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South Luangwa is undoubtedly the jewel of Zambia’s national parks and the place to see leopards. It lies in the north-eastern part of Zambia and comprises some 9,050 square kilometres of unspoilt African wilderness.

The meandering Luangwa River creates scenic oxbow lagoons set amongst beautiful riverine vegetation of evergreen mahogany and ebony trees, and the area is a magnet to outstanding wildlife. You can expect to encounter numerous large animals here - elephant, Cape buffalo, hippo, lion, Nile crocodile, warthog, puku, impala, spotted hyena, greater kudu and eland are all common. Unique to the Luangwa are the Thornicroft's giraffe, Cookson's wildebeest and Crawshay's zebra, which are found nowhere else. However, for many the most exciting aspect of the Luangwa Valley is that it has the world’s highest naturally occurring population of leopard.

Concentrations of game along the riverine area increase throughout the dry season and are at their maximum during September and October. Buffalo herds of over a thousand and large herds of elephant are frequent sightings. Hippos collect in huge numbers, often several hundred strong, in the deep-water channels of the river, accompanied by unknown numbers of Nile crocodile.

For the birdwatcher too, Luangwa could hardly be better with some 400 species of bird. The sun-scorched riverbanks play host to vast colonies of carmine bee-eaters, which together with numerous raptors, lovebirds, weavers and kingfishers lend more than a splash of colour to this beautiful destination.

The beautiful ‘green season’ begins with the first rains in early November. There is a glorious cleansing of the dust and haze that has built up during the intense heat of the dry season and a wonderful green burst adorns the previously parched earth. Flowering trees and plants come into bloom, and the young of most animals are born, including African wild dog puppies. Our Rivers & Rainbows trip is perfect for those who wish to travel during the green season. 

Our collection of South Luangwa Safaris can also be tailored to suit your requirements, just contact our safari experts who will be happy to help.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: leopard, Cookson’s wildebeest, Thornicroft’s giraffe, Crawshay’s zebra, African elephant, puku, lion, Nile crocodile
  • Where: Eastern Province, Zambia

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itineraries:

Classic South Luangwa Safari

The South Luangwa National Park is arguably Zambia’s premier wildlife destination and it has been one of our most popular destinations for many-a-year. Join us on this classic small group safari where we spend an entire week exploring this iconic park in search of its amazing wildlife. Find out more about Classic South Luangwa Safari

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £4,595
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N

South Luangwa Photo Safari

Zambia's South Luangwa National Park is a photographer’s paradise with exquisite light, stunning wildlife and some of the best guides in Africa. This ten-day tour, with an expert photographer as your leader, has been designed specifically to maximise wildlife photography opportunities. Find out more about South Luangwa Photo Safari

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £4,995
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N

South Luangwa Wildlife Art Safari

Hosted by award-winning sculptor Nick Mackman, this 7-night safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park promises to inspire a new appreciation of wildlife in you whilst developing your artistic skills in one of Africa’s finest wildlife locations, with a host of mammals and birds to admire. Find out more about South Luangwa Wildlife Art Safari

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £6,995
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • N

Walking in the Heart of Zambia

This small group trip visits Zambia’s sensational South Luangwa and North Luangwa National Parks to enjoy walking safaris, and is jointly led by author Simon Barnes and Wildlife Worldwide founder Chris Breen. Their shared passion for the area and its abundant wildlife guarantee an illuminating and fun experience! Find out more about Walking in the Heart of Zambia

  • Price (inc. flights): 12 days from £12,495
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • S

Bats, Rhinos & Reptiles

Kasanka National Park plays hosts to a remarkable annual wildlife spectacle; from mid-November onwards an estimated 12 million fruitbats arrive. Guided walks will take you to witness this marvellous spectacle, and will be combined with time on safari in the national parks of Zambia and Malawi. Find out more about Bats, Rhinos & Reptiles

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £6,345
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • N
    • D

Batty about Kasanka

Every November and December, millions of fruit bats take up residence in Kasanka National Park - witness this incredible sight while staying in a comfortable tented camp near the renowned Fibwe Hide. The trip also includes time in South Luangwa where walking safaris and night drives are a highlight. Find out more about Batty about Kasanka

  • Price (inc. flights): 12 days from £5,895
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • N
    • D

Carnivores of South Luangwa

Join researchers from the Zambian Carnivore Programme for a behind-the-scenes view of conservation in action in South Luangwa National Park, and take part in research into its populations of lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. The riverside lodge accommodation at Nkwali is ideal for wildlife viewing. Find out more about Carnivores of South Luangwa

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £5,195
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • N

Classic Africa Explorer

This 37-day comprehensive itinerary, which visits no less than seven countries, delivers the ultimate African safari experience and a wealth of contrasts. Travel to some of Africa’s best National Parks and stay in a range of classic lodges, hotels and tented camps on this wildlife trip of a lifetime. Find out more about Classic Africa Explorer

  • Price (inc. flights): 37 days from £16,495
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • A
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N
    • D

Classic Luangwa Walking Safari

Zambia is the home of the walking safari, and this small group trip along the Mupamadzi River offers the quintessential bush experience. Staying in well-equipped tents and accompanied by expert safari guides, the trip covers three different camps to experience each location’s unique wildlife and habitats. Find out more about Classic Luangwa Walking Safari

  • Price (inc. flights): 14 days from £8,495
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S

Easy Birding in South Luangwa

South Luangwa, in north-east Zambia, is the jewel of the country’s national parks. The eastern boundary of this unspoilt wilderness is the Luangwa River, whose regular changes of course create oxbow lakes. There could hardly be a better place for birders, as Luangwa is blessed with some 400 bird species. Find out more about Easy Birding in South Luangwa

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £4,295
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • S
    • O
    • N
    • D

Leopards of Luangwa

South Luangwa National Park plays host to the world’s highest naturally occurring population of leopard. Venture into their domain on both vehicle and walking safaris in search of this often illusive predator whilst admiring the numerous mammal and bird species that this magnificent park has to offer. Find out more about Leopards of Luangwa

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £6,495
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N

Luangwa Valley & Lower Zambezi

Combine the beauty of the Luangwa Valley with the delights of the Lower Zambezi. In South Luangwa, you will find the world’s highest naturally occurring population of leopard, and boat trips on the Lower Zambezi add another dimension to watching wildlife, with elephant and huge herds of buffalo. Find out more about Luangwa Valley & Lower Zambezi

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £6,795
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N

Rivers & Rainbows

Travel during the ultimate green season when the rains have restored river levels, and you can travel by boat along the Luangwa River to view crocodiles and hippos. Flowering trees and plants come into bloom, and the young of most animals are born, including African wild dog puppies. Find out more about Rivers & Rainbows

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £4,525
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A

Shoebills, Lechwe & Luangwa

If you are a connoisseur who yearns for untouched wilderness, this is the safari for you! Zambia's vast Bangweulu wetland is home to over 30,000 black lechwe and the highly endangered shoebill, and Kasanka famously has over 400 bird species, including the rare Pel’s fishing owl. Find out more about Shoebills, Lechwe & Luangwa

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £9,975
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • M
    • A
    • M
    • J

Ultimate South Luangwa

Combining two of the finest camps in the South Luangwa National Park, this exclusive small group tour will provide one of the best wildlife experiences that Zambia has to offer. Travelling at the perfect time of year, we should encounter wild dog, lion, martial eagle, leopard and many other species. Find out more about Ultimate South Luangwa

  • Price (inc. flights): 12 days from £7,995
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O

Festival of Wildlife Zambia

To celebrate over 30 years of Wildlife Worldwide, the Festival of Wildlife will be held in Zambia's Luangwa Valley. South Luangwa is a wildlife paradise, with exquisite light, stunning scenery and a myriad of animals including leopard, lion, wild dog, elephant and a range of nocturnal species. Find out more about Z) Festival of Wildlife Zambia

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £5,495
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • N

Zambezi Wonders & Wilderness

A fabulous family safari offering the perfect combination of outstanding natural wonders, unspoilt wilderness, incredible wildlife and fun activities. From the spectacular Victoria Falls and the astonishing wildlife of South Luangwa, to the pristine shores of Lake Malawi, enjoy the very best of Zambia and Malawi. Find out more about Zambezi Wonders & Wilderness

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £5,995
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • A
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N
    • D
Suggested accommodation options are shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Chikoko Tree Camp

This exclusive camp is set amidst an acacia grove, right on the bank of the Luangwa River. Consisting of just three grass-walled chalets raised off the ground, all have en suite bathroom and offer views of wildlife throughout the course of the day. Walking safaris are the highlight of any stay here. Find Out More about Chikoko Tree Camp

Chinzombo Camp

Secluded, stylish and innovative, this idyllic camp - which takes its name from the eponymous fruit - occupies a pristine area on the banks of the meandering Luangwa River, alive with wildlife. Each villa has separate living and sleeping areas, a private plunge pool, luxurious bathroom and wide deck. Find Out More about Chinzombo Camp

Crocodile River Camp

This comfortable and intimate camp is situated beneath a grove of muchenja (ebony) trees in South Luangwa National Park. Constructed using a combination of natural materials, its three en suite chalets overlook a dambo, attracting an abundance of wildlife, which can be seen from the room. Find Out More about Crocodile River Camp

Flatdogs Camp

Situated on the banks of the Luangwa River, Flatdogs Camp offers a good range of accommodation from safari tents with en suite facilities to luxurious chalet rooms. It is the closest camp to the Mfuwe main gate, providing easy access to South Luangwa National Park and its abundant wildlife. Find Out More about Flatdogs Camp

Kaingo Camp

This stylish camp nestles on the banks of the Luangwa River, deep in South Luangwa National Park. It has six chalets with stunning views, and a deck built out over the river from where you can watch wildlife. The camp also has dedicated hides for watching elephant, hippo and carmine bee-eaters. Find Out More about Kaingo Camp

Kakuli Bush Camp

Kakuli is a luxurious ten-bedded tented camp located on an elevated section of the Luangwa’s west bank. As well as offering walking safaris, and day and night drives, you can watch wildlife on the river and even the lawn right in front of you, from the camp’s central thatched dining area. Find Out More about Kakuli Bush Camp

Kuyenda

Kuyenda is a quaintly luxurious bush camp on the bank of the Manzi River in a remote, yet wildlife-rich area of South Luangwa National Park. There are just six authentic rondavels, each with en suite facilities and the camp is run by renowned guide Phil Berry who has been in the Luangwa for over 30 years. Find Out More about Kuyenda

Luangwa River Camp

Nestled under an ancient ebony grove, the intimate and exclusive Luangwa River Camp is made up of just five bush suites. The surrounding oxbow lagoon and plains of the Luangwa Valley hold vast concentrations of wildlife, including elephant, leopard, lion, hippo and puku, as well as over 400 bird species. Find Out More about Luangwa River Camp

Luangwa Safari House

This stunning four-bedroom private house is situated on the edge of a seasonal lagoon where herds of elephant and giraffe feed and drink throughout the day. It provides a large living area, verandahs, a swimming pool and an open-air terrace for dining, as well as hosted activities for children. Find Out More about Luangwa Safari House

Luwi Bush Camp

Luwi is a superb camp constructed on the site of legendary Norman Carr’s first every walking safari in the South Luangwa National Park. Five reed-and-thatch chalets, accommodating a maximum of ten guests, sit in a beautiful shady grove and offer probably the perfect bush camp - remote yet comfortable. Find Out More about Luwi Bush Camp

Mchenja Bush Camp

Set under the shade of ebony trees, this stylish and luxurious camp overlooks the Luangwa River in an impossibly picturesque location. Each of the five spacious tents stands on a wooden deck under a thatched roof. Activities from the camp consist of day and night drives and walking safaris. Find Out More about Mchenja Bush Camp

Mfuwe Lodge

This award-winning lodge lies inside South Luangwa National Park, a few minutes’ drive from the main gate. Thatched chalets are set around two lagoons, and after a game drive you can relax on the open deck or take a dip in the swimming pool while an endless stream of wildlife keeps you enthralled. Find Out More about Mfuwe Lodge

Mwamba Bush Camp

Mwamba is a satellite camp of Kaingo in South Luangwa National Park, and is located deep in the park, offering solitude far from other safari vehicles. With only six beds, it offers a perfect contrast to the main camp, while still offering the superlative quality and feel of its larger relative. Find Out More about Mwamba Bush Camp

Nkwali Camp

Located on private land just outside South Luangwa National Park, this lodge lies in an area of ebony woodland and open grassland that is superb for wildlife viewing. It consists of six cool and spacious chalets - including one for a family - built from woven bamboo with stone floors and thatched roofs. Find Out More about Nkwali Camp

Nsefu Camp

On a sweeping bend of the river, in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park, lies what was the first photographic safari camp in Zambia, dating back to the early 1950s. The dining room overlooks the river where elephants come to drink and cross, with the bar overlooking a busy waterhole. Find Out More about Nsefu Camp

Nsolo Bush Camp

Nsolo is a simple, yet luxurious tented camp with five open-fronted chalets overlooking a nearby waterhole. One of the more historic camps in Zambia, it is also one of South Luangwa’s more remote. Walking safaris are a speciality, and there are also opportunities for night drives to see nocturnal animals. Find Out More about Nsolo Bush Camp

Robin’s House

Robin’s House lies in a beautiful position on the Luangwa River with a stunning view across to the park. It is a small private and exclusive house, ideal for families or friends seeking a more indulgent type of safari, and offers both flexibility and comfort, with its own private plunge pool and team of staff. Find Out More about Robin’s House

Tafika Camp

Tafika is superbly situated just to the north of the Nsefu sector of the South Luangwa National Park on a magnificent stretch of the Luangwa River. The camp consists of six comfortable chalets and offers a highly personalised, friendly service and flexible wildlife-viewing activities. Find Out More about Tafika Camp

Tena Tena

One of the most stunning sites in the Luangwa Valley, this remote, small camp stands in a grove of mahogany trees on a wide sweep of river. It consists of six beautifully designed safari tents, and a charming open-sided dining room and bar. Morning, evening and night drives and walking safaris are all offered. Find Out More about Tena Tena