"South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s premier park, and hosts a well-developed safari industry. Its 9,000 sq kms protect a large tract of woodland and floodplain between the meandering Luangwa river and its eastern escarpment. During the dry season, buffalo, elephant and other herbivores gather at the shrinking river and its oxbows, which become packed with hippos. Predator viewing is good, with leopard sightings as reliable as anywhere in Africa. Walking safaris here share equal billing with game drives, and include longer fly-camping trails. At small, owner-run lodges you’ll find guides who know the park inside out. Excellent ‘green season’ safaris use boats to offer an alternative perspective.”
- Mike Unwin
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PLAN MY JOURNEYSouth Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park brings visitors back time and again. There is something about its signature landscape of oxbow lake, trampled floodplain and alluring ebony grove that suggests a stage set. And the drama never lets up. Personal memories include tracking growling lions through dense combretum thickets, following a hunting leopard by spotlight and watching an elephant shaking the rain tree above my deck. Everything always feels full-on.
The park extends north to south along the Luangwa valley, between the river and its escarpment, protecting over 9,000 sq kms of seasonal floodplain, riverine thicket and mopane woodland. In the dry season, elephant, buffalo and zebra congregate around the dwindling water sources, joining a variety of antelope, including impala, waterbuck and the park’s ubiquitous puku. Hippos cram by the hundreds into the remaining pools, and predators – including lions, hyenas, leopards and wild dogs – lie in wait for the unwary. There are a few absentees: black rhinos are extinct and cheetah have never been recorded. However, among the valley’s unique wildlife are the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest, while birdlife includes riverbank colonies of dazzling carmine bee-eaters, plus specials such as Pel’s fishing owl and African skimmer.
For many, this park is as much about quality as quantity. Small bush camps and expert guides ensure a full immersion in the bush, where walking safaris share equal billing with game drives. Night drives often produce hunting predators – notably leopard, for which Luangwa is a true hot spot – plus civets, porcupines and other nocturnal specials. And downtime at your lodge brings a parade of wildlife, often right past your room. For the true aficionado, some operators offer fly-camping wilderness trails – and the green season safaris, in which you explore the flooded terrain by boat, showcase the park’s biodiversity at the most prolific time of year.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 31°C/89°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Zambia, South Luangwa has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting South Luangwa during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourses while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 31°C/89°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Zambia, South Luangwa has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting South Luangwa during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourses while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 31°C/89°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Zambia, South Luangwa has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting South Luangwa during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourses while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
April can be a real gem of a month to visit, if you are not necessarily looking for that classic safari – the best month of the emerald season. Temperatures are pleasant, and the rains are beginning to ease.
Like the rest of Zambia, South Luangwa has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting South Luangwa during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourses while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
May is the beginning of the dry season, although the landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains. Midday temperatures are average around 28°C/82°F, the mornings can however be surprisingly cool at around 10°C/49°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Zambia, South Luangwa has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting South Luangwa during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourses while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with good game sightings becoming more likely. Midday temperatures are average around 28°C/82°F, the mornings can however be surprisingly cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Zambia, South Luangwa has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting South Luangwa during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourses while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with good game sightings becoming more likely. Midday temperatures are average around 28°C/82°F, the mornings can however be surprisingly cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Zambia, South Luangwa has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting South Luangwa during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourses while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday and night temperatures are a little warmer during these months, averaging 33°C/91°F and 18°C/64°F respectfully.
Like the rest of Zambia, South Luangwa has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting South Luangwa during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourses while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday and night temperatures are a little warmer during these months, averaging 33°C/91°F and 18°C/64°F respectfully.
Like the rest of Zambia, South Luangwa has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting South Luangwa during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourses while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Game viewing can be spectacular during October; however, temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with midday temperatures over 40°C/104°F not uncommon. We suggest early morning starts during this time to make the most of the cool temperatures!
Like the rest of Zambia, South Luangwa has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting South Luangwa during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourses while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
The first rains arrive, usually in the form of sharp afternoon showers. The temperatures remain very hot, whilst the humidity adds a level of discomfort. Game viewing can still be great, but just be prepared for a little heat.
Like the rest of Zambia, South Luangwa has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting South Luangwa during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourses while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 31°C/89°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Zambia, South Luangwa has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting South Luangwa during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourses while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
Experiences
Explore South Luangwa National Park Properties
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Chinzombo
Chinzombo
Set under a canopy of ancient trees, Chinzombo is a true taste of tranquillity and privacy just a short boat ride from South Luangwa National Park. Founded in the 1950’s by Norman Carr as the first photographic safari camp in ..
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Kakuli Bush Camp
Kakuli Bush Camp
Kakuli Bush Camp is an intimate camp with sweeping views of the Luangwa River. This Time + Tide owned camp takes its name from the buffalo which inhabit the area and is wonderfully placed for game-viewing. Flowing freely out to ..
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Lion Camp
Lion Camp
One of South Luangwa National Park’s most remote lodges, Lion Camp is an independent lodge with chic décor, a relaxed atmosphere and excellent game viewing. The hotel is an ideal base to explore the park from a truly wild ..
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Luwi Bush Camp
Luwi Bush Camp
With no other camps for miles around, Luwi Bush Camp is a remote and rustic accommodation with a light eco-footprint and an authentically wild atmosphere. This no-frills camp has purposefully kept itself simple which is a big part ..
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Mchenja Bush Camp
Mchenja Bush Camp
Set within an ebony grove with wide views of the Luangwa River, Mchenja Bush Camp boasts one of the best settings of any Time + Tide property. A small but smart camp away from the crowds, Mchenja is true ‘safari chic’, ..
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Nsolo Bush Camp
Nsolo Bush Camp
Enjoying a secluded setting beside the Luwi sand river, Nsolo Camp is one of Zambia’s more historic camps set up by Norman Carr in the 1980’s. It has moved slightly down the riverbed since its inception and now offers a ..
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Tafika Camp
Tafika Camp
Tafika Camp is Remote Africa Safari’s main property and a family home to its founders, John and Carol Coppinger. Although possessing a rustic atmosphere, Tafika is far from a basic camp, offering excellent food, brilliant ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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