South Luangwa is one of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries and the birthplace of the walking safari. The Luangwa River attracts phenomenal concentrations of wildlife, and the park is renowned for leopard sightings and authentic bush experiences.
South Luangwa is where the walking safari was born. Norman Carr pioneered the concept here in the 1950s, establishing a tradition of guiding that has since influenced safari development across Africa. Today, walking remains the valley's signature experience, though game drives also reward with exceptional sightings.
Birthplace of walking safaris
The Luangwa River, life-giving artery of the valley, attracts wildlife in concentrations that rival anywhere on the continent. Hippos pack the shrinking dry-season pools in their hundreds. Crocodiles of prehistoric dimensions bask on sandbanks. And along the banks, predators wait�leopards are so numerous here that sightings are almost guaranteed.
South Luangwa's isolation has bred unique subspecies: Thornicroft's giraffe, found nowhere else, browses the mopane woodlands, while Cookson's wildebeest roam the grasslands. The variety of antelope is remarkable, from tiny bushbuck to imposing eland.
The bush camp experience here is quintessential Zambia�intimate properties, often just a few rooms, where the bush comes right to your doorstep. Night drives reveal a parallel world of honey badgers, civets, and genets, while the calls of lions and hyenas provide the evening soundtrack.
Why Visit
Highlights of South Luangwa National Park
Birthplace of walking safaris
Exceptional leopard sightings
Luangwa River wildlife
Night drives
Authentic bush camps