Established in 1938, and proclaimed in 1972, South Luangwa National Park is considered one of the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries.
Key highlights are...
- Probably the best walking trails in Africa
- Prolific Leopard sightings
- Remote and wild
- Great 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. The concentration of game around the Luangwa river and it’s ox bow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa.
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.
We also recommend that you spend a night in, or pay a visit to Kawaza Village, where as a result of support from tourism activities, the local school has been able to survive and grow.