South Luangwa National Park- Zambia Safaris: Primate Safaris

About the Park

SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Often called one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world South Luangwa is the undisputed flagship of Zambian tourism. The park covers an area of nearly nine thousand square kilometers and is bordered by the dramatic Muchinga Escarpment to the west. The lifeblood of the park is the Luangwa River which winds its way through alluvial plains.

The historical significance of South Luangwa cannot be overstated. It is the spiritual birthplace of the walking safari a concept pioneered here by legendary conservationist Norman Carr in the middle of the twentieth century. Carr believed that viewing wildlife from a vehicle created a barrier between humans and the natural environment.

By stepping out onto the earth visitors learn to tune their senses to the subtle rhythm of the bush. Walking safaris remain the gold standard here and they allow participants to focus on tracking animal footprints examining plant biology understanding traditional medicine and observing smaller ecosystems that are completely missed when driving.

The wildlife density in South Luangwa is astonishing. The park is world renowned for its incredibly high concentration of leopards which thrive in the dense riverine woodlands. It is not uncommon to see multiple leopards on a single evening game drive as night falls and these stealthy predators begin their hunt. The river itself holds immense pods of hippos and massive crocodiles that sun themselves on the sandbanks.

Elephants and Cape buffalo roam the plains in large herds while predators like lions and spotted hyenas keep a watchful eye on the numerous antelope species. Among these are endemic species unique to the Luangwa Valley including Thornicroft’s giraffe Cookson’s wildebeest and Crawshay’s zebra.

For birdwatchers the park is a paradise with over four hundred recorded species ranging from the striking carmine bee-eater which nests in the riverbanks to the majestic martial eagle soaring high above the canopy.

Best time to visit south Luangwa national Park

South Luangwa National Park can be visited anytime around the year although the best time to visit the Park is during the dry season in the months of June to October.

Detailed Guide

June to August (cool dry season) as the temperatures are pleasant, vegetation is thinner and animals gather around the Luangwa River and waterholes, making wildlife easier to spot.

September to October (hot dry season) is excellent for game viewing watching wildlife animals like lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and large herds of antelope.

November to April (green/rainy season) with lush landscapes, fewer tourists and fantastic birdwatching.

How to Get to South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park can be accessed using both Road and Air transport. These are preferred by the travelers on safari holiday.

1. By Air (Fastest and Most Convenient)

Using Air is the fastest and most convenient preference and includes flying into Mfuwe Airport where you leave from to get to the park.

Usual route:

Fly into Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka.

Take a domestic flight to Mfuwe (about 1–1.5 hours).

2. By Road

By Road, travelers can transfer from Lusaka to the park. The journey takes a distance of about 700 kms (435 miles) in a period of 10–12 hours, depending on road conditions.