South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park Overview

Zambia is one of the few African countries that allow night drives within their national parks. This is a great way to see nocturnal animals such as leopard, civets, genets, bush babies, night apes and owls. Night drives start an hour before dusk and after a scenic sunset stop the drive continues using a spotlight to spot game.

The parks other draw card is the thornicroft Giraffe, which is unique to the Luangwa valley. Hippos are one animal you won’t miss. They are so prolific in the Luangwa river that it is estimated that there are at least fifty of them per kilometre.

Ornithologists can expect to see 39 birds of prey and 47 migrants. 

Highlights & Places in South Luangwa National Park

The park is divided into three sections; the central section is closest to Mfuwe airport and the main gate. This is where you’ll find the highest concentration of game and consequently visitors. The majority of lodges are found on the river’s banks both within and outside the park where hippos, crocodiles and birdlife are abundant.

The park’s northern section is a lot more remote with excellent upmarket camps in scenic spots along the river. There is prolific game, great game walking and the opportunity to do a microlight safari.

The even more remote southern section is where the rift escarpment and the river are at their closest. The road network is basic, the lodges smaller but the game walks are excellent. 

Best Time to Visit South Luangwa National Park

When to Go

South Luangwa is a dry season park. Access is limited during the December to April wet season when movement within the park becomes severely restricted.

The best time to visit is therefore May to October. Temperatures can drop as low as 6 degrees (Celsius) in the winter months of June and July although the maximum is still around 25. The hot, pre rain months of Oct and Nov sees temperatures peak at 40 degrees. As ground water volumes diminish, game concentrates around the remaining water sources and allows for great viewing opportunities. 

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To South Luangwa National Park

Mfuwe airport is situated approximately 20km from the park’s main gate and has domestic flights from Lusaka and international flights from Lilongwe in Malawi. Charter flights land at Mfuwe where clients can clear immigration and customs.

Road access is slow; the 130km drive from Chipata takes four hours on a good day. The seven hour journey via Patauke is only possible in the dry season.

Getting Around South Luangwa National Park

Most people come to South Luangwa by plane and are then hosted and transported around by their respective lodges.

For the more adventurous a 4x4 vehicle is virtually a necessity to get around the rough roads both within and outside the park. The only tarmac to be found in the Luangwa area is from the airport to the main park gate.

South Luangwa National Park Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
There is an ATM at Mfuwe airport, although it isn’t terribly reliable.

Forex/Money:
There is a bank at the airport that will change money into Zambian Kwacha.

Credit/Debit cards:
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the parks lodges.

Internet availability:
There is often limited internet availability at the lodges. Most camps inside the park do not have access and the few lodges outside the park that do, have a limited bandwidth. It may be best to enquire with your accommodation supplier before arrival. There is mobile cell phone coverage as far as Mfuwe lodge in the central region.

Drinking water:
Lodges have their own boreholes and bottled water is available.

Hospitals & Medical:
There isn’t a hospital in the valley. The nearest is in Lilongwe, Malawi followed by St Francis in Katete. For emergencies it may be necessary to fly to Johannesburg, South Africa.

Zambia Visa Requirements:
Citizens of USA, Australia, New Zealand and all European countries -excluding Ireland - require visas. Single entry is US$50 and double entry US$70. 

South Luangwa National Park Map