A little bit about South Luangwa

Very few places in Africa can offer the unique combination of South Luangwa National Park's open, grassy plains and mature, mesmerizing woodlands, crowned with the pristine, impressive Luangwa River. This area's reputation for abundant wildlife and unspoiled vegetation is well earned, so whether driving around or walking through, the intense beauty calls to you from every corner.

South Luangwa National Park is the highlight of eastern Zambia. Known to locals as simply 'the South Park,' it was initially founded as the Luangwa Game Park in 1904, and converted to one of three game reserves in 1938. The impressive park covers an area of about 9050 square kilometers of the Luangwa Valley floor, and lies anywhere from 500 meter to 800 meter above sea level. With its western and northwestern edge bounded by the Muchinga Escarpment, and the southern border lined with the meandering Luangwa River, there's no shortage of dramatic and fascinating topography in this stunning game-rich park.

Going on safari in South Luangwa National Park

If you are planning a safari to the South Luangwa National Park, you're sure to have a long list of questions.

When is the best time to travel? What should I pack? Can I see the Big Five? How do I get there? And, also very important, how do I find accommodations that will provide an unforgettable safari experience? We will try to answer your questions as comprehensively as possible in the sections below. Don’t hesitate to use our contact form at the bottom of the page if you still have some unanswered questions. We will be happy to assist you!

  • Want to feel like a member of the family...yet get treated like royalty? Here's the place!

    mfives about Luangwa River Camp on Tripadvisor
  • It is a magical place with fantastic accommodation, food and service - the chalets are enormous with their own plunge pool, river front views and ... aircon over the bed.

    AHZambia about Chinzombo on Tripadvisor
  • Truly perfect in every way. Setting, sounds, meals and yes the best guides ever.

    Africatvl about Nkwali Camp on Tripadvisor

South Luangwa National Park lodges

From luxurious lodges to tented bush camps, the wide variety of lodging in South Luangwa National Park offers even the most discerning traveler a comfortable place to rest after the excitement of safari.

South Luangwa National Park has a wide range of accommodation options. You could choose an incredible, remote tented camp with outdoor showers, open-air facilities, and up-close and personal game interactions. Or you might prefer a luxurious lodge with a deep bath tub, formal dining room, and exquisite plunge pools. You might have some trouble choosing between all these amazing destinations, but keep this in mind: stunning views, excellent bush cuisine, and warm hospitality are the standard at all South Luangwa National Park lodges.

  • The camp is lovely and amazing to sit and watch hippos and elephants walking on the river bed.

    Ardy2012 about Tena Tena Camp on Tripadvisor
  • We saw a 21 dog pack daily and leopard quantity was unparalled in all the parks I’ve been in in Africa.

    luciasur about Chichele Presidential Lodge on Tripadvisor
  • The food was outstanding, and every game drive exciting......we have been home for a fortnight now, but want to go back to Mchenja already!

    Cricketmann about Mchenja Bush Camp on Tripadvisor

South Luangwa Video

The best way of getting an idea what the South Luangwa National Park is about is by seeing some incredible footage from the area. View this South Luangwa video to experience the environment and and wildlife of this Zambian national park.

Be careful, after watching this video you can be sure that you want to travel to Zambia. Today.

  • The hut supported by the tree trunk, the open shower, the bar, the sitting area, and all in the middle of such picturesque wilderness, it feels like a dream.

    Sanyandev about Luwi Bush Camp on Tripadvisor
  • Our guide Effie was fantastic,he was a walking encyclopaedia and had a wonderful sense of humour.

    glynPerth about Kafunta River Lodge on Tripadvisor
  • The camp is very isolated, and not signposted, which is great for giving that feel of truly being away from it all.

    claireemmamorris about Puku Ridge Camp on Tripadvisor

Send your enquiry

We hope you have found all information needed to decide that the South Luangwa National Park is the perfect place for your next travel adventure. Still have questions? Or maybe you would like some more specific information about one of the topics on this page? Please fill in the contact form and we will get back to you soon!