
South Luangwa National Park
An untouched safari gem in a remote corner of Zambia
Overview
South Luangwa National Park Safaris

South Luangwa National Park was first founded as a protected game reserve in 1904 yet has remained untouched by the mass tourism of more well known parks.
Often referred to as Africa’s last great wilderness, the South Luangwa National Park lies in a fertile valley that supports an abundance of big game and is a must-see destination on a Zambia family safari looking to escape the crowds.
South Luangwa National Park is the pride of Zambian safari. Home to four of the Big Five, the park is principally known for its predator populations, including lion, leopard and the critically endangered African wild dog.
The historic location of Africa’s first walking safaris, pioneered by the legendary conservationist Norman Carr, many of the park’s camps specialize in guided bushwalks with some of the best local guides in Zambia.
The untouched wilderness, unrivalled predator sightings and beautiful topography of the South Luangwa National Park make it a must-see destination for any Zambia family safari.
Overview
South Luangwa National Park Safaris


Where is South Luangwa National Park?
Located in the east of Zambia, the South Luangwa National Park spans 9,050 square kilometres and tracks the Luangwa River as it flows southwest to meet the mighty Zambezi River.
Marking the end of the Great Rift Valley, the park largely consists of vast grasslands and lush floodplains sustained by the Luangwa River. Bordered by the neighbouring North Luangwa, Luambe, and Lukusuzi National Parks, the abundant wildlife in this unfenced park is meticulously conserved while roaming freely, following ancient migratory patterns.
Despite its setting in a remote corner of Zambia, the park remains fairly easily accessible via Mfuwe airport, a short flight from Lusaka, and is therefore ideal for Zambia family safaris. For those looking for a greater sense of adventure, the park can also be reached by 4×4.

What to do in South Luangwa National Park?
The diversity of landscapes and huge range of activities on offer makes the South Luangwa National Park a great destination for family safari holidays.
Home to four of the Big Five, excluding the rhino, and known as the ‘Valley of the Leopards’ for its incredibly dense leopard population, game drives in South Luangwa are a must for the entire family. Most camps offer both day and night game drives to offer the best chance to spot packs of hunting wild dogs and witness predator activity.
South Luangwa’s most iconic activity, however, has to be the walking safari. Norman Carr, a famed guide and founder of Zambia’s first photographic safari camp in 1950, recognised the thrill of a walk through untamed bush and thus introduced them here during the 1960s. Walking safaris enable you to see the park’s wildlife from a very different perspective, including the over 400 species of birds, and 39 birds of prey, in the area.
Zambia safari holidays can even be done partially on foot, walking from camp to camp, retracing the steps of the pioneers of Zambian safaris. For example, adventurous families can embark on a riverside walk from Tafika Camp to the remote Chikoko Tree Camp, only accessible on foot.

Best time to visit?
Wildlife spotting in South Luangwa National Park is best during the dry season, which takes place from July to October, and most lodges operate seasonally.
However, a select number of camps open during the wetter Emerald season from November to April to offer seasonal boat safaris and canoeing trips along the Luangwa River. Home to one of the continent’s highest populations of hippos and crocodiles as well as a plethora of aquatic birds, this time of year is a great choice for those looking for a more unique Zambia safari holiday.

Who should visit?
South Luangwa National Park, one of the last unspoiled regions of Africa, is an invaluable addition to any Zambia safari holiday itinerary.
With its exhilarating game-viewing opportunities, stunning safari camps, and thrilling walking safaris, South Luangwa is a must-visit destination for intrepid families seeking a memorable Zambia family safari.
While the park’s unfenced camps and age restrictions on certain activities make some accommodations unsuitable for children under 12, this adds an unspoken advantage: the South Luangwa remains refreshingly free from large family groups or misbehaving children, allowing for a more serene and authentic wildlife experience.

