South Luangwa national park is one of the best safari destinations in Africa due to its rich biodiversity including Four of the Big Five mammals which include lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes; over 400 species of birds and three Luangwa valley endemic species which include Crawshay’s zebra, Cookson’s wildebeest and Thornicroft giraffe. Leopards are the main attraction for the park is famous for harboring one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world with over 10 leopards recorded per 100 sq. km. The high concentration of leopards in the Luangwa Valley has been documented since the 1950s by legendary conservationist Norman Carr. Safaris in Luangwa are shaped by conservation efforts such as anti-poaching patrols that focus on protecting wildlife and community development. South Luangwa offers unique eco-friendly safari activities such as walking safaris and night game drives. Some of the lodges offer personalized experiences such as microlight flights.
Geography
The Luangwa valley lies at the southwestern end of the East African Rift System and contains a 700 km long graben containing the Luangwa River. The river flows through the valley along the park’s eastern boundary where it creates unique features such as seasonal ox-bow lakes and alluvial floodplains, sand bars and sand cliffs which are revealed in the channel when water levels are low. The ecosystem of the park thrives around the river with diverse habitats ranging from dense riverine mopane woodlands, drier thickets and shrubs to open short and tall grasslands such as in the northern Chifungwe Plains. Mopane woodlands cover a relatively large area of the park and are defined by ever green tree species such as African ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis), Kigelia africana, Faidherbia albida, and Khaya anthotheca. The Luangwa valley floor altitude ranges between 500-900 meters above sea level, the landscape gently rises up to 1,000 m to the foothills of the Muchinga Escarpment to the west of the park. This escarpment forms a corridor that separates South from North Luangwa national park.
Best time to visit
South Luangwa national park can be visited anytime of year, however the best time for walking safaris is from May to October during the dry season the vegetation thins out and most of the wild animals tend to gather around the Luangwa river and waterholes. It is easier to spot wildlife during early morning guided walks and afternoon game drives. During the dry season the park receives a relatively higher traffic of visitors and the main tourism area at Mfuwe might become busy which requires booking accommodation in advance. October is the hottest month with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104 °F). The dry season is generally the best time visiting Zambia for safari and South Luangwa can be combined with other destinations including Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi and North Luangwa national parks.
Wet season
The park can also be visited during the rainy season in between November and April. The Luangwa river water levels are high allowing for boat safaris to spot wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles. The wet season is the best for bird watching to spot migratory species including Carmine bee-eaters. The annual rainfall in Eastern Zambia ranges between 800 to 1,000 mm per annum which means that the vegetation blossoms and younger animals are born. Mosquitoes are highly prevalent which increases the risk of malaria.
Accommodation
South Luangwa national park offers a wide range of accommodation including mid-range and luxury bush camps and lodges of which most are located along the banks of Luangwa river. Strategically positioned lodges offer an opportunity to watch wildlife that passes by such as elephants.
Mfuwe Lodge
The award-winning Mfuwe Lodge is strategically positioned along the river banks between two Ox-bow lagoons. The lodge sits along an ancient elephant migration route. Every year herds move through the lodge’s reception area to feed on wild mango fruits and the lodge’s compound serve as grazing grounds for giraffes, hippos, and antelopes. The 4-star lodge offers 18 air conditioned chalets each with en-suite bathrooms, hot and cold running water, mosquito nets, and hair dryers. Suites and family rooms have bathtubs. Facilities at the lodge include lounge, dining, bar, an outdoor swimming pool, outdoor gym and spa. High speed Wi-Fi connection is available in the lounge plus complimentary laundry services.
Flatdogs Camp
Flatdogs camp is located on the edge of Luangwa river outside Mfuwe entrance gate. With no fence, wildlife often grazes and moves around the camp. The camp features 19 rooms categorized into luxury tents, grass-thatch chalets, and treehouses with capacity to accommodate a wide range of travelers from solo travelers, honeymooners, small groups, and families. The lodge’s on site Dog and Gat restaurant serves a la carte menu with local and international cuisine using fresh produce from the lodge’s vegetable garden.
Among other facilities include two outdoor swimming pools including one with a water slide. Readers can find books in the library. The Eco-friendly lodge is certified by Trade Fair and uses solar heated water energy saving stoves.
Tafika Bush Camp
A family operated lodge managed by Remote Africa Safaris, Tafika Camp is located on the eastern bank of the Luangwa River in the Nsefu Sector of the South Luangwa National Park.
A cool breeze from the river and giant leadwood trees surrounding the lodge offer a cool atmosphere perfect to relax on safari. The less-visited Nsefu Sector offers secluded wildlife viewing away from the busier Mfuwe sector. The lodge has six spacious chalets including a family suite built from reed and thatch and designed to allow natural aeration. Every chalet includes comfortable en-suite bathrooms with open-air showers. Common areas consist of the central dining, fully-stocked bar, and lounge overlooking the river. When staying at Tafika lodge offers personalized activities including night game drives, microlight flights, cycling, and walking safaris led by expert guides and rangers.
How to get there
South Luangwa national park is 700 km (343 miles) (9-hour drive) northeast of Lusaka capital city. The park can also be reached by air through domestic charter flights from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) to Mfuwe International Airport (MFU) situated outside the park.
For more information visit the official Zambia Tourism Board