North Luangwa National Park- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

North Luangwa National Park, covering 4,636 square kilometers in Zambia, is a remarkable sanctuary for wildlife and natural beauty. Initially established as a game reserve in 1938 and later designated as a national park in 1972, it is the northernmost park in the Luangwa River Valley. The park's diverse landscapes include the fertile banks of the Luangwa River, the rugged Muchinga Escarpment, and the Mwaleshi River running through its core. With its southern area remaining a pristine wilderness, North Luangwa offers a unique experience of seclusion and raw nature, relatively untouched by tourism. The park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including the rare Cookson's wildebeest, Crawshay's zebra, various antelopes, and numerous bird species, making it a key area for conservation efforts. Despite challenges from poaching in the past, efforts have been made to restore wildlife populations, including the reintroduction of black rhinos in 2003. Additionally, the park boasts significant fungal diversity, with a survey identifying 126 species during the 1994-1995 rainy season, highlighting its intricate ecological web.