The Lowdown on Luangwa

If the idea of going on safari appeals to you then look no further than Zambia, and more particularly the Luangwa Valley on the far eastern side of the country. This rich wildlife haven will capture your attention whether you’re looking for a specialist photographic safari, a birdwatching holiday or simply an exceptional all-round safari experience. With outstanding camps and lodges – accommodating anywhere between six and 36 people – some of the best guides in the world, and wildlife to match, it’s a hard destination to beat.

Our portfolio of Luangwa safaris is mouthwatering, and ranges from budget to premium. The 10-day Classic South Luangwa is our most popular trip and is based at the beautiful Flatdogs Camp overlooking the Luangwa River, close to the entrance to the park, as is the South Luangwa Photo Safari – which is led by one of our expert wildlife photographers. You enjoy morning, afternoon and evening game-viewing and have exceptional opportunities to see leopard (a valley specialty!), lion, elephant, hippo, yellow baboon, vervet monkey, impala, puku and a whole array of night-time species including genet, civet, white-tailed and bushy-tailed mongoose and even bushbaby (if you’re lucky).

Our Easy Birding in South Luangwa is timed to visit just as the weather is turning, local birds are coming in to breeding colours and the many migrant species that visit Southern Africa are arriving. It‘s a sensory feast, and the carmine bee-eaters are truly a sight to behold!

And, if you’d like to join me on a walking safari then I’d highly recommend having a look at our Walking in the Heart of Zambia itinerary. Based in remote walking camps in both South Luangwa and North Luangwa that accommodate only six people, this safari, which spends plenty of time on foot with expert local naturalists, is aimed at Africa ‘devotees’ who would like to see Africa at eye-level. Of course there are also plenty of opportunities to get out in vehicles, and enjoy wildlife-viewing after dark too.

But there’s far more to Zambia than just the Luangwa Valley. You could consider visiting the Lower Zambezi where you have a chance to safari from the water in canoes and by boat, or Kafue National Park in the west of the country which, in addition to amazing predators and a plethora of birds, also has a remarkable number of antelope species including both sable and roan. Then there is Victoria Falls, one of the great wonders of the world, which can easily be added to any of our Zambian safaris. Each of which combines perfectly with Luangwa.

Finally, the more adventurous amongst you might like to consider a visit to Kasanka for the incredible migration of fruit bats in November, or the Bangweulu Swamps to see the iconic shoebill. And, whilst we have a whole range of groups trips, Zambia is where it all began for us and tailor-making safaris is our bread and butter, so if you’d like some advice and guidance please feel free to ask, as a number of our exceptional consultants know Zambia very well.

If you feel inspired to visit Zambia, discover our full collection of Zambia wildlife holidays. For further safari guidance, contact our expert team.