South Luangwa National Park – Zambia (Southern Africa)

South Luangwa National Park is a stunning wildlife sanctuary situated in Eastern Zambia, in the impressive Luangwa Valley, at the lower extremity of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. The park encompasses a territory of 3,475 ml² (9050 km²); and is bisected by the beautifully flowing Luangwa River, as it heads for unity with its Zambezi counterpart. The Luangwa River has traced its unique course in this dramatic valley, resulting in a spectacular escarpment, spiced by the presence of numerous lagoons and ox-bow masses of water. This beguiling wildlife sanctuary boasts one of the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa. In the park reside vast numbers of hippopotamus, lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, African wild dog, zebra, giraffe and over 400 species of birds. There are a number of animal species that are unique to this amazing park, among which are, thornicroft giraffe, the Crawshay’s zebra and the Cookson’s wildebeest.

With over 400 documented species of bird resident in this ecological zone, the park is also a veritable bird watcher’s paradise.

There is an exciting range of activities to embark upon, while visiting this awesome park. One innovative, somewhat challenging but highly rewarding activity within the park is to participate in a walking safari, conducted by the park’s highly professional and reliable safari guides. The walks are less strenuous and offer the visitor memorable intimacy with the park’s wonders. Traditional game drives are the conventional way of viewing animals in the park; always offering the opportunity to sight a variety of wildlife.

Birding safaris constitute another interesting activity in the park; and the palatability of the experience climaxes during the green season from November to February, when the birds indigenous to the park associate with their counterpart migrants from the north.

Also on offer in the park are boat safaris, most notably, during the green season, when the Luangwa River swells in volume, and renders navigation by boat possible. These aquatic safaris offer unique opportunities to view birds; drift through the groves of ebony trees, and capture the splendour of crocodiles and hippopotamus at close range.

While South Luangwa is open throughout the year, the most rewarding time to visit the park is during the dry season from April to October, when animals tend to congregate around waterholes, affording the visitor unmatched opportunities for viewing them. Nonetheless, the green season spanning November to March, is also an excellent time to visit the park, during which one can view animals exercise affection towards their young ones.

Travelling to South Luangwa National park can either be undertaken by road or by air. The drive from Zambia’s political capital Lusaka to the park is particularly long, and should not be undertaken at night. Visitors can also fly from Lusaka or Livingston Airport around Victoria Falls to Mfuwe, from where one is picked up by agents of a booked camp or lodge; and conveyed to the park.

There is an extensive variety of camps and lodges in the park to suit everyone’s specific requirements and budget. A majority of these camps and lodges are mostly located on the eastern banks of the Luangwa River.