South Luangwa National Park Travel Guide: Top Sights in Zambia, Tours

⁰

South Luangwa National Park- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; Zambia; 5 Reviews

+3 Photos

Suggested Duration: 72 hours

South Luangwa National Park is renowned as one of the world's premier wildlife sanctuaries, a reputation well-deserved due to the dense concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons. The Luangwa River stands as Africa's most intact major river system, serving as the lifeblood of this expansive 9,050 km² park. The park safeguards a vast array of wildlife, bird species, and vegetation, offering a rich tapestry of natural wonders. A pioneering destination for the now-celebrated 'walking safari,' South Luangwa provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience Africa's pristine wilderness up close. The park's allure is further enhanced by its dynamic seasonal changes, transforming from dry, barren landscapes in winter (April to October) to a lush, green paradise during the summer months (November to March). Home to around 60 animal species and over 400 bird species, South Luangwa offers wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers a veritable treasure trove of sightings. Notable inhabitants include various birds of prey and 47 migratory bird species that frequent the park during summer, making it a year-round haven for ornithologists. The park's flora is equally captivating, with the Luangwa Valley hosting a diverse range of magnificent trees and plants. Species such as mopane, leadwood, winterthorn, ivory palm, marula, and the impressive tamarind tree populate the landscape. Additionally, remarkable baobab specimens and ebony forests add to the botanical diversity, enriching the visitor's experience.

Operators offering tours in Zambia

Attractions in Zambia

Victoria Falls

4.8

Livingstone

Lusaka

Lower Zambezi National Park

4.6

Kafue National Park

4.6

Bangweulu Wetlands

4.8

Kasanka National Park

4.8

Liuwa Plain

4.4

Reviews of South Luangwa National Park

Kashif Ahmed .Raza

5
Reviewed: 2024-04-04

Best national park of zambia and a must visit place in lifetime
albert ngulube

5
Reviewed: 2023-12-27

Beautiful place if you love nature, Untempered natural environment with a diverse blend of wildlife. Quite a spectacle to enjoy with experienced guides around.
Eric Salima

5
Reviewed: 2023-03-06

I had a wonderful experience with animal sightings and my stay at Marula Lodge. Ofcourse we got stuck in the mud inside the park, but eventually managed to get out. What an experience!!
Salmaan Saleem

5
Reviewed: 2022-07-06

Absolutely amazing! Visited South Luangwa National Park for the long weekend and had a great time seeing the wildlife and indulging myself in nature far away from the hustling a bustling city life. It’s an experience of a lifetime seeing the wildlife in nature and how the circle of life works is incredible. We did a 12 hour Safari which included both day and night safari and we were able to see many animals such as Lions, Leopard, Hyena, Zebras, Giraffes, Elephants, Kudus, Impalas, buffalos, crocodiles, monkeys and great species of birds. A great experience
Simeon Waigi

5
Reviewed: 2021-02-12

It's a vast National Park populated with a variety of wild animals. We started our game drive on a Sunday at 0600hrs. Among the animals we saw include elephants, antelopes, hippopotamus, giraffes, a hyena among others. We had a break in a nice spot next to Luangwa River where we took our breakfast (coffee, juice, cake etc). Our guide and driver from Marula Lodge was so friendly and knowledgeable as concerns wildlife. He had a binoculars to help in tracking creatures. He is also used his mobile phone to constantly check with fellow tour guides, who were concurrently doing a drive at the same time, if they had spotted anything spectacular.. In our case we really looked forward to spot a pride of lions. We didn't manage to see any of the nocturnal animals which are mostly in the cat family. These we were informed would be easily visible during the evening game drive. I look forward to going back and do the evening drive hoping this time round I will be able to spot more wildlife. All in all it was a refreshing experience in the wild.