SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

South Luangwa is one of the most rich and diverse wildlife regions in Africa.

The region prides itself on being the birthplace of walking safaris and offers an incredible experience exploring its wilderness by foot. Wide-open floodplains, grasslands, and beautiful woodlands surround the mighty, life-giving Luangwa River. Known for its intimate bush camps, rich wildlife, and exciting walking adventures, South Luangwa is a safari destination that fosters a strong connection to a beautiful, untamed wilderness.

This special park is off the beaten path, away from major tourist routes, and provides a true safari experience where nature’s magical ways take center stage.

Seasons

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Swollen rivers make logistics difficult at the start of the year. Typically by January the majority of the small bush camps close. Only a few larger lodges remain open throughout this green season around the Mfuwe area. By March, the park’s remote bush camps begin to reopen. Animals remain widely dispersed, as food and water are abundant, and migratory birds linger a little longer.

By June the region moves into winter. Temperatures reach the 80s with cool, crisp nights. Trees drop their leaves and tall grasses dry out, creating a muted winter landscape. Wildlife viewing is at its peak during this time of year, as wildlife concentrates around limited water sources, and the thinning bush offers greater visibility.

From September to early November, South Luangwa enters the warmest time of year, when temperatures can reach into the 90s and 100s. Typically, the first rains fall in mid-November and relieve the high heat and humidity. The reinvigorated bush signals the start to the birthing season for antelope, such as puku, wildebeest, impala, and zebra. A new generation of animals and migratory birds arrive during this time of plenty.

Wildlife

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South Luangwa is a premiere wildlife destination, home to over 60 mammal species and more than 400 species of birds. Large herds of buffalo and elephants, amazing densities of hippos and crocodiles, leopards, lions, and wild dogs call South Luangwa home. South Luangwa also has a high number of endemic species, such as puku, Thornicroft’s giraffe, Crawshay’s zebra, and Cookson’s wildebeest. In addition to its amazing animals, this park is truly a birders paradise, with “lifers” like the African pitta and Pel’s fishing owl. South Luangwa’s amazing birdlife becomes even more of a spectacle when massive flocks of carmine bee-eaters nest and feed along exposed riverbanks.

Activities

Walk in the footsteps of explorer Livingstone and the pioneer of walking safaris, Norman Carr. Led by your knowledgeable, professional guide, spend time admiring and learning about nature’s beautiful little details.
1. Use the camouflage of the riverside tree line to observe a herd of elephants as they bathe and drink in the river’s water.
1. Spend an afternoon sitting back to watch wildlife pass by from your room’s private deck.
1. Enjoy South Luangwa during the green season, when the park bursts into a lush green color, antelope give birth, and predators take advantage of this time of plenty.
1. Enjoy a sundowner in the shallow waters of one of the seasonal rivers, and watch the sun disappear behind the mesmerizing horizon.