South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Zambian Dreams

What To Expect

Home of the walking safari and one of the great remaining unspoiled regions of Africa.
Even as Zambia’s reputation as a spectacular safari destination grows, it retains its essence of true wilderness; South Luangwa National Park is a place that still feels relatively untouched by modern humans and is therefore uniquely able to provide an unpredictable and exhilarating safari experience. 

Because of that protected quality, it is important that you enter this country with a deep respect for the sanctity of the wildlife habitats and an appreciation for the ecology that supports this special environment.

The Luangwa River is the most intact river in Africa, and its tributaries and lagoons are the lifeblood of this region. And the changing seasons, from the ‘dry’ season in the winter to the ‘emerald’ season of the summer months, make this a vibrant and charismatic part of the world that you don’t want to miss.

Accompanying the reputation for a very high quality of guiding in this area, South Luangwa’s concentration of animals is some of the densest in all of Africa. The park offers a multitude of game that will satisfy any safari bucket list: from predators like the famed African wild dogs, majestic lions, and lean leopards to big game favorites like elephants, buffalo, and hippo, this park has them all.

Best Time to Visit

BEST

July to September

GOOD

May to June and October

MIXED

November to April

Optional Extensions

Combines Well With

Our travel experts will recommend regions that combine well, and curate an unforgettable journey for you.

Awesome Accommodation

Our Favorite Properties in South Luangwa National Park

Get some inspiration from our properties below and let us know where you would like to stay.

Puku Ridge

Puku Ridge Camp, named after the Puku antelope that graze the floodplains in its view, is perched on a ridge in a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park at one of its most beautiful locations.

Kafunta River Lodge

The 10-room lodge is located on the floodplains of the Luangwa River, away from the busier area near the park’s Mfuwe gate. During the peak season the lodge accesses the national park via its own pontoon.

Three Rivers Camp

Three Rivers Camp is located at the confluence of the Luangwa, Luzangazi and Kapamba Rivers. The new location is about 2 hours south of Kafunta River Lodge, about 7 km up-river from Island Bush Camp.

Lion Camp

Lion Camp is located in the northernmost reaches of the park, away from park gates, ensuring an unforgettable wildlife experience without the congestion of other vehicles and masses of people.

Mfuwe Lodge

Mfuwe Lodge, situated in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Our lodge provides the visitor with a special glimpse of Africa as she was – untouched, unspoilt and unforgettable.

Chamilandu Bushcamp

Chamilandu is a breathtaking camp on one of the South Luangwa’s prime river locations, perfect for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife that the river and its lagoons attract. There are just three stilted chalets at this exclusive camp, set on the riverbank beneath a soaring ebony grove.

Kapamba Bushcamp

Set on the banks of the Kapamba River, Kapamba Bushcamp’s four stone chalets have one wall that is a spider-web design of metal latticework, giving guests an amazing view of the Kapamba River.

Nsefu Camp

Situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector on a magnificent meander on the Luangwa River across which elephants often cross lies the historic camp Nsefu.

Chinzombo

Situated on a sweeping curve of the Luangwa River, Time + Tide Chinzombo brings style and sophistication to the Luangwa Valley.

Kakuli

Perched high above the Luangwa River, Time + Tide Kakuli offers impressive vistas of the river and its many visitors below. Designed to celebrate the panoramic riverside setting, the reed and safari tents have a long, low profile and a bright, airy design.

Island Bush Camp

Island Bush Camp is 2 1/2 hours drive south of Kafunta River Lodge (so about 3 1/2 hours from Mfuwe airport) in a very remote yet extremely game-rich area of the southern section of the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

Kuyenda Bushcamp

Kuyenda’s six raised rondaval chalets of reed and thatch, nestled beneath large shady trees by the Manzi River, combine rustic elegance with classic bush style. The chalets have en suite outside bathrooms with a view, and open up onto large wooden decks that overlook the grassy plain.

Chindeni Bushcamp

Relax on the sunbed on your private deck, or in one of the comfy beanbags on the main deck, and watch the birds and wildlife flocking to the lagoon – huge “fishing parties” of migratory birds, elephants, zebra, and many more!

Bilimungwe Bushcamp

Bilimungwe has a secret breakfast spot on the edge of Luangwa Valley, perfect to watch the sun rise over the Chindeni hills as well as a boma for surprise outdoor dinners under the stars!

Zungulila Bushcamp

Zungulila Bushcamp makes you feel like you have stepped back in time. The tented chalets and the main area are reminiscent of by-gone days, complemented by the outdoor showers and luxurious bathtubs.

Kaingo Camp

Located deep within the park in an area renowned for Leopard, Kaingo Camp offers just 6 traditional brick and thatch rooms nestled discretely along the banks of the Luangwa River.

Mwamba Bush Camp

Meaning ‘heaven’ in our local language, Mwamba is the quintessential African bushcamp. Our intimate camp features just 4 rustic rooms, authentically recreated each year using woven reed, thatch and other natural materials.

Mchenja

Flanked by a grove of towering ebony trees on one side and the Luangwa River on the other, Time + Tide Mchenja Camp offers luxury in the heart of the National Park.

Luwi

Situated deep in the National Park on the ephemeral Luwi River, Time + Tide Luwi is wonderfully remote, with no other camps for miles around.

Nsolo

With a design inspired by its intimate riverside setting, it is a haven of comfort amid the wild setting. Lounge on your shady private deck, watching the daily parade of wildlife visiting the permanent river lagoon.

Flatdogs Camp

Flatdogs Camp offers a mix of accommodations right next to the South Luangwa National Park.

Luangwa River Camp

Luangwa River Camp sits nestled under an ancient ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking the game rich area known as the Luangwa Wafwa.

Nkwali Camp

Nkwali is located on the banks of the Luangwa on a magnificent meander in the river overlooking the National Park where leopards roam along the bank and can often be spotted from camp.

Tafika Camp

Tafika Camp is situated in the northern part of the Nsefu Sector of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. It is the base camp for Remote Africa Safaris.

Tena Tena

Situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector Tena Tena sits nestled under a magnificent and thick grove of mahogany trees.

Many other properties are available in this area and the best ones will be suggested, based on your dream safari, when you speak to one of our experienced safari travel consultants

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Roaming Tales

Travel Blog

We share our safari experiences, tips and stories to inspire and guide you in your own wanderlust adventures. From hidden gems to popular safari destinations, we showcase the beauty and diversity of Southern Africa, and promote responsible and sustainable travel.

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Unforgettable SAFARI
Experiences

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By listening to our clients’ needs, we can improve our offerings and provide an exceptional travel experience.

Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve

Situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Elephant Plains Game Lodge offers comfortable, stylish and affordable luxury. The lodge accommodates a maximum of 24 guests, which ensures personal service in a warm, friendly atmosphere. The lodge caters for the discerning traveller, offering a variety of accommodation options, ranging from Rondavels and Luxury Suites to the Manyeleti Honeymoon Suite. Elephant Plains is world-renowned for excellent game viewing and guests can enjoy two game drives and a bush walk per day. Facilities include two swimming pools, as well as a gym.

Snyman Safaris