Giraffe, Luangwa Riverbed, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

North and South Luangwa

If you are after a remote and true African safari holiday then the North and South Luangwa is the place to find it.

The region offers a great diversity of wildlife and some of the most authentic safari bush camps and guides in Africa. South Luangwa is renowned for its walking safaris and prolific leopard sightings, whilst North Luangwa is a wilderness visited by few.

A leopard on the hunt at night, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa, Zambia
Lilac Breasted Roller, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Lilac Breasted Roller, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Giraffe, Luangwa Riverbed, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

South Luangwa National Park

Marking the southern end of the Great Rift Valley, South Luangwa is the richest park in Zambia and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa for scenery and variety of animals. The Luangwa River, which meanders gently through the park, enhances it even further.

A combination of oxbow lakes, forest and plains are hosts to huge concentrations of game (an excess of 60 different species), whiles providing shelter to over 400 species of birds.

Elephant herd crossing Luangwa river, South Luangwa, Zambia
South Luangwa, Zambia
Black Rhino, North Luangwa, Zambia
Black Rhino, North Luangwa, Zambia
View from room, Chinzombo, South Luangwa
Chinzombo, South Luangwa, Zambia

North Luangwa National Park

The North Luangwa is more difficult to access and home to only a handful of camps. Here, a walking safari is your main option. In the wilderness areas of the park, experience walking safaris from one camp, led by experts in the field of guiding with many years of experience under their belts.

Walking safari, South Luangwa, Zambia
South Luangwa, Zambia
Elephant herd crossing Luangwa river, South Luangwa, Zambia
South Luangwa, Zambia

Walking safari in South Luangwa National Park

Take a walking safari in the wilderness with some of the best walking guides in Africa. An on-foot safari here is not just a nature walk; track big game, including predators, across the landscape. At night, sleep in a bush camp with just paraffin lamps for your light and the stars above the fire.

Soak up the feeling of the heat of the sun, the water and mud of the Luangwa River between your toes and the peaceful silence, knowing you are one of a handful of visitors.

Leopard, South Luangwa, Zambia
South Luangwa, Zambia

Fertile Grounds

“Subtle and unassuming, this most natural of settings is home to an astonishing abundance of game. This is down to one thing, the Luangwa River. It is the soul of the park and you feel its presence as soon as you enter. Unusually for an African river of this size, it remains untouched by people. No dams, no irrigation; it flows freely in its natural state.”

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Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Isolated elephant in a mist of sprayed water, South Luangwa, Zambia

Boating

During the park’s green season, take to the Luangwa River by boat. Spot wildlife on the banks and birdlife over the water.

Suggested camp

Leopard lying in Tree, South Luangwa, Zambia

Big Cats

Explore South Luangwa in search of its feline population. Lion sightings are guaranteed, but it is leopards for which the park is most famous. Hope to catch a glimpse of one of these beautiful predators.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Tribal Textiles - Zambia

Tribal Textiles

After a wildlife-packed safari, pick up a souvenir or two from the Tribal Textiles shop. These beautiful, hand-crafted textiles were all produced by the local community, providing vital employment.

Black Rhino, North Luangwa, Zambia

Remote North

Explore remote and wild North Luangwa. Home to endangered black rhinos, this little-visited park is very different from its southern namesake.

Wading on walking safari, South Luangwa, Zambia

Walking Safari

Experience the thrill of approaching big game on foot – accompanied by one of the best walking guides in Africa.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Where to Stay

Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

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Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

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