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Venture into the wild and largely unexplored Luangwa Valley of Zambia, known for its high intensity of wildlife and superlative African safari experiences. The craggy beauty of the Luangwa Valley is found at the tail end of the western arm of the Great Rift Valley to the north east of the Lower Zambezi and Kafue National Parks in Zambia and the region is divided into two National Parks, North and South Luangwa, separated by the 30km Munyamidzi Corridor. The most popular and accessible park in the region is South Luangwa with a varied array of luxury accommodation options available for you to choose from; ranging from colonial splendour to modern African luxury and set atop hills, alongside lagoons or in the more remote regions of the Park.
Expect to see large herd of majestic elephant making their way across the river or grassland plains and prides of lions numbering up to 30 at a time stalking antelope and other prey. The only member of the Big Five that you won’t find here is the rhino, now extinct due to poaching. The Luangwa River slices a course along the valley floor and has, over the centuries, created a series of beautiful ox-bow lagoons that support an intense concentration of game.
This is the original home of the walking safari and a fabulous way to explore the pristine wilderness that is the Luangwa Valley. A highlight of any trip here is that you can take night game drives, unlike many safari destinations in Botswana, and it is on these that you will often spot the elusive leopard as well as bush babies and other nocturnal animals.
The Luangwa Valley is best for game viewing during the dry season from June to October. Bird lovers flock to the Luangwa Valley throughout the year, but it is the rainy season that brings the real delight. Close to 50 migrant species of birds fly here from Russia and Europe during the rainy season (November to March) to join the more than 300 species already found in this region. See the very tall saddle bill storks, pelicans and many other water birds descend on the lagoons looking for easy pickings in the shallower water towards the end of the rainy season.
Luangwa Valley has it all, superlative wildlife viewing opportunities, pristine wilderness as well as luxury safari accommodation options, contact the Southern Africa Travel team for the best advice on where to stay in Zambia on your African vacation. If you would like to combine the Luangwa Valley experience with other Zambian destinations, have a look at our Zambian tour options.
Walking Safaris
One of the best ways of experiencing the African wilderness is by walking safari as you get up close to animals often not spotted while on a traditional game drive. The South Luangwa National Park was the first to start walking safaris and there are several options available from day walks, night walks to overnight walks.
Elephants & Lions
An awesome sight is the large herds of elephants and prides of lions found in the South Luangwa National Park. This destination offers you an intense game viewing experience while staying in absolute comfort and luxury in the lodges found within the Park.
Photographic Safaris
Choose to experience the park in a different way, as a photographer make use of the photographic hides set up by the luxury lodges in the park to ensure you can take your time and get those perfect shots. This is a slower paced but much more rewarding way of viewing wildlife.
6 Nights | 7 Days
This journey of discovery offers you the best of Zambia & Botswana combined… from an authentic safari experience under canvas in South Luangwa National Park and the extraordinary sights of the mighty Zambezi River to incredible wildlife sightings in Chobe.
9 Nights | 8 Days
From the thunder of the Victoria Falls, experiencing an authentic african safari to the magic of a safari in a canoe, this journey of discovery through Zambia will ignite your passion for Africa!
From $336 USD Per Person Sharing
Enter the luxury of Chichele Presidential Lodge through a majestic entrance leading to the main thatch and wood building, the suites are strung out along the hillside offering you fantastic views over the wildlife wandering the valley below.
Price On Request
Head to Kalamu Lagoon Camp for an African safari vacation of a lifetime. This rustic tented safari destination is located in the wildly beautiful setting of the South Luangwa National Park, known for its wealth of wildlife.
From $378 USD Per Person Sharing
Enjoy an authentic African tented safari experience when choosing to stay at the exlusive, luxury Puku Ridge Camp in Zambia. Intimate and exclusive, you will enjoy the African safari vacation of a lifetime.
From $492 USD Per Person Sharing
Sign up for the ultimate bush adventure in the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia with Sanctuary Zebra Plains Walking Safari Camp.
Thanks so much for all your help— Steve Hurlburt
I cannot thank you enough it really was an extraordinary three weeks— Molly
A trip of a lifetime— Marvin Goldman, New York
