All destinationsEastern Circuit / National Park
South Luangwa National Park
Eastern Province, Zambia
- Area
- 9,050 km²
The place
Zambia's premier wildlife destination, renowned for walking safaris and exceptional leopard viewing opportunities.
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Known for
- 01Walking safaris
- 02Leopards
- 03Luangwa River
- 04Night drives
- 05Large lion prides
Who you'll meet
African Leopards Masai Lions African Elephants Cape Buffalo Common Hippos Nile Crocodiles African Wild Dogs Spotted Hyenas Thornicroft's Giraffes Cookson's Wildebeest Crawshay's Zebras Puku Antelopes Common Waterbucks Impalas Bushbucks Greater Kudus Common Elands Yellow Baboons Vervet Monkeys Carmine Bee-eaters African Fish Eagles Saddle-billed Storks Ground Hornbills Lilian's Lovebirds
What to do there
Highlights
- Birthplace of Walking Safari
- World-class Leopard Viewing
- Thornicroft Giraffe Endemic Subspecies
- Large Lion Prides
- Pristine Wilderness
- Luangwa River Ecosystem
- Community Conservation Model
- Exceptional Night Game Drives
Ways to explore
- Walking Safaris
- Game Drives
- Night Drives
- Leopard Tracking
- Bird Watching
- Photography Safaris
- River Safaris
- Bush Camping
- Cultural Village Visits
- Conservation Education
- Research Station Tours
- Fishing
- Star Gazing
- Wilderness Skills Training
When to go
Our recommended months
South Luangwa experiences a subtropical climate with three distinct seasons: cool dry season (May-August) with temperatures 10-27°C, hot dry season (September-November) reaching 35°C+, and wet season (December-April) with temperatures 20-32°C and heavy rainfall. Game viewing is optimal during dry seasons when animals concentrate around water sources.
Staying & getting there
Where you'll stay
- Luxury Safari Lodges
- Bush Camps
- Mobile Camping
- Community Lodges
- Budget Camps
- Research Stations
Getting there
South Luangwa is accessible via Mfuwe Airport, which receives scheduled flights from Lusaka (1 hour flight time). Road access from Lusaka takes 8-10 hours via the Great East Road through Chipata. Multiple gates provide park entry, with Mfuwe Gate being the main entrance. The park operates seasonally, typically opening May-November with some camps extending into December.
Before you go
- 1.Walking safaris require trained guides and armed scouts
- 2.Maintain safe distances from all wildlife
- 3.No flash photography during night drives
- 4.Follow Leave No Trace principles
- 5.Support community conservation initiatives
- 6.Respect seasonal park closures
- 7.Obtain permits for specialized activities
- 8.Follow vehicle speed limits
South Luangwa National Park, planned around you.
Tell us when you'd like to travel and how you like to explore. We'll shape a private itinerary and reply within 24 hours.
Start planning