South Luangwa National Park

The South Luangwa National Park is the finest wildlife sanctuary in the country with high density animal populations, memorable scenery and a well developed safari industry.

One of the Luangwa’s biggest draw cards is its unspoilt beauty and remote character, giving visitors a feeling of being “deep in the bush”. The Luangwa River winds through the bottom of the valley with its banks and floodplain covered in open, park-like woodland, home to a large population of animals and providing good year round water.

It is one of the best places in Africa to see leopard, especially around the lagoons and woodland on the river floodplain. There are also scores of hippos and crocodiles in the numerous lagoons and pools, as well as animals that are unique to the valley, like Thornicroft’s Giraffe and Cookson’s Wildebeest. Other special features are over 400 bird species, including 47 migrant birds from the northern hemisphere and birds of prey including Martial and Bateleur Eagles. There are 60 types of mammal including 14 antelope!

Walking safaris were pioneered in the park around 1950 by the legendary conservationist Norman Carr and are a special feature of visits to the park today. The Luangwa remain one of the best places in Africa to experience this activity.