South Luangwa National Park

Walking Safaris and Wild Encounters

South Luangwa National Park in Zambia showcases wide grasslands and seasonal rivers that support diverse wildlife. Elephants, lions, leopards and many bird species roam freely across the landscape. The park’s walking safaris let visitors experience animal behavior up close while guided by local experts who know the terrain well. With dry seasons creating clear views of animals against a golden sky, the area feels open and accessible for travelers seeking authentic outdoor adventure without crowded tourist sites.

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National Park in Zambia

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 6.8

General Safety:	8
Health & medical:	5
Accessibility:	4
Tap water:	6

Read details

4/5

English is widely spoken by guides, lodge staff, and in tourism services. Local languages (Nyanja, Bemba) are common in communities. Communication is easy for English-speaking visitors, though learning a few local greetings is appreciated.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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South Luangwa National Park Summary

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World-class for walking safaris and wildlife. Track elephants and big cats on guided walks, take jeep safaris and watch animals along riverbanks.

Place score

8.0

Best at:

Wildlife

Secluded

Natural sites

Birdwatching

Rivers

Personal score

Suited for

👶 4

Families

🧓 4

Seniors

❤️ 9

Couples

♻️ 8

Sustainability

Zambia – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type D , Type G Type D: Type G: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) £1 ≈ ZMW 26.96
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payments are becoming more widely accepted in Zambia, especially in larger cities like Lusaka. However, cash is still commonly used in rural areas. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is appreciated in Zambia but not mandatory. A 5-10% tip is common in restaurants, and small tips are welcomed for taxi and hotel services.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally allowed in Zambia, but it is best to consume alcohol in licensed venues or private spaces.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces but is allowed in designated outdoor smoking areas.

Independence Day (24 October)	Commemorates Zambia’s independence from Britain

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 999 (Police), 991 (Ambulance), 993 (Fire)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Bolt
Other:	Zambia is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and landmarks like Victoria Falls. It offers a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

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for South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

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Jan

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Feb

⛈️

Mar

🌥️

Apr

🌤️

May

☀️

Jun

☀️

Jul

☀️

Aug

🔥

Sep

🔥

Oct

🌦️

Nov

⛈️

Dec

High season:	June - Oct.
Shoulder season:	May, Nov.
Crowdedness:	3 (Few tourists)

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Climate details

Most bush camps and lodges close around November to April, with tracks impassable in the rains, main safari season May to October

Walking safaris, a speciality of South Luangwa, run mainly June to October

Carmine bee-eaters nest in colonies along the Luangwa River, September to November

Don't miss

🦁 Go on thrilling game drives to see the Big Five
🚶‍♂️ Experience walking safaris guided by expert rangers
🦜 Spot over 400 bird species in diverse habitats
🛶 Enjoy canoeing safaris on the Luangwa River
🌊 Visit the Luangwa River banks to watch wildlife

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Why travel to South Luangwa National Park?

This park is a paradise for safari lovers and nature enthusiasts. South Luangwa is renowned for its high density of big game, including elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe. It’s also a birdwatcher’s dream with over 400 species, from carmine bee-eaters to crowned cranes. What really sets it apart is the chance to explore on foot – walking safaris were pioneered here, letting you immerse yourself in the bush with expert guides. Night drives reveal a different world, with predators on the move and the air alive with nocturnal sounds. But be prepared: the park is remote and wild, with rough roads and basic infrastructure outside the luxury lodges. In the rainy “green season” (November–April), the landscape is lush and birdlife spectacular, but animals are harder to spot and some areas become inaccessible. Malaria is present, so bring protection. Still, for authentic African adventure and close-up wildlife encounters, South Luangwa is unforgettable.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Nsefu Sector

🎡Places for activities

1 Kaingo Camp
2 Flatdogs Camp
3 Nsefu Camp
4 Kafunta River Lodge
5 Mwamba Bush Camp
6 Three Rivers Camp
7 Mfuwe Lodge
8 Chindeni Bushcamp

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Luangwa

🎈Events

Green Season birding safaris
Carmine Bee-eater nesting (Aug–Nov)
Wildlife photography workshops
Cultural festivals in Mfuwe
Bush camp openings (May/June)

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Knowledge before you go

Book walking safaris with armed guides.
Visit June-October dry season when animals concentrate along shrinking Luangwa River water sources.
Join night drives to spot elusive leopards, civets and genets active after sunset.
Birthplace of walking safaris; track footprints and discover insects missed on vehicle game drives.

How to travel to South Luangwa National Park

Fly into Lusaka or Livingstone, then take a domestic flight to Mfuwe Airport (the park’s gateway). From Mfuwe, it’s about an hour’s drive to most lodges. Road transfers from Lusaka take 8–10 hours and are best in the dry season. Many lodges offer airport transfers. Guided tours and safari packages are popular and convenient.

Access summary

From Mfuwe Airport (MFU): Lodge 4x4 transfer into park, about 1–2 hours.
From Lusaka: Scheduled flight to Mfuwe about 1–1.5 hours, transfers included.
From Lilongwe (Malawi): 1-hour flight or 5–6 hour road transfer via border.

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Where to stay in South Luangwa National Park

Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges and remote bush camps to mid-range safari camps and basic campsites. Most lodges are all-inclusive, providing meals, activities and transfers. Book well ahead for the dry season. Camping is only allowed in designated areas and should be arranged in advance. Options outside the park are available for tighter budgets.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Camp Sabali & Safaris

Oxpecker Safari Lodge

Zikomo Safari Lodge

Track and Trail River Camp

Royal South Luangwa Safaris Lodge

5.6

Explore more accommodations

How to get around South Luangwa National Park

Most visitors explore by guided safari vehicle or on foot with a licensed guide. Self-driving is possible but requires a 4x4 and a good map. Roads can be rough, especially in the rainy season. Boat safaris are offered when water levels are high. Walking independently is not allowed for safety – always join an organized walk or drive.

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-2 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to ZMW) is 2% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

The park is generally safe when rules are followed. Always stay with your guide, don’t walk alone and keep food secure in camps (elephants and baboons may visit). Malaria is present — use repellent and sleep under nets. Watch for wildlife on foot.

Health & Medical

Basic medical care is available at lodges, but the park is remote and serious emergencies require evacuation to Lusaka. Bring all personal medications and malaria protection. Drink only filtered or bottled water and be cautious with food hygiene.

Accessibility

Most lodges and safari vehicles cater to able-bodied travelers. Terrain is rough and walking safaris require moderate fitness. Some luxury lodges offer accessible rooms — check ahead. Roads can be bumpy and facilities in bush camps are basic.

Tap water

Tap water is not always safe to drink — stick to filtered or bottled water provided by lodges. Always carry water on drives or walks, especially in the dry season.