Luambe National Park Zambia flag

1 Tours 0 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$700PP

Overview

Luambe is one of Zambia's smallest national parks. Situated on the eastern bank of the Luangwa it lies in the core of the Luangwa valley between Lukusuzi, North and South Luangwa public parks. Luambe offers a remote safari in a National Park that is being reestablished through preservation. There is just one hotel accessible in the park which operates in the Dry season and is situated at the stream, and elephants are routinely seen coming to drink. The wildlife found in Luambe is like that of its larger neighbouring parks and incorporates every one of the typical huge herbivores, and carnivores as well as some less well-known species.

High Season
July to October
Best Time to Go
July to October

Pros & Cons

  • Four of the Big 5 can be spotted (Except Rhino)
  • Off-the-beaten-track destination with limited travellers
  • Affordable lodge on the bank of the Luangwa River
  • Game drives, night drives and guided walks are available
  • Convenient stop-over for self-drive visitors between North and South Luangwa
  • Limited wildlife as compared to North and South Luangwa
  • Small game-drive circuit
  • Road Conditions are bad in the Dry season and impassable in the Wet season

Map in Zambia

Luambe National Park map

Wildlife & Animals

The most common larger game species found in Luambe are puku, impala, warthog, bushbuck, waterbuck, kudu, hippo, zebra and buffalo. However, sightings of Cookson’s wildebeest, roan antelope, Lichtenstein´s hartebeest, eland, common duiker and oribi are also possible. Thornicroft´s giraffe has been seen regularly over the last two years. Elephants are common in Luambe and are said to be on the increase. 

Wildlife Highlights

Larger carnivores such as lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and wild dogs are regularly seen. Smaller carnivores such as the serval, African wild cat, African civet, blotched genet and various mongoose species can also be found, especially during night drives.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time to visit Luambe National Park for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from July to October, when Animals gather at rivers and other watercourses. Also, the vegetation is thinner during these months, which makes spotting much easier. The park becomes totally inaccessible in the Wet season, and the only lodge operates from June to October.

Birds

Luambe National Park supports more than 200 species of bird. For the energetic birdwatcher, birding in Luambe National Park can be staggering with rarities like the African skimmer, racket-tailed roller, Pel´s fishing owl, white-backed night-heron, Angola pitta and Lilian´s lovebirds. Large colonies of southern carmine bee-eaters can be found along the banks of the Luangwa River in September and October. Other regularly seen species incorporate tremendous raptors, for example, the Martial, Tawny and African Fish Eagles just as an assortment of water birds including herons, ducks and geese.

Best Time for Birding

Luambe offers a great birding experience throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the wet season from November to April. It is also the time when migratory birds are available and a lot of birds can be seen in breeding plumage. 

Best Time to Visit – Luambe National Park

The best time to visit Luambe National Park for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from July to October, when Animals gather at rivers and other watercourses. Also, the vegetation is thinner during these months, which makes spotting much easier. The park becomes totally inaccessible in the Wet season, and the only lodge operates from June to October.

High Season
July to October
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

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