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Leopard Lying On Branch South Luangwa Istock 508374402 By Jez Bennett
Leopard Lying On Branch South Luangwa Istock 508374402 By Jez Bennett
The park where the walking safari began

South Luangwa

The South Luangwa National Park is one of the finest walking safari locations in all of Africa. As it should be, perhaps, seeing as the concept was born in this very park. The South Luangwa National Park is one of the finest walking safari locations in all of Africa. As it should be, perhaps, seeing as the concept was born in this very park.
Why the South Luangwa?
Hippo trails crisscross through the grasslands between the Luangwa River and idle lagoons. Follow in their footsteps with an expert guide on a walking safari, taking in your surroundings whilst observing birds, elephants and antelope. The valley floods during the rainy season between December and March, but in the dry season the river becomes the hottest bar in town as animals visit to drink and bathe.

The 3,500 square-mile South Luangwa park provides plenty of space for a private safari experience. Lodges and camps here are small-scale and comfortable, situated in scenic groves or overlooking the river. Just don’t rush off to bed too quickly – night drives add context to what you’ll have seen during the day. If you’re a first-time visitor to Zambia, this is the perfect place to begin your journey.
  • Beautiful valley floodplain with a winding river.
  • Outstanding wildlife viewing.
  • Idyllic walking safaris.
  • Night-time game drives.
  • Birdwatching.
  • Best to visit during the dry season.
Vic Falls Zambia
Connect with nature like never before
Your Zambia Safari Awaits
Best Places to Stay in the South Luangwa
Hero Image Exterior Of Villa Puku Ridge Camp South Luangwa
Hero Image Exterior Of Villa Puku Ridge Camp South Luangwa
Puku Ridge

Puku Ridge inhabits a remote world of its own, watching the ancient patterns of life and survival while treating its visitors to enjoyably civilised hospitality. This small and intimate camp is built unobtrusively overlooking a vast floodplain where the Puku antelope after which the camp is named can be seen grazing throughout the day.

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Hero Image Swimming Pool Lion Camp South Luangwa
Hero Image Swimming Pool Lion Camp South Luangwa
Lion Camp

There are no fences at Lion Camp, so elephant, buffalo, and antelope come and go as they please. You can watch them from your private deck or the board walk, and they may well be watching you as you swim in the pool. The camp prides itself on its support for conservation and local community development initiatives, including Conservation South Luangwa and the Chipembele Wildlife Education Centre.

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Hero Image Exterior Of Bedroom At Night Mchenja South Luangwa
Hero Image Exterior Of Bedroom At Night Mchenja South Luangwa
Mchenja Bushcamp

Mchenja, meaning "the ebony tree", is set beneath a magnificent grove of these trees on the banks of the Luangwa River. It is the most luxurious of the Norman Carr tented camps yet it is also designed to combine excellently with other more rustic bush camps.

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Zambia Tafika Camp River View
Zambia Tafika Camp River View
Tafika Camp

In the South Luangwa National Park, make charming Tafika Camp your base. This romantic camp offers seclusion and tranquility on the banks of the Luangwa River. Tafika is a place where you can escape it all and relish a slower pace, soaking up the wondrous riverine landscape.

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Africa Zambia South Luangwa Chichele Presidential 1749375697179 Chichele Suite Ext 02 High
Africa Zambia South Luangwa Chichele Presidential 1749375697179 Chichele Suite Ext 02 High
Chichele Presidential Lodge

This former presidential holiday home has been transformed into a cluster of superb lodges offering seclusion and luxury right at the heart of one of Africa’s great national parks.

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We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.

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