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South Luangwa NP Zambia flag

9 Tours 1 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$1000PP

Overview

South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia, is the southernmost of three public parks in the valley of the Luangwa River. It is an incredibly famous wildlife paradise. It is known to local people just as "the South Park and the most visited park in Zambia. This is because it offers an exceptional blend of open, grassy fields and developed, mesmerizing forests, delegated with the immaculate, noteworthy Luangwa River. This region's reputation for bountiful wildlife and pristine vegetation is very much procured, so regardless of whether driving around or walking through, the extreme excellence calls to you from each corner. Four of the Big five animals can be spotted here aside from Rhino.

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

Pros & Cons

  • Amazing wildlife viewing with four of the Big 5 animals except for Rhino
  • Amazing wildlife viewing with four of the Big 5 animals except for Rhino
  • Game drives, night drives and walking safaris are available
  • Lots of choices for Luxury accommodations
  • The sky is hazy with a lot of dust in the air in Dry season
  • Rhino are not present
  • Budget accommodations are available outside the park

Map in Zambia

South Luangwa NP map

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Wildlife & Animals

South Luangwa National Park is an incredibly famous wildlife paradise. Four of the Big five animals can be spotted here aside from Rhino. Sadly, the rhino was poached to extinction here and is no longer seen. It supports large populations of Thornicroft's giraffe, and herds of elephants and Cape buffalo often several hundred strong. The river teems with hippos and crocodiles and provides a lifeline for one of the greatest diversities of habitat and wildlife. Also, when you're on a night drive, you might spot a leopard, spotted hyena, genet, bushbaby and perhaps porcupine.

Elephant

Elephant

Abundant
Buffalo

Buffalo

Abundant
Hippo

Hippo

Common
Zebra

Zebra

Common
Lion

Lion

Common
Giraffe

Giraffe

Common
Leopard

Leopard

Common
Hyena

Hyena

Common

Wildlife Highlights

South Luangwa National Park is the place to encounter numerous large animals here - elephant, Cape buffalo, hippo, lion, Nile crocodile, warthog, puku, impala, spotted hyena, greater kudu and eland are all common. South Luangwa has some animals that you cant encounter anywhere else such as Thornicroft's giraffe, Cookson's wildebeest and Crawshay's zebra. You can tell a Thornicroft giraffe from other giraffes by the unusual pattern on its coat. Same with the Crawshay's zebra with their distinctive stripes.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

South Luangwa has very seasonal wildlife viewing. The best time to visit the South Luangwa National park is in the Dry season from July to November when water is inadequate and animals gather to drink. At this time the vegetation is also thinner making sightings easier. During the Wet season, from December to April, animals tend to congregate around the pans in the interior.

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Birds

South Luangwa has excellent bird-watching opportunities with more than 400 species recorded so far which includes Resident and migratory species. The sun-scorched riverbanks play host to immense colonies of carmine bee-eaters, which along with various raptors, lovebirds, weavers and kingfishers loan in excess of a sprinkle of shading to this excellent place. Pelicans and yellow-billed storks accumulate in the last puddles of water in the Dry season to scoop out the fish, and sometimes grey-crowned cranes can be found in groups of up to 300. Owls and nightjars are regularly spotted on night drives.

Grey crowned crane

Grey crowned crane

Common
Great white pelican

Great white pelican

Common
Carmine Bee-Eaters

Carmine Bee-Eaters

Common
African skimmer

African skimmer

Common

Best Time for Birding

South Luangwa National Park 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.

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Best Time to Visit – South Luangwa NP

South Luangwa has very seasonal wildlife viewing. The best time to visit the South Luangwa National park is in the Dry season from July to November when water is inadequate and animals gather to drink. At this time the vegetation is also thinner making sightings easier. During the Wet season, from December to April, animals tend to congregate around the pans in the interior.

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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Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around South Luangwa NP.

Birding Safari

Birding Safari

Eager bird-watchers won't be disappointed on an African safari! This gray crowned crane was seen in the core of the Serengeti, Tanzania.
Boating Safaris

Boating Safaris

Explore the aquatic wildlife by boat, canoe, dhow or kayak. In Botswana, it is feasible to go down the Okavango Delta in a burrow kayak called a moko.
Cultural

Cultural

It is possible to take part in a cultural safari if you desire to spend your time visiting local schools, clinics, orphanages, and markets.
Farm Visits

Farm Visits

An incredible addition to any safari is taking the time to visit some of the local farms or plantations and sample some local produce.
Fishing

Fishing

Fishing safaris are especially famous in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. River, lake and deep ocean fishing are all possible in Africa.
Game Drives

Game Drives

A game drive is an adventure that involves viewing wildlife from the comfort of a 4x4 open vehicle, providing you with a true safari experience.
Hot Air Balloons

Hot Air Balloons

A hot air balloon safari is a must-do adventure activity. It's easy to see why being inspired across the African landscape is such a memorable experience.
Night Drives

Night Drives

Night game drives provide an opportunity to observe wildlife in action at night. Predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards become active at night.
Photography

Photography

Photography safaris are frequently led by experienced photographers who are dedicated to capturing the best shot possible.
Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Market visits are worthwhile before or after a safari. Locally made and sourced items make excellent souvenirs and great way to keep memories alive.
Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris

A safari bush walk is the best way to get some exercise and experience nature up close. Set out on an adventure with the wild inhabitants of Africa.
Yoga

Yoga

Yoga, Pilates and mind/ body safaris are growing in popular. It is possible to begin the day with an hour or two of yoga prior to going on a game drive.

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