South Luangwa National Park
Which Month Is Best For Visiting The South Luangwa National Park?
  • When to Visit to the South Luangwa National Park
  • When to Visit to the South Luangwa National Park
  • When to Visit to the South Luangwa National Park
  • When to Visit to the South Luangwa National Park
  • When to Visit to the South Luangwa National Park
  • When to Visit to the South Luangwa National Park
  • When to Visit to the South Luangwa National Park
  • When to Visit to the South Luangwa National Park
  • When to Visit to the South Luangwa National Park
  • When to Visit to the South Luangwa National Park
  • When to Visit to the South Luangwa National Park
  • When to Visit to the South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park

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
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Popular Zambia Lodges
  • Royal Zambezi Lodge
    A Lower Zambezi lodge refurbished as a 5 star luxury lodge, overlooking the vast Zambezi river with it's wildlife and scenic vistas. Royal Zambezi River Lodge is a striking combination of contemporary style and comfort in a completely unspoiled bush environment.
  • Toka Leya Camp
    Toka Leya Camp consisting of 12 spacious en-suite safari-style tents, is hidden on the banks of the Zambezi River in the western sector of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, about 12km upstream from the Falls, offering spectacular views.
  • Potato Bush Camp
    Potato Bush Camp located on the banks of the Zambezi River in a very remote corner of the Lower Zambezi National Park offers guests a small and exclusive safari experience like few others. Only four tented suites all offer stunning panoramic views overlooking the Zambezi River and Zambezi escarpment.
  • Nsefu Camp
    On the banks of the Luangwa River, Nsefu Camp marks the spot where tourism first arrived in Zambia. Located within a pristine area of the South Luangwa National Park that is rich in wildlife and far from the intrusive view of outsiders. Game viewing here is effectively private.
  • Royal Livingstone Hotel
    The Royal Livingstone Hotel, stretching along the banks of the Zambezi River, consists of a series of 17 colonial-style buildings with deep verandas, set amidst indigenous trees and plants is only a few steps from the mighty Zambezi.
  • Zambezi Grande
    Zambezi Grande located just outside the Lower Zambezi National Park a few minutes drive away is a privately owned and run riverfront establishment that is highly sought-after by those looking to experience all that Lower Zambezi Valley offers.