South Luangwa National Park

Map And Geography

The following South Luangwa National Park Map shows all the geographical details of the place. Also, the location of all its lodges is shown for our reader’s convenience.

Geographical Details Of South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park extends over an area of 9050 km². The western side of the park is bounded by the Muchinga escarpment, which gradually steeps down to the eastern side, bordered by the meandering Luangwa River.

The National Park area is generally flat near the Luangwa River and is dominated by mature woodlands. A mixture of small bushes and grasslands are interspersed by the presence of large beautiful trees which are 10-20 m apart.

Occasionally there are wide open grasslands which are not the usual Serengeti-type plains with short grasses. Instead, they are covered by tall species of grasses with bushes. The lack of trees makes it an open plains area.

When To Visit South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa is a seasonal Zambia Safari Destination. Most of its lodges are only operated in the dry season, particularly from the end of March to the end of October. The early part of the dry season, starting from May and running through September, is the best time for wildlife viewing.

Wild animals from the bush areas of South Luangwa Valley conglomerate around the meandering Luangwa River in search of fresh drinking water. Also, the dry vegetation with thinner bushes makes it easy to spot wildlife during safari drives.

As we know that the Luangwa Valley majorly experiences two safari seasons- The Dry Season and The Wet Season. Let’s look at the highlights of each season and what it has in store for you.

The Dry Season- May To October

Advantages of visiting South Luangwa from May to October

• Cool and Dry weather conditions with clear skies and lots of sunshine.
• After the rains, the luscious green grass turns golden which gives excellent photographic opportunities.
• Animals gather around the Luangwa River and other watercourses.
• The cooler conditions prevailing in the early morning and late evenings witnessed heightened predator activity.
• With fewer bugs and mosquitoes around, there are lesser chances of spreading malaria.

Disadvantages of the Dry Season

• Sometimes rivers can be too crowded as the number of visitors peaks around this time.
• The dusty atmosphere and arid climate might make you uncomfortable during game drives.

The Wet Season- November To April

Advantages of visiting South Luangwa during the Wet Season

• The wet season is often regarded as the “emerald season” in Zambia. The rains turn the dry vegetation into a lush, green scenery.
• Fewer tourists arrive at the place; hence the rates are lower.
• As the birthing season begins, you can spot newborns around the place.
• The presence of migrant birds makes it the best time for bird-watching safaris.

Disadvantages of the Wet Season

• Prevailing hot and humid conditions are not suitable for South Luangwa National Park Safari.
• Most lodges are shut down from December to March as rains make it difficult to commute within the national park premises.
• As there is water everywhere, Malaria is a big concern.
• Some roads are inaccessible and impassable due to the rains.

Good to Know: Some lodges in South Luangwa National Park, especially in the central part of the park remain open during the wet season as long as they can be accessed by travelers. Recently, some bush camps have also opened access during the wet season.

Regardless of the time of the year you choose to visit, it should be kept in mind that wildlife behavior can be unpredictable, and sightings can never be guaranteed (except for the peak of the dry season). So, it’s advisable to contact us about the best time to visit the park and what you can expect during your Safaris To Zambia.

Getting To South Luangwa National Park

Though located in a remote location, South Luangwa is still easily accessible. The national park is situated near the village of Mfuwe and is at a distance of 700 km from the capital city, Lusaka.

The most preferred route to reach South Luangwa is to fly to the park from the capital city of Lusaka via the Mfuwe airport. Take down the flights to Mfuwe airport from Lusaka. Mfuwe airport is the primary access point to reach South Luangwa National Park.

Let’s look at all the ways by which South Luangwa National Park can be accessed by travelers.

By Air

International Air Travel

During the main safari season, from May to October, most visitors to the national park start from Lusaka and fly into Mfuwe airport. The starting point is Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka. The airport has multiple daily connections with other important locations in the world. These locations include Nairobi, Johannesburg and Dubai, and Ethiopia.

Domestic Air Travel

Visitors to South Luangwa can also choose to travel domestically. Start from Livingstone to Lusaka or vice versa, which is generally opted by travelers who visit Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park areas.

From Lusaka to South Luangwa

After your international flight lands at Lusaka, your Zambia Safari is about to start. You just now need to take a 70 minutes short flight to Mfuwe airport. All further connections to the Zambia Safari Park are assisted by Proflight Zambia.  There are about three flights scheduled per day.

-Lusaka > Mfuwe

-Livingstone (via Lusaka) >Mfuwe

-Lower Zambezi (via Lusaka)> Mfuwe

Note: The one-way trip between Lusaka and Mfuwe will cost around US $ 282 per person. With return tickets, the cost is going to double.

By Road

Travelers can reach South Luangwa National Park from Lusaka (Lusaka- Chipata-Mfuwe) by either using a public bus or by hiring a private/rental vehicle. This drive can take you at least 10 hours long. You can also take a direct bus from Lusaka to Mfuwe to reach South Luangwa. But, the time duration for this route will be a little more.

The second option is to combine South Luangwa National Park Safari with a visit to Malawi. From Lilongwe (Malawi’s capital), a trip to Mfuwe takes much lesser time than from Lusaka.

Summary of Prices to Reach South Luangwa National Park

Note: Mfuwe is 20-30 minutes from the main gate of South Luangwa National Park. So, transfers to the national park from Mfuwe can be easily arranged. Also, the lodges or guest houses can arrange pickups (sometimes free of cost).

Zambia Visa Information

By far as we know, travelers tend to enter through Lusaka, Livingstone, or Mfuwe on arriving in Zambia. Foreign travelers will require to obtain visas. The list of countries that need to obtain a visa and those who are exempt can be obtained by contacting the nearest Zambian Embassy or Consulate.

The present Zambia Visa rates for single-entry and double-entry visas are US $ 50 and US $ 80, respectively. In addition, a departure tax is also required to be paid in cash during the time of departure from all the main airports. The domestic departure tax is US $ 8, and the international departure tax is US $ 25.

Park Entrance Fees At South Luangwa

The South Luangwa National Park entrance fees for different categories of travelers are given below:

South Luangwa Wildlife

Due to its rich vegetation, South Luangwa National Park shelters a diverse range of wildlife, including many species which are exclusive to the region. Some of the notable animals present in the national park are:

• Antelopes and Other Herbivores:

Luangwa Valley is popular among safari enthusiasts for several ‘specialties’ including the rare Thornicroft’s giraffe which has a strikingly different coloration.

Other rare species found in the valley are Cookson’s wildebeest, a subspecies of the blue wildebeest, and Crawshay’s zebra, a subspecies of plains zebra.

Many species of antelopes are on the park premises, including impalas, puku, kudus, and bushbucks. Apart from that, the valley also supports high densities of game such as huge herds of buffalos and groups of elephants.

The hundreds of hippos and crocodiles that are abundantly present in and around the Luangwa River deserve a special mention here. The best time to observe the dense population of hippos is towards the end of the dry season when the river water is at its lowest.

• Predators

The predominant predators of Luangwa Valley are lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and wild dogs. A large pride of lions can be easily spotted at the end of the dry season when the vegetation is scarce all around.

Also, South Luangwa has earned a name among its competitors for providing incredible sightings of Leopards, especially during night game drives. Recently, high incidences of Wild dog sightings have been reported near the Nkwali pontoon in the south of Mfuwe around February to May.

On the contrary, there have been no reports of Cheetah sightings in the park for some decades. This is why cheetahs are believed to be extinct inside South Luangwa.

Wildlife Of South Luangwa National Park

There are different categories of animals spotted inside the South Luangwa. While some are common and can be easily sighted inside the park premises during a Zambia Wildlife, some others might be uncommon or completely rare to sight. Take a look at the list of these animals.

South Luangwa Birdlife

With about 400 recorded species of birds, South Luangwa is renowned for its rich tropical birdlife. Some bird species prefer a dry habitat of plains and forests, while others live close to water.

The best time for bird watching is during the summer rainy season. The birds have an abundant food supply during this time and the summer migrants are also thriving in the park.

Some of the notable birds of South Luangwa, which can be seen during a birding safari in the national park, are given below.

• African Skimmer - This distinctive bird is easily recognizable by its long, thin bill, which it uses to skim the water's surface for fish.
• Pel's Fishing Owl - This large owl is one of the most sought-after bird species in the park and is known for its distinctive, circular facial disks and yellow eyes.
• Carmine Bee-eater - This brightly colored bird is a common sight in the park, and is often seen perching on branches or flying over the river.
• African Grey Hornbill - This large bird is easily recognizable by its distinctive bill and grey plumage.
• African Fish Eagle - This powerful bird of prey is one of the most iconic bird species in Africa, and its distinctive call is often heard echoing across the river.
• Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill - This striking bird is easily recognizable by its large bill, which is yellow with a black tip.
• Bohm's Bee-eater - This brightly colored bird is a common sight in the park and is often seen perching on branches or flying over the river.
• Cuckoo Hawk - This bird of prey is easily recognizable by its long, narrow wings and distinctive call.

Check out the table below that displays a list of notable species of birds of South Luangwa and where they could be noted easily during a Safaris To Zambia.

Getting Around South Luangwa

By Car

Most visitors to South Luangwa use a car to tour the park premises. In addition, they use a car for safari drives which are organized by the lodges. Sometimes visitors can also rent a 4WD vehicle or tour around by using their vehicle.

In the latter case, traveling on your own can be a little risky as there are plenty of trails with no proper signposting, so picking up a map from the gate is advised to ensure a hassle-free safari experience.

By Boat

The water levels in the Luangwa River are deficient during the dry season which doesn’t allow using a boat to get around the national park. However, some operators/lodges can arrange canoe safaris in the green season. These canoe safaris are limited to occasional transfers only and are carried out under our expert guidance.

Word of Caution:

Using a boat as a means of communication to get around the national park is not advisable. This is because the Luangwa River can behave unpredictably during high water levels in the rainy season.

Also, a large number of hippos present in the river can capsize the canoes, and the crocodiles present may attack the capsized canoes in the river.

On Foot

Although travelers to the park are not permitted to independently travel on foot, you can still join the guided walking safaris on your Holidays In Zambia.

Where To Stay

South Luangwa National Park runs a spectrum of accommodation options catering to every type of traveler. From luxurious tented camps and lodges to budget-friendly bush camps, there are options to suit all budgets and preferences.

 These wide ranges of Zambia Accommodations are mainly situated along the Luangwa River’s edge to ensure uninterrupted wildlife viewing without leaving the comfort of your rooms.

However, one more thing that should be noted here is that these accommodation options located just outside the park can go as low as US $ 40 per night. In contrast, other accommodations inside the national park premises can cost US $ 300-350 per night per person. So, if you are traveling on a budget Zambia Safari, go for accommodation options outside the park premises.

Keeping the above things in mind, let’s look at all the types of accommodations offered at South Luangwa:

• Luxurious Lodges:

If you are someone who is looking to stay at high-end accommodations when visiting South Luangwa, then Zambia Luxury Safari packages are the thing for you. These packages provide you with an all-inclusive experience.

Along with offering comfortable rooms equipped with luxurious facilities, they serve delicious cuisines and give opportunities to participate in various activities such as game drives, walking safaris, and boat trips.

• Tented camps

For a raw and truly authentic safari experience, choose to stay at one of the tented camps in South Luangwa. This canvas-type of tented camp is remotely located and offers a truly immersive African safari experience.

• Budget-friendly camps

Travelers coming to South Luangwa on a budget can opt to stay at these affordable camps. These accommodations offer basic facilities, yet they are comfortable. Also, they may be located in remote areas of the park for a more immersive safari experience.

• Self-catering accommodations

Visitors to South Luangwa who are picky about their meals and accommodations can consider staying at self-catering options. There are both budget camps and luxury lodges available under this category.

With so many accommodation options available, travelers coming for a South Luangwa National Park Safari on their visit to Zambia often have to choose one location depending on their style of travel and the budget involved. Also, the overall Zambia Safari Cost will considerably get influenced by the type of accommodation you choose.

Still, no matter which style of accommodation you are finally opting for, one thing for sure is that you will have the best adventure of your lifetime when visiting the magnificent Zambia Safari Park, South Luangwa.

Things To Do At South Luangwa

South Luangwa National Park is famous for being home to vast concentrations of wildlife. However, if we compare the concentration of wildlife to the number of visitors, the ratio suggests that there are very few tourists relative to the wildlife population and park size. This makes the park one of the best places for Zambia Wildlife Safari.

This national park is applauded for being the first of its kind to organize walking safaris. They are one of the most effective ways to explore the unspoiled and untamed wilderness of the park while following the footprints of animals all around.

During the winter season, the prevailing cool and dry atmosphere attracts wild animals to the meandering Luangwa River, and the scarce vegetation makes it easy for wildlife viewing.

On the other hand, the wet summers turn the dry landscape into a luscious green woodland which provides perfect weather conditions for birding. But, it is harder to spot large mammals around this time.

In short, South Luangwa offers a wide range of activities and experiences depending on the time of the visit for various travelers. Along with wildlife safaris, there are plenty of other Things to Do in Zambia’s premier national park that travelers can try to have a completely different perspective of the place.

Let’s look at a few of the most popular activities on offer in South Luangwa.

Safari Activities

• Game Drives – Spot some rare species of antelope unique to the park

Off course, the first thing to do and see is to go on South Luangwa National Park Safari. All the lodges in the national park area arrange game drives. Here, a trained guide with extensive knowledge takes visitors around the park by a safari jeep.

Typically, safaris are organized at dawn (before 6:00 pm) and in the evening (after 4:00 pm). The temperatures start to come down during this time, making amicable conditions for safari drives.

• Mobile Walking Safaris – Full-day or half-day walks between camps

South Luangwa is one of the best places in the world which offers walking safaris. These safaris provide travelers with the unique opportunity to access the remote areas of the park on the foot along with an armed ranger or guide.

Generally, guests are taken from one overnight camp to another, which is located further in deep locations in the park. While moving on foot, the guests at the park will get the opportunity to encounter nothing but wildlife while exploring remote regions along the river banks and areas where there is no road access.

• Birding Safaris- A visual retreat to the eyes

With about 400 species, South Luangwa has a vibrant array of birds. Birding safaris are the best way for bird lovers to experience their diversity and locate them around the park.

These safaris are usually conducted in the presence of an ornithologist or an experienced guide.

So appreciate the beautiful collection of colorful birds while enjoying their songs and calls and get the best birding experience.

• Boating Safaris – Witness the wildlife spectacle safely from the boat

Boating safaris in the Luangwa River are conducted during the rainy months when the water levels are full. The shores of the river are crowded by the presence of huge numbers of hippos and crocodiles. Herds of elephants gather near the Luangwa River too.

One thing to keep in mind is that this river can behave unpredictably at any time, so these safaris are always organized under expert guidance.

• Photographic Safaris – Get some of the best wildlife shots

South Luangwa is nothing sort of a photographer’s dreamland. However, the stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and extraordinary birdlife offer numerous opportunities for capturing some immensely beautiful shots that could be preserved as a memory for lifetimes.

Other Activities At South Luangwa

• Bush Spas carried at the center of the national park area are the best way to relax and rejuvenate during your Safaris To Zambia. These spa treatments are done with traditional therapeutic ingredients and are the best to calm you while alleviating all the stress and pain.
• Visit the local Kawaza Village, which is located outside of the park premises. This will enable you to meet the Kunda Tribe, where you will get to experience the local people and get to stay at the simple African thatched hut.
• Take a tour of the local outlet, located on the road between Mfuwe airport and the national park. You can buy some souvenirs to keep some memories of your visit to South Luangwa.

 

Prices Of Various Activities In South Luangwa

There are plenty of Things to Do in Zambia when visiting its most important wildlife sanctuary, South Luangwa. Some of the activities and their corresponding charges are mentioned below to get you an overall picture of their costs.

Tips And Other Safety Advice

• Malaria and Safety

South Luangwa is a place that is affected by malaria. So, make sure to get yourself vaccinated before your next trip to Zambia. You can find out the specific vaccinations needed for you by making an appointment with your clinic/doctor before your visit.  Also, wearing long clothes and using mosquito repellants (containing DEET) is recommended to protect you against mosquito bites.

• Precautions During Wildlife Viewing

Until you are listening to your guide’s instructions and following the rules and regulations of the park, wildlife viewing is considered safe during South Luangwa National Park Safaris.

As most accommodations inside the park premises are unfenced, a safety briefing for the guests is arranged to ensure your well-being and avoid any hazards.  

• What to Pack during South Luangwa Safaris

Some essentials to pack during safaris to South Luangwa are long-sleeved comfortable clothing, sturdy and comfortable walking shoes, insect repellants, sun protection cream with high SPF, binoculars, a camera with extra memory cards, and batteries.

• Insurance and Medical evacuation cover

As the risks of traveling to remote locations are involved, getting appropriate insurance and medical evacuation coverage is advisable.

• Level of fitness

Most travelers to South Luangwa generally opt to participate in mobile walking safaris. But, this safari option requires a moderate level of fitness as participants have to walk around 10 km a day with frequent stops.

Conclusion

South Luangwa National Park Safaris are the best way to explore the raw, unspoiled, and remote areas Intrinsic to the park. The diverse ecosystems sheltering abundant wildlife make it one of the must-visit national parks during Zambia Safaris.

Whether you are a seasoned safari-goer or a first-timer, the unspoiled wilderness with a huge variety of games is going to blow your mind. From game drives and walking safaris to bird watching and cultural tours, this Zambia’s most celebrated national park has got something for everyone.

So, on your next trip to Zambia, do not forget to visit the incredible destination of South Luangwa to experience the truest sense of African wilderness.