South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s most famous conservation area, covering an area in excess of 5,600 square miles (9,050 square kilometres). Sustained by the meandering Luangwa River, the park hosts a wide variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation. The changing seasons add to the park’s richness, ranging from dry bare bushveld in the winter to lush green in the summer.
Rise early each morning, when game viewing conditions in this pristine wildlife wilderness are at their best, either observing on foot or from a shared open top safari vehicle. With over 60 different animal species, the concentration of game around the Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons is amongst the highest in Africa, with elephant and leopard sightings being particularly good. You can also hope to see lion, buffalo, wild dog, zebra and antelope, whilst the endemic Rhodesian (Thornicroft's) giraffe, Cookson's wildebeest and Sharpe's grysbok are found only in the Luangwa Valley.
Birding is also outstanding with over 400 different species, including large flocks of cranes. In September and October you can enjoy the amazing spectacle of thousands of southern carmine bee-eaters nesting along the river banks. From November numerous migratory birds start to arrive to exploit the feeding opportunities presented during the warm rainy season - including red-chested cuckoo, hobbies and birds of prey such as steppe buzzards that travel from as far afield as Russia.
After relaxing at your lodge during the heat of the day, in the late afternoon set out on another game activity with your ranger. In the evening relax by the campfire under a balmy African sky and hear the untamed sounds of wildlife all around.
Note: Whether game drives or bush walks are included will depend on your package (see lodge notes).