Destinations / Zambia / South Luangwa
South Luangwa
The Home of the Walking Safari
Shaped by the meandering Luangwa River, South Luangwa is one of Africa's great wildlife sanctuaries and the birthplace of the walking safari. Leopards are seen here with remarkable regularity, while expert guides lead you on foot through a landscape of oxbow lagoons, ebony groves and open floodplains.
Walking with Wildlife
The Walking Safari
Walking safaris were pioneered in the Luangwa Valley, and its guides remain among the most respected in Africa.
The Valley of the Leopard
South Luangwa is renowned for exceptional leopard sightings, especially on night drives.
Luxury in the Wild
Between adventures in the bush, South Luangwa's intimate luxury camps offer a welcome retreat.
Unforgettable Experiences
Authentic, intimate and on foot.
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Walking Safaris
Walk in the valley where the walking safari was pioneered, following elephants and buffalo along the Luangwa River.
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Multi-Day Walking Trails
Walk between remote bush camps, experiencing the valley at its most intimate.
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Night Drives
Search for leopards, hyenas and genets by spotlight in one of Africa's best leopard areas.
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Leopard Tracking
Follow fresh tracks with an expert guide in search of the valley's famous cats.
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Photographic Hides
Watch colonies of carmine bee-eaters nesting in the riverbanks, typically from September toNovember.
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Sleep Outs
Spend a night under the stars on a raised platform.
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Green Season Boat Safaris
Explore the flooded lagoons by boat during the rains.
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Local Community Visits
Meet local people, learn about life in the Luangwa Valley and discover the community initiatives making a difference in the region.
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Bird Watching
South Luangwa is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 400 recorded species. Explore riverbanks, woodlands and lagoons in search of colourful residents and seasonal migrants, accompanied by expert guides.
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Game Drives
Explore South Luangwa's diverse landscapes on guided game drives, with expert guides revealing the secrets of the bush.
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Riverside Sunrise Breakfast
Start the day with a memorable breakfast beside the Luangwa River. Enjoy freshly prepared food, good coffee and the sights and sounds of the bush as the African wilderness comes to life.
When to visit
South Luangwa's seasons create very different experiences.
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The dry season brings outstanding game viewing as wildlife gathers at the river. September and October are hot, with peak sightings.
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The Emerald Season. The rains transform the valley into a lush greenlandscape, with newborn animals, migrant birds and boat safaris in select camps. Manycamps close during this time.
Premier Stays
South Luangwa offers an exceptional range of safari accommodation, from intimate bush camps tucked deep in the wilderness to luxurious riverside retreats.
Bush Camps & Remote Safari Camps
Intimate camps in remote wilderness settings, offering an authentic safari experience, exceptional guiding and close encounters with nature.
Luxury Lodges & Private Retreats
Beautifully appointed lodges combining understated luxury, attentive hospitality and spectacular views of the Luangwa wilderness.
Pairs Perfectly with…
Because the best safaris rarely stop at one destination.
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Cape Town
End among mountains, vineyards and the Atlantic Ocean.
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Okavango Delta
Contrast Hwange's waterholes with Botswana's water wilderness.
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Mana Pools
Explore the Zambezi floodplains on foot and by canoe.
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Hwange
Add great elephant herds in Zimbabwe's largest national park.
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Chobe National Park
See elephants from the water, about an hour away.
Frequently Asked Questions
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June to October offers the best game viewing. The emerald season, from November to April, is wonderful for birding and photography, though many camps close.
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Fly from Lusaka to Mfuwe in around an hour and a quarter, then transfer to your camp.
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Yes. Walks are led by highly trained, licensed guides with an armed scout, following strict safety procedures.
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No. US citizens can visit Zambia for up to 90 days without avisa.
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We recommend three to four nights, ideally split between a riverside lodge and a remote bush camp.
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Anti-malarial medication is recommended.
