South Luangwa National Park
About
South Luangwa National Park is the crown jewel of eastern Zambia and one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations. Affectionately known by locals as simply “the South Park,” it was originally established as the Luangwa Game Park in 1904 before being designated as a game reserve in 1938. Today, the park spans approximately 9,050 square kilometres of the spectacular Luangwa Valley, with elevations ranging between 500 and 800 metres above sea level.
Framed by the dramatic Muchinga Escarpment to the west and northwest and the winding Luangwa River to the south, the park boasts a remarkably diverse and captivating landscape. From lush riverine forests and open floodplains to oxbow lagoons and expansive savannahs, South Luangwa offers some of the most scenic and wildlife-rich terrain in Africa.
Largely untouched by modern development, this pristine wilderness remains one of the continent’s last great natural sanctuaries. Visitors are invited to step back in time and experience the untamed beauty of Zambia through its verdant valleys, golden plains, dynamic waterways, and extraordinary abundance of wildlife. Renowned for its exceptional game viewing and pioneering walking safaris, South Luangwa delivers an authentic and unforgettable safari experience in the heart of Africa.
Highlights
One of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
Covers approximately 9,050 km² of pristine wilderness.
Spectacular scenery featuring floodplains, lagoons, woodlands, and riverine forests.
Exceptional wildlife viewing, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, crocodile and zebra..
Over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Birthplace of the walking safari experience.
Dramatic backdrop provided by the Muchinga Escarpment.
Dramatic backdrop provided by the Muchinga Escarpment.
Tours Visting South Luangwa National Park
Grand Southern Africa Safari
The ultimate African adventure visiting all five countries. Experience the full diversity of Southern Africa's landscapes, wildlife, and cultures on this comprehensive safari..
Zambia & Zimbabwe Classic
Experience the best of two neighboring countries. Combine exceptional wildlife viewing in South Luangwa with the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls..
Accommodations in South Luangwa National Park
Lolebezi Luxury Safari Lodge, Zambia
Lolebezi – Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia, nestled on the banks of the magnificent Zambezi River in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, Lolebezi is an ultra-luxury safari lodge offering an exclusive and immersive wilderness experience. Operated by African Bush Camps, the lodge combines sophisticated contemporary design with the natural beauty of one […]
The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa, Victoria Falls
The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa – Livingstone, Zambia, situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, just a short distance from the spectacular Victoria Falls, The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa offers a luxurious riverside retreat combining elegant accommodation, exceptional hospitality, and easy access to one of Africa’s most iconic natural […]
Kaingu Safari Lodge, Zambia
Kaingu Safari Lodge – Kafue National Park, Zambia, nestled on the banks of the Kafue River in the remote northern region of Kafue National Park, Kaingu Safari Lodge offers an intimate and authentic safari experience in one of Africa’s largest and least-explored wilderness areas. Surrounded by pristine riverine forests, granite outcrops, and expansive floodplains, the […]
Shawa Luangwa Camp, Zambia
Shawa Luangwa Camp, nestled within a tranquil riverside forest on the eastern bank of the Luangwa River, Shawa Luangwa Camp offers an intimate and eco-conscious safari experience in the heart of Zambia’s renowned South Luangwa region. With just five elevated A-frame tented suites, the camp combines contemporary comfort, sustainability, and exceptional wildlife viewing in a […]
Sungani Lodge, Zambia
Imagine escaping to a sanctuary where untamed wilderness meets contemporary elegance, perfectly integrated into the pristine landscapes of South Luangwa National Park. Welcome to Sungani Lodge, an exclusive retreat set on the edge of a vast, wildlife-rich lagoon and shaded by magnificent indigenous trees. Thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, the lodge rests […]
Luangwa River Camp, Zambia
Luanga River Camp, nestled on the banks of the Luangwa River in the renowned Mfuwe sector of South Luangwa National Park, Luangwa River Camp offers an intimate and authentic safari experience in one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Operated by the highly respected Robin Pope Safaris, the camp combines exceptional guiding, warm hospitality, and […]
Time + Tide Chinzombo Camp, Zambia
Set on 24 hectares of private Luangwa River frontage, just upstream from its sister property, Kapani Lodge, Chinzombo represents a new generation of luxury safari accommodation in South Luangwa National Park. Positioned beneath a canopy of ancient trees on a wildlife-rich riverbank ridge, this award-winning camp combines world-class design, exceptional comfort, and outstanding wildlife experiences […]
Puku Ridge Camp, Zambia
Puku Ridge Camp, nestled within the wildlife-rich heart of South Luangwa National Park, Puku Ridge is an intimate luxury safari camp that offers exceptional game viewing, refined comfort, and immersive wilderness experiences. Overlooking a vast open floodplain and a permanent waterhole, the camp enjoys a prime location where wildlife activity unfolds throughout the day, often […]
Kapamba Bush Camp, Zambia
Nestled along the banks of the spring-fed Kapamba River in a remote corner of the southern South Luangwa National Park, Kapamba Bushcamp offers an intimate safari experience in one of the park’s most wildlife-rich and secluded regions. Surrounded by pristine wilderness and overlooking a tranquil watercourse, the camp combines exceptional game viewing with a sense […]
Mfuwe Lodge, Zambia
Nestled within South Luangwa National Park and less than an hour’s drive from Mfuwe International Airport, Mfuwe Lodge offers an extraordinary safari experience that feels wonderfully remote despite its convenient location. Consistently recognised as one of Zambia’s premier safari lodges, it seamlessly combines exceptional wildlife encounters, luxurious comfort, and warm hospitality in a spectacular natural […]
Three Rivers Camp, Zambia
Set at the confluence of the Luangwa, Kapamba, and Lusangazi Rivers in the unspoiled wilderness of South Luangwa National Park, Three Rivers Bush Camp is a stylish and intimate retreat that offers a true escape into the African bush. Opened in June 2017 and powered entirely by solar energy, the camp is nestled beneath a […]
Kafunta River Lodge, Zambia
Nestled on the edge of South Luangwa National Park in Zambia’s renowned Luangwa Valley, Kafunta River Lodge offers the quintessential African safari experience. Overlooking the expansive floodplains of the Luangwa River, the lodge captures the romance and adventure of a classic safari while combining exceptional wildlife viewing with warm, personalised hospitality. Days are spent exploring […]
Busanga Bush Camp, Zambia
Nestled beneath a grove of majestic sycamore fig trees on a secluded island in the heart of Zambia’s spectacular Busanga Plains, Busanga Bush Camp offers one of Africa’s most remote and intimate safari experiences. With just four exclusive tented suites, this charming camp provides an exceptional level of privacy and immersion within the vast wilderness […]
Luangwa River Lodge, Zambia
Perched on the banks of the Luangwa River with front-row seats to incredible wildlife action and spectacular sunsets.