece for keeping the cold at bay.
High-factor sunscreen and a wide-brimmed sun-hat are essential, as is a swimsuit for cooling off in the lodge pool. Most lodges offer a safari boutique stocking personal hygiene basics, branded clothing and souvenirs, but don’t forget your camera, spare memory cards and specific charging cables.
With most lodges in South Luangwa situated in extremely remote areas, it is essential that travellers carry sufficient supplies of prescription medication for the duration of their stay in the park.
While there’s something special to see in South Luangwa during all months of the year, the mild dry months from April to August are the best time to visit. Cool mornings and evenings are balanced by pleasantly warm afternoons, and wildlife is drawn to the perennial water in the Luangwa River.
The weather remains dry into October, but as the temperatures climb safaris become extremely hot. In November the rains begin to arrive, and the combination of heat and humidity makes the weather more challenging for safari travel. As the rains peak from January to March the landscape is transformed into a sea of green, but roads may be impassable and many seasonal camps are closed.
Thanks to its remote location and secluded lodges, South Luangwa has a low risk of malaria. However, anti-malarial prophylactics are recommended year-round. Consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure.
Stretched out along the Luangwa River in the far eastern reaches of Zambia, South Luangwa is an icon of African safaris. Navigate your way there with our useful safari maps…
While many lodges in South Luangwa are accessible by road, the most convenient access is by air. Scheduled flights link Lusaka to Mfuwe airport, while charter services provide fast and efficient connections to Mfuwe from Livingstone (for the Victoria Falls), Kasane (for Chobe National Park in Botswana) and Johannesburg, for long-haul connections at OR Tambo International Airport.
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