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South Luangwa National Park Overview
South Luangwa National Park Flora & Fauna
Vegetation in South Luangwa National Park is crucially reliant on the park's nutrient levels. Luangwa soils are rich in minerals because of their volcanic origin, and the fine sediments deposited by the river. Luangwa is unique among parks in that its "bush" is incredibly diverse; as you drive or walk through the park, you'll see a mosaic of different vegetation zones, the most striking of which are the stunning cathedral mopane forests. South of Mfuwe, on the outskirts of the national park, there is a region with tall mopane trees. Riverine vegetation along the Luangwa is dominated by massive red mahogany trees, Khaya nyasica and Adina microsephala, despite the fact that these rivers are essentially sand channels for the majority of the year. African ebony trees and Natal mahoganies can also be spotted occasionally.
The riverine vegetation of the Luangwa River is a magnet for exceptional wildlife due to the river's meandering course. Elephants, hippos, lions, Nile crocodiles, Cape buffaloes, warthogs, pukus, impalas, spotted hyenas, greater kudus, and elands are just some of the common large mammals you might see here. Thornicroft's giraffes, Cookson's wildebeests, and Crawshay's zebras are endemic to the Luangwa and can be seen nowhere else. Many people visit the Luangwa Valley because it is home to the largest wild population of leopards anywhere in the world. Large herds of elephants and buffalo numbering in the thousands are regularly spotted. The river's deep channels attract hordes of hippos, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, and a similarly large number of Nile crocodiles. Luangwa is also ideal for birdwatchers, as it is home to around 400 different bird species namely carmine bee-eaters, lovebirds, weavers, and kingfishers.
Things to Do at South Luangwa National Park
You will have a guide with you as you walk between overnight camps along the banks of rivers while exploring areas where there are no roads, making it unlikely that you will see anything but wildlife. For these kinds of safaris, this park is among the most well-known, and you should not miss them.
Price: USD 150-200 (Per day)
In the park, there are many different kinds of birds which you get to catch sight of when you go birding. Typically, an ornithologist or knowledgeable birding guide will go on a birding safari with you. During this safari bird watchers like you will value the opportunity to observe large game while also taking the time to listen to bird cries, twitters, and singing.
Price: USD 150-200
From the safety of your boat, you may watch a spectacular display of animals along the South Luangwa River during a boat safari. The rainy season, when the Luangwa River is more full, is the greatest time to navigate it. Elephants will be common, as well as hippos and crocodiles, but because most other animals do not need to visit the river during the rainy season, the emphasis will be more on the trip itself than on game viewing. However, most tour providers combine boating and hikes hence you can choose to enjoy both.
Price: USD 600-1000
Morning and afternoon wildlife drives are available at several of the lodges. Early drives typically begin before sunrise, giving you the opportunity to see the greatest morning game. The afternoon excursions will frequently last far past dusk in an effort to find some of the park's nocturnal residents. On the other side, night drives offer the chance to take in the park's nocturnal inhabitants long after the sun has set.
Price: USD 100-200
A bush-spa located in the South Luangwa National Park is certain to bring peace and renewal. The therapists use procedures based on conventional therapeutic components as well as customs, such as utilizing coffee to exfoliate skin prior to a thorough cleanse with marula and then moisturizing with sausage tree or baobab masks. All in the magnificent African bush, unwind in the Jacuzzi or indulge in a reflexology treatment.
Location: Mfuwe Lodge
Timing: Daylight hours
Lodges and Camps in South Luangwa National Park
Kaingo Camp is a laid-back, family-run safari camp located deep within South Luangwa National Park. This small, family-run South Luangwa camp offers breathtaking views together with a welcoming ambiance and kind emotions. Go on thrilling excursions or just take advantage of the many opportunities for wildlife viewing close to the luxurious lodge.
Location: South Luangwa National Park
Amenities:
- Free breakfast
- gift shop
- seating area
- lounge
- mosquito net
- special diet menus
- outdoor fireplace
- laundry service
Price: USD 850-1000
Nsefu Camp invites you to take your time and enjoy the breathtaking views from its expansive bend of the Luangwa River. A total of twelve visitors can stay in the one double and five twin rooms in the Nsefu Camp's unique thatched roof rondavels. You'll appreciate these charmingly renovated, vividly whitewashed rondavels that still exhibit their original charm. They have gorgeous, clean, simple decor that has a nostalgic vibe about it.
Location: Nsefu sector of the park Overlooking the Luangwa River, South Luangwa National Park Zambia
Amenities
- Laundry service
- Airport transportation
- Lounge/bar
- Free breakfast
Price: USD 650-750
Kafunta is a "childhood Africa dream come true," gazing out over the expansive Luangwa River floodplain. Despite the staff's high level of professionalism, this camp has a welcoming and unwinding atmosphere. Up to twenty people can stay at Kafunta in 10 thatched huts perched on wooden platforms. The premium chalets include an upper viewing verandah and opulent bathrooms, while the ordinary chalets are wonderful and large and tastefully designed with an African flair.
Location: Mfuwe Kafunta Safaris South Luangwa National Park,
Amenities
- Baggage Storage
- Hot Spring Bath
- Sun Terrace
- Special Diet Menus
- Ironing Service
- Laundry Service
Price: USD 420-500
On the banks of the Luangwa River, overlooking the magnificent region known as the Luangwa Wafwa, Luangwa River Camp is tucked away beneath an old ebony forest. Each of the tastefully decorated bush suites, which have thatched roofs and brick walls, has an ensuite bathroom with a deep bathtub that looks out over your own personal area of Africa.
Location: Plot 8553 Mfuwe, South Luangwa National Park E6 Zambia
Amenities
- Laundry service
- Airport transportation
- Free breakfast
- Lounge/bar
Price: USD 440-500
Eight opulent, extra-large semi-tents with wraparound views of the surroundings are available at Puku Ridge Camp, a modest and cozy getaway. As you enjoy your morning coffee from the padded seat on your private decked balcony (which also features a private plunge pool), observe the bustle taking place in the floodplain below. A calming bathtub for those post-safari soaks is included in the spacious tents' en-suite amenities.
Location: South Luangwa National Park 10101 Zambia
Amenities
- Plunge Pool
- Ironing Service
- Special Diet Menus
- Laundry Service
- Outdoor Dining Area
Price: USD 950-1400
South Luangwa National Park Tour Packages
Starting and finishing in Lilongwe! The 4-Day South Luangwa National Park Chalet Experience is a safari package that gives you four days to explore the area around Lilongwe and the Luangwa Valley, where you can get used to the climate and wildlife of Africa. Malawi, South Luangwa National Park, and Zambia are all on your itinerary as you take in the sights of the park, go on a late afternoon/night game drive, and generally have a wonderful time.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in lodge
- Professional guide/driver
- All meals
- Park fees
- All transportation
- All activities
Price: USD 900-1018
On this 4-day budget safari you tour from Mfuwe through South Luangwa National Park which is a world-famous safari destination. You will set out on night safaris and walking safaris in the Wildlife camp where you will have the option of embarking on two safaris per day.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in lodge
- Professional guide/driver
- All meals
- Park fees
- All transportation
- All activities
- All taxes and VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Drinking water
Price: 498 USD - 800 USD
On this 4-day safari, your South Luangwa safari base will be Croc Valley Camp, located on the Luangwa River’s banks. During the tour you will unwind on the sundeck while observing crocodiles and hippos in the river. With the assistance of a skilled resident guide, you will go on game drives to see the diverse species or embark on a renowned walking safari to get a closer look at the wilderness.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in lodge
- Professional guide/driver
- All meals
- Park fees
- All transportation
- All activities
- All taxes and VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Drinking water
Price: 750 USD- 1050 USD
For eight nights of some of the best animal viewing in all of Africa, you will take a flight from Lusaka to South Luangwa National Park. The three lodges you will be visiting will be in the middle of this amazing location, so your chances of seeing animals like lions, leopards, wild dogs, elephants, and many others are going to be very good. This will be a trip of a lifetime with activities like game drives and walking safaris, with opulent but not extravagant lodging.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in lodge
- Professional guide/driver
- All meals
- Park fees
- All transportation
- All activities
- All taxes and VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Drinking water
Price: 5167 USD - 5342 USD
Experience the South Luangwa on this 4-day camping safari. Treat yourself to a "Glamping" adventure in the midst of Zambia's top wildlife destinations. An experienced guide will accompany you as you go in your own personal safari vehicle, and you'll camp out under the stars and stay warm by the fire while you wait for a camping feast customized to your every need.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in lodge
- Professional guide/driver
- All meals
- Park fees
- All transportation
- All activities
- All taxes and VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Drinking water
Price: 1473 USD - 1621 USD
Plan Your Visit to South Luangwa National Park
- How to Reach
By AirFly Ulendo offers a daily flight to Mfuwe International Airport from Lilongwe for those who wish to travel to South Luangwa National Park from Malawi. It takes about an hour to fly from Lilongwe to Mfuwe and it takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach the national park from the airport.
By RoadGetting to South Luangwa from Lilongwe is a drive of 321 kilometers. About 5 hours and 30 minutes are needed to reach South Luangwa National Park by car.
- Best Time to Visit
The months from mid-June to October are the best for visiting South Luangwa National Park because they are the driest and have warm, sunny days. The best time to see wildlife is during these months, when the animals congregate near rivers where they get most of their water. You can also be lucky enough to witness some rare to find species in the National Park during this time
First aid kit and medicines
Sunglasses
Light clothing
Breathable footwear
Bacteria/virus filtering bottle
Bug repellant
Sunscreen lotion
Neck support pillow
Power bank for your devices
Get yourself some decent medical and travel insurance.
Before leaving, make sure you have the proper documentation for entry into your chosen country.
Prepare yourself with the necessary immunizations, antimalarials, and bug spray (those containing DEET are most effective)
Keep all your belongings safe by locking your bags and putting any valuables in your carry-on.
It's a good idea to make copies of vital travel documents and/or store electronic copies online.
Pack sun protection, insect repellent, and layers for open-air game drives.
Verify the baggage allowance for each flight you're taking (including domestic flights)
Do not drive after dark
FAQ’s of South Luangwa National Park
What activities can we do at South Luangwa National Park camps?
Some of the activities that you can playfully indulge at the South Luangwa National Park camps are bush spas, going on a photographic safari, setting out on night drives, walking trips, birding tours and game drives.
How many days do you need in South Luangwa National Park?
You need around 7-8 days to explore the South Luangwa National Park and during this timespan you can spot the Thornicroft's giraffe,herds of cape buffaloes and elephants besides embarking on different kinds of safaris and hiking trails.
What is the best time of year to visit the South Luangwa National Park?
The dry season, which runs from July to October, is the best time to visit the South Luangwa National Park as this is the time when animals can be seen in great numbers near the Luangwa river and you can also witness some rare to find species in the National Park during this time of the year.
What facilities will I get in South Luangwa National Park camps?
Some of the facilities that you get in the South Luangwa National Park camps are Laundry service, lounge/bar, free breakfast, other than special diet menus, outdoor fireplace and others. The camps in the park also provide you with learning opportunities about the wildlife and the national park at the centers especially crafted for them.
Which are the best places to visit in South Luangwa National Park?
The best places to visit in South Luangwa National Park are Lion Camp, Chindeni Bushcamp, and Shenton Safaris Kaingo Camp. Get along with your guide and an armed ranger of the national park to explore it on foot and experience the big game of the wild and witness animals such as elephants, zebras and even the antelopes.