South Luangwa National Park
is probably the best known park in Zambia. Established in 1938, and proclaimed in 1972, South Luangwa National Park is considered one of the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. Zambia is blessed with some of Africa’s finest sanctuaries.
Highlights
Courtesy Robin Pope Safaris
- Probably the finest walking trails in Africa (you can drive too!)
- Lots of Leopard sightings
- Remote and wild
- Variety of luxury accommodation
- Superb service
The scenically beautiful park, covering an area of 9050 sq km, is an extension of the Great Rift Valley and lies in the eastern part of the country.
The Luangwa River flows along the eastern border of the park, while the western border rises up above the river valley by some 800m.
This great river flows southwards, until it eventually joins the magnificent Zambezi River downstream from Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba.
Courtesy Robin Pope Safaris
The concentration of game around the Luangwa River and it’s ox bow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa. Some of these “lagoons” are wall – to – wall hippo in the dry season!
The Luangwa National Park is home to more than 100 mammal species and some 400 bird species.
Lion, leopard (prolific), buffalo, elephant, large numbers of hippo, wild dog, cheetah, roan and sable antelope are just some of the wildlife that is regularly seen.
Of particular note is that Thornicroft’s Giraffe and Cookson’s Wildebeest are only found in the Luangwa Valley, and nowhere else in Africa!
South Luangwa saw the birth of guided walking safaris in the 1950′s, where the pace is leisurely with distances of about 10 km covered per day. These walking safaris include time in the remote northern area of the park.
Guests are therefore able to choose whether to enjoy a walking safari, or to spend time in one or more of the camps with the option of a selection of game activities, including drives and shorter walks.
There are community initiatives undertaken by some of the lodge operators and these have transformed the lives of many in this rural area. Schools have been built and there are many other initiatives ongoing.
We will tell you when its at its best!
