South Luangwa Safari: Discover the Wild Heart of Zambia

Nkwali Lodge

South Luangwa Safari: Discover the Wild Heart of Zambia

When Sir David Attenborough’s new series Kingdom brought the untamed beauty of South Luangwa National Park to screens across the UK, it offered more than breathtaking cinematography. It opened a window into one of Africa’s last great wildernesses — a place where predator and prey, river and forest, life and death, all meet in a powerful rhythm of nature.

Now, you can experience this same magic in person. A South Luangwa safari with Gamewatchers Safaris takes you deep into Zambia’s most wildlife-rich park, where every dawn brings a new story and every night echoes with the calls of the wild.

Zambia’s Premier Safari Destination

Nestled along the winding Luangwa River in eastern Zambia, South Luangwa National Park is celebrated as one of Africa’s most unspoilt and rewarding safari destinations. Known for its exceptional leopard sightings, thriving lion prides, wild dog packs, and abundant elephant herds, this park delivers the kind of close, authentic encounters that travellers dream of.

Unlike the more commercialised parks elsewhere, South Luangwa offers true exclusivity — fewer vehicles, smaller camps, and a deep connection to nature. Here, you can follow a leopard’s tracks in the sand without another vehicle in sight, or pause beside a herd of elephants crossing the river at sunset, the only sound the rustle of water and wind.

This is Zambia’s wild heart — the perfect stage for any Zambia wildlife holiday.

Why Choose a South Luangwa Safari

A journey to South Luangwa isn’t just about seeing wildlife — it’s about experiencing it.

  • World-class predator sightings – The park holds one of the highest leopard densities in Africa, along with lions, spotted hyenas, and African wild dogs.
  • The home of the walking safari – Zambia pioneered walking safaris, allowing you to explore the bush on foot with expert guides who reveal nature’s subtler stories — tracks, sounds, and scents that vehicles miss.
  •  Authentic and uncrowded – With limited lodges and vehicles, every safari feels personal and peaceful.
  • Conservation-driven – Tourism here supports vital initiatives like the Zambia Carnivore Program and Conservation South Luangwa, protecting the same wildlife that makes this region so extraordinary.

Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or seeking a truly wild adventure, a South Luangwa safari offers unmatched intimacy with nature.

Follow the Stories from Screen to Savannah

The BBC’s Kingdom gave UK audiences a rare glimpse into the daily struggles of Africa’s top predators — from a hyena clan hiding food underwater to outwit rivals, to a leopard mother teaching her cubs to hunt along the Luangwa’s banks.

With Gamewatchers Safaris, you can step into that same wilderness yourself. Watch lions resting under ebony trees, see a pack of wild dogs fan out across the plains, or drift silently along the river as hippos snort in the shallows.

Every moment brings you closer to the living, breathing drama that defines Zambia’s wildlife holidays.

Responsible Travel, Real Impact

At Gamewatchers Safaris, conservation and adventure go hand in hand. Every itinerary is carefully crafted to ensure that your visit directly benefits local wildlife and communities.

We partner with eco-friendly lodges and local guides who understand the land and its rhythms, ensuring your safari leaves a positive footprint. When you travel with us, you’re helping to protect the very ecosystems you’ve come to explore.

This commitment makes our Zambia safari holidays not only unforgettable but meaningful — a chance to experience nature’s theatre while helping sustain it for generations to come.

Your Journey to South Luangwa

Getting to South Luangwa is easier than many imagine. From the UK, you can fly from London to Lusaka (via Addis Ababa, Nairobi, or Johannesburg), followed by a short domestic flight to Mfuwe.

Once there, your adventure begins:

  • 7–10 day tailor-made safaris designed for maximum wildlife viewing.
  • Expert naturalist guides with years of field experience.
  • Intimate camps and lodges that blend comfort with authenticity.
  • Optional extensions to Victoria Falls or the Lower Zambezi National Park.

Every element of your journey is arranged by our experienced Gamewatchers Safaris team, ensuring a seamless, stress-free and truly immersive safari.

Why Travel with Gamewatchers Safaris

With over 30 years of safari expertise, Gamewatchers Safaris offers travellers a deep, personal connection to Africa’s wilderness. Our small-group and private itineraries focus on quality, sustainability, and unforgettable encounters — not mass tourism.

We believe that the best safaris are those that feel personal and purposeful. That’s why our South Luangwa safaris are designed to put you in the heart of nature’s raw beauty — where every sunrise brings discovery and every evening ends with the sounds of the wild all around you.

Enquire Now and Begin Your Zambia Safari Adventure

If Kingdom has stirred your sense of wonder, it’s time to go beyond the screen.

Join Gamewatchers Safaris and experience Zambia’s South Luangwa — where nature still writes its own stories, untamed and unforgettable.

Enquire now about our expert-led Zambia safari holidays and let your next adventure begin in the wild heart of Africa.

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