The South Luangwa National Park is the Luangwa Valley’s most accessible and popular park. It is 9050km2 and the concentration of game around the river is of the highest in Africa.
The park is well-known for large herds of elephants: Some herds numbering up to 70. Buffalo and various antelope species are prolific throughout the park. In the river and adjoining pools, hippos and crocodiles can be seen in great numbers.
The Park consists of the:
- Mfuwe Area: Nkwali Camp
This area has an extensive road system so drives can vary each day. Other camps operate in the area so other vehicles may be seen on most drives. However, the road network is comprehensive (especially during the dry season when the more remote roads are open) and the game is accustomed to vehicles so the photography opportunities are excellent. A great starting place for a Luangwa Safari.
The game-viewing in the Mfuwe area is undoubtedly the best in Zambia. These include leopard, lion and elephant. Thornicroft giraffe (unique to the Luangwa) are seen daily near Nkwali Camp.
- Nsefu Sector: Nsefu Camp and Tena Tena
This area is more remote with seasonal bush tracks. Our Zambia partner has the only 2 camps in this section of the National Park (1000 sq km) so other vehicles are not seen. The area has some spectacular lagoons.
Some of the game seen here include leopard and lion and there are good sightings of elephants during the dry months. There are Cookson’s wildebeest near the salt pans.
- Mupamadzi River: Walking Mobiles
The Mupamadzi River runs from the escarpment through very remote and varied country (hills with mopane, riverine strip and open plains). The park has 60 animal species and 400 different bird species. This is one of the premier wilderness areas in Africa, famed for its seclusion and natural beauty. One can see different contrasting habitats.
The game is wild and shy but can be approached with care.
Seasons: The dry season begins in April through to October, the hottest month, when game concentrations around water sources are at their height. Warm sunny days and chilly nights typify the dry winter months of May to August.
The wet season begins in November as the leaves turn green and the dry terrain becomes a lush, dense tangle of vegetation. The rainy season lasts until the end of March and migrant birds arrive in droves.
