Eastern Province, Zambia
South Luangwa
The valley of the leopard, and the home of the walking safari.
Overview
About South Luangwa
South Luangwa National Park follows the Luangwa River through eastern Zambia, and it is often called the valley of the leopard for how many live here. It is also where the walking safari began, in the 1950s.
Walking with an armed guide is the best way to understand the bush, from tracks in the sand to the smaller animals you would miss from a vehicle. Night drives, allowed here, bring a good chance of leopard, as well as hyenas, civets and porcupines.
In the dry season, elephants, buffalo, hippos and Thornicroft's giraffe gather near the river. South Luangwa combines well with Victoria Falls or Lake Malawi.
Best time to go
Jun – Oct
The dry season, when the bush thins and animals gather at the river. June to August is cooler; September and October are hotter, with the most wildlife.
Highlights
What stands out in South Luangwa
Highlights
- Leopards
- Walking safaris
- Night drives
- Hippos and elephants on the Luangwa River
Things to do
- Walking safaris
- Game drives
- Night drives
- Bird watching
- Photography
Plan a trip to South Luangwa
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A Tayari consultant will reply with ideas.