One of the greatest wildlife destinations in the whole of Africa, and not without reason, the concentration of wildlife on and around the Luangwa River is unbelievable. The concentration of wildlife matches and betters most national parks in Africa.
If you are looking for one of Africa's best wildlife and birdlife experiences, look no further than the South Luangwa National Park; trust us on this.
- Size: 9050 square kilometres
- Location: Eastern Zambia
- Rainfall: Summer
- Lodges & accommodation: Luangwa Lodges
Where is South Luangwa National Park located?
The South Luangwa National Park is located in the Eastern region of Zambia, just below the North Luangwa National Park, approximately 670 kilometres from Lusaka in an east-north-east direction.
As always, we suggest one look at a map for a better understanding of what surrounds the national park. Unfortunately, we will not be using Google maps this time as they seem to have forgotten to add the National Park to their mapping system. We will use HERE WeGo maps (an excellent alternative to Google Maps BTW) instead: HERE WeGo Maps - South Luangwa National Park
Information On South Luangwa National Park
The Luangwa River is the main attraction of the national park and the area that offers guests that high concentration of wildlife we mentioned above.
The 9050 km² national park is largely unexplored, with the vast majority of it being untouched by man; it is only really near the Luangwa River that one gets to explore. If you do not believe us, have a look at the above map link (zoom in and out) for a road network other than what is near the river, you won't find one as it does not exist.
The 'walking safari' originated from within the South Luangwa; all of the safari lodges and camps in the region offer what without question one best ways to experience this pristine wilderness. All accommodation establishment do offer up game drives and drives, of course, but to walk the wilds, there is nothing that can come close.
There are in the region 60 mammal species and over 400 bird species on offer within the park.
There is estimated to be at least 50 hippos per kilometre of the Luangwa River! Lion and Leopard sightings are good depending on the time of year.
Best Time to Visit South Luangwa National Park
The best time to visit the South Luangwa National Park is in the dry season (April to October). This is when the lack of rainwater forces the wildlife to move closer to the Luangwa River, and therefore, wildlife sightings are at their peak.
A few lodges remain open for business in the wet season, but a few do close as they become inaccessible due to rising waters levels and roads/tracks being washed away.
Please note that October and November are the hottest months. It is around this time that temperatures can occasionally reach and exceed 40° Celcius.
Main Attractions Of South Luangwa National Park
- Wildlife
- Birding
- Completely wild and remote
- Thornicroft's Giraffe
- 14 different antelope species
- 47 migrating bird species from Europe and Russia
- Luangwa River
- Walking safaris
- Night drives
- More hippos than you can shake a stick at
What To Do In Lusaka
Continuing our series of African cities, we look at the capital of Zambia, Lusaka. Over the last ten years and mainly due to economic expansion, Lusaka has exploded in terms of what it offers the modern traveller.Tongabezi Lodge Victoria Falls Expereince
If you live in Africa, a weekend getaway in the bush on one of Africa's greatest rivers is something that is part of your culture, essentially something you can relate to. If you live elsewhere in the developed world, it is one of the most exotic things you can imagine. Welcome to the magical world of Tongabezi.Best Safari Destinations In Zambia
People tend to forget about Zambia when organising their safari. They think in terms of their more famous regional neighbours: Botswana, South Africa and Kenya with their iconic destinations of the Okavango Delta, the Kruger and the Masai Mara. Even the Victoria Falls is seen purely as a Zimbabwean venue.Celebrating David Livingstone In Zambia
David Livingstone was born in Blantyre, Scotland 200 years ago. He remains the most celebrated of all Victorian explorers, equally known for his humanity and humanitarian work as for his feats of exceptional exploration.Best Victoria Falls Relaxed Activities
The Victoria Falls area has gained a reputation over the past two decades as one of the adventure centres of the world. From bungee jumping to white water rafting, there will be some activity for the adrenalin junkie. However, this is not what the Vic Falls was traditionally about.Best Victoria Falls Adventure Activities
The Victoria Falls is not only celebrated as one of the worlds most beautiful sights but it also is known as the adventure capital of Africa. With Victoria Falls being on most safari itineraries it is good to know what to do and see when in town, whether you are staying on the Zambian or on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls.Canoeing On The Upper Zambezi
Your correspondent has been travelling and going on safari in Africa since the early 1980s. I have lost count of the many, majestic sunsets, of the unique wildlife moments accidentally captured by a camera and of the multitude of happy days with friends in remote places.Livingstone, Lower Zambezi and Luangwa Safari
Part 1, Zambia was the destination for Senior Consultant Nicky on an educational trip to experience Livingstone and Victoria Falls, the Lower Zambezi and Luangwa National Parks. Read on to hear about her experiences.