South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is widely regarded as one of Africa's finest and most authentic safari destinations. The birthplace of the walking safari, the park's philosophy of intimate, low-volume, high-quality wildlife experiences sets it apart from more crowded East African destinations. The Luangwa River sustains extraordinary concentrations of hippos and crocodiles alongside massive elephant herds, lion prides, leopards, and wild dogs. With a limited number of camps and strict visitor numbers, South Luangwa delivers a genuinely wilderness feel that is increasingly rare in Africa.
Attractions & Wildlife
Walking Safaris
Norman Carr's legacy — guided walks through the bush tracking game on foot, reading tracks, and experiencing Africa at a human pace, with only the sounds of nature and the alertness of your armed guide.
Luangwa River Hippo Pods
The Luangwa River supports one of Africa's greatest concentrations of hippopotami — pod after pod lining the banks, with the soundtrack of their grunting and splashing filling the air.
Thornicroft Giraffe
South Luangwa is the only park in the world where the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe is found — a subspecies found nowhere else on earth.
Night Drives
After dark the Luangwa Valley transforms — civets, genets, honey badgers, leopards, and lions hunting in the spotlight beam. Night drives here are among the best in Africa.
Photo Gallery
Our Insider Tips
The dry season is the only time to visit. The park closes in the wet season. Visit June–October when game concentrates on the Luangwa River. October is legendary — dusty, hot, and with extraordinary game density.
Combine with Lower Zambezi. South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi are both exceptional — a 4-night/4-night split makes for one of Africa's best two-park safari circuits.
Smaller camps offer a far more personal experience. Choose camps with fewer than 10 tents — outfitters like Robin Pope, Remote Africa, and Bushcamp Company operate intimate camps where you're known by name.