North Luangwa Park

A Zambia safari in North Luangwa Park is your chance to visit a wilderness almost entirely unimpacted by modern society. With only a few camps in this region, this is the perfect African safari adventure for you if you dream of immersing yourself in raw nature.

Must-Visit Areas in North Luangwa Park

At North Luangwa Park, walking safaris are the main way to experience the landscapes. Bush walks in the park can take you to forest escarpments for birdwatching and riverbanks to see an array of wildlife:

Muchinga Mountains: Birdwatching Expeditions

Forming the edge of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, the escarpment of the Muchinga Mountains features woodlands and waterfalls to explore.

Unique birding opportunities can be found here, making it a fantastic destination for birdwatching safaris in Zambia. Ross’s turacos, Ancheta’s sunbirds, and Grimwood’s longclaws can be spotted.

Mwaleshi River: Wildlife Hotspot

As a permanent water source, the Mwaleshi River is a lifeline in the park. Exploring this region can bring you to incredible sightings of wildlife along the riverbank.

Tumbling down the escarpment, the Mwaleshi River forms a series of small waterfalls, known as Mwaleshi Falls. With its crystal-clear waters, this river and its falls are among the most beautiful highlights of the North Luangwa wilderness.

When’s the Best Time to Visit North Luangwa Park?

June to October is the best time to visit North Luangwa Park on safari, as this is the dry season. The very little to no rainfall makes finding wildlife far easier as watering holes dry up and vegetation thins.

November to May is the rainy season. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, this may be the perfect time for you, as migratory species can be spotted. Along with more birds and lush landscapes, you may also see more baby animals in the park.

Animals Found in North Luangwa Park

This is the only place in Zambia you’ll find black rhinos. Reintroduced in 2003 after going extinct in the area during the 90s, this species is still elusive in the park, so sightings are not guaranteed.

The rest of the Big Five are here, with leopards also being challenging to spot. Other notable predators to be on the lookout for while on a North Luangwa Park safari are spotted hyenas and African wild dogs.

On the herbivore front, herds of zebras and wildebeest can be seen across the grassy plains, while in rivers, hippos take centre stage. Pukus, impalas, and warthogs can also be found traversing the park.

North Luangwa is a prime birdwatching safari destination in Zambia, with the park boasting over 400 species. From November to April, migrants fly into the park, offering a stunning display for safari-goers. The southern red-billed hornbill, southern carmine bee-eater, and grey go-away bird are all common sights birders can look forward to.

How to Get to North Luangwa Park

There are two airstrips in North Luangwa Park: Mwaleshi and Chifunda. Light aircraft can land here, with flights taking off from Mfuwe Airport in South Luangwa Park or Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, the capital city.