South Luangwa

South Luangwa, Zambia; an Expert Safari Guide to the National Park

Regarded as one of Africa’s best safari parks and widely recognised as the home of the walking safari, South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s prime wildlife destination, home to an abundance of game and beauty of habitat that is rarely seen in other game reserves throughout the continent

Nestling at the southern end of the Great rift valley, the ‘South Park’ as it is known is divided by the impressive Luangwa River that cuts through from North to South creating vast oxbow lakes that spread over floodplains providing the lifeline to the area. The Park has become increasingly known over the past few years for its unspoilt beauty and varied, exclusive habitats.

Much of its reputation is owed in no small measure to one man, Norman Carr - he was the first to realise the photographic potential of the park and the first to start official ‘walking’ safaris. Whilst working to rehabilitate animals into the wild Norman Carr created a network of bushcamps that he guided walking safaris between, placing a huge emphasis on the level of guiding. Fifty years later and the vast majority of operators in South Luangwa use his ‘bushcamp’ model and keep to his strict guideline on the incredibly high levels of guiding.

Mfuwe, the gateway to the Luangwa valley, is home to a superb concentration of game and consequently has recently become increasingly busy. There are some fantastic lodges here that offer a somewhat ‘protected’ safari, away from the bushcamp idea. The walking camps are located away from this area, in completely untouched areas that could just as well be private reserves for the number of people you see whilst on safari in the South of Luangwa. It is here that you now find the camps that carry Norman Carr’s legacy.

South Luangwa - Wildlife

The diversity and sheer quality of game also rivals Africa’s big name parks – over forty species of large mammal and some four hundred species of bird thrive on the valley floor.

South Luangwa - Predators

Cats especially leopard thrive here along with a couple of good wild dog packs. There are no cheetah because presumably of the competition.

South Luangwa - For the Connoisseur

Bird lovers love the area for the 400 species on offer but Luangwa’s more precious residents are the Thonricroft giraffe and Cooksons wildebeest.

Zambia Odyssey View

This park should be viewed in a league of its own solely because of the quality of guiding to be found in the area. Both the Carr and Pope operations here offer a level of guiding and accommodation that are amongst the best we have ever seen. Not only does the park have great guides but it also has a phenomenal level of game; we agree with the rumours - it is not only the best in Luangwa, it is simply the best place in Africa to view leopard.

South Luangwa - Further information

For details of all the lodges in the South Luangwa please look at South Luangwa Lodge Page

For General safari information please look at Zambia Safari Page

Phone us to discuss with one of our consultants their last trip to the Zambezi Valley. Even better, come in in person. Tel 44 (0) 20 7471 8780 or Email Us