Wild Sanctuary

Celebrated as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, the South Luangwa National Park and the Luangwa River meandering through it are home to a rich ecosystem just waiting to be explored.

The shifting seasons transform the park dramatically throughout the year, creating distinct and unforgettable scenes amidst the mopane and miombo woodland, grassland savannah and riverine forest.

Large herds of elephant and buffalo share this special wilderness with 14 antelope and three endemic mammal species. A renowned predator playground with a sizeable leopard population, be sure to keep a look out for this agile feline.

Elephant
Background pattern

South Luangwa

    • Valley Of The Leopard

      The South Luangwa has one of the highest densities of leopard in Africa and sightings of this elusive big cat are frequent. Equally charming are the lions and spotted hyenas, along with a growing number of African wild dogs.

    • Graceful Grazers

      The Luangwa River is home to plentiful hippo and its banks are visited by plains game like bushbuck, kudu and puku. South Luangwa also hosts three regionally endemic species - Crawshay's zebra, Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest.

    • 400+ Bird Species

      South Luangwa is a hive of feathered activity throughout the year. Pel’s fishing owl and Verreaux’s eagle owl are just two of the 39 birds of prey found here. Migrants like southern carmine bee-eaters and yellow-billed storks arrive in colourful breeding plumage to nest in the warmer months.

    Nearby
    Activities

    View All

      • E-Cruiser Game Drive

        A giraffe stands in the foreground of an open savanna, with an off-road e-Cruiser vehicle and tourists in the background

      • Walking Safari

        A group of people, led by guides, walk along a rugged riverbank under a cloudy sky

      • Plunge Pool

        A person swims in a pool near three elephants on a grassy plain

      • Birding

        Five vibrant red and blue birds perch and fly over a sandy riverbank

      Where To Stay

      South Luangwa Map

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What is the best time to visit South Luangwa National Park? Green Safaris The best time to visit South Luangwa National Park is from May to October, when wildlife viewing is consistently rewarding and conditions are ideal for game drives and walking safaris.

      May is a particularly beautiful time to travel, as the landscape is still lush and green from the rains, yet wildlife sightings, including leopard, are excellent.

      The later dry-season months (June to October) offer high-visibility game viewing as animals gather around permanent water sources. During the wetter months, the park’s flat cotton soils can make travel more challenging in some areas, which is why certain camps close seasonally.       Is South Luangwa good for walking safaris? Green Safaris Yes. South Luangwa is widely regarded as the birthplace of the walking safari and remains one of Africa’s finest destinations for this immersive experience.

      Walking safaris are best enjoyed during the dry season, when visibility is clearer and the ground is firmer underfoot. Led by highly trained guides, these walks focus on tracking wildlife, reading the landscape, and understanding the smaller details of the bush that are often missed on game drives.       How do you get to South Luangwa National Park? Green Safaris Most travellers fly from Lusaka to Mfuwe Airport, the main gateway to South Luangwa National Park. From Mfuwe, lodges are reached via road transfer, with travel times varying depending on wildlife sightings and seasonal road conditions.

      Transfers are an experience in themselves, often doubling as a gentle introduction to the park’s scenery and wildlife.       What animals can you see in South Luangwa National Park? Green Safaris South Luangwa is renowned for its exceptionally high leopard densities, alongside healthy populations of lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, and crocodile.

      The park is home to over a dozen antelope species, as well as three endemic mammals: Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest, and Crawshay’s zebra.

      With more than 450 recorded bird species, South Luangwa is also a standout birding destination, particularly during the green season when migratory species, including the striking carmine bee-eater, arrive in large numbers.       Why choose South Luangwa National Park for your safari? Green Safaris A safari in South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife experiences, thanks to its predator-rich ecosystem, exceptional walking safaris, and vast, unspoilt landscapes.

      From intimate game viewing and expert guiding to diverse habitats that change dramatically with the seasons, South Luangwa offers a deeply immersive safari for travellers seeking authentic wilderness, strong conservation values, and a true connection to Zambia’s wild heart.
      Why Choose South Luangwa National Park for Your Safari

      A safari in South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife experiences, thanks to its high predator activity, exceptional walking safaris and pristine wilderness. The Nsefu Sector, home to Shawa Luangwa Camp, offers some of the most reliable leopard sightings in Zambia and is ideal for photographic safaris. With eco-luxury accommodation, electric game-drive vehicles and expert guiding, South Luangwa continues to rank among the best safari destinations for travellers seeking authentic Africa, immersive walking adventures and tailor-made South Luangwa safari packages.