South Luangwa Park Gates

South Luangwa Park Gates : South Luangwa national park is a premier wildlife reserve in the eastern Zambia in the Luangwa valley. The park is surrounded by the hills and mountains, the Luangwa river flows through the park, providing a lifetime for the abundant wildlife. The park is located in the eastern province in Chipata District.  The park approximately covers an area of 9050 square kilometers (3500 sq. mi) in size, it was established in 1972 as a national park. South Luangwa national park is approximately 470 km (292 miles) east of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city. 120 km (75 miles) north of the Malawi border and 20 km(12 miles) west of Chipata, the nearest town. The park’s location in the Luangwa valley creates a unique supporting a wide range ecosystem, supporting awide range of flora and fauna. South Luangwa is managed by the Zambia Wildlife Authority and local communities.

South Luangwa national park is a stunning safari destination that offers tourists with various safari activities including game drives, walking safaris, night game drives, bird watching, photography, fishing, boat safaris(seasonal) and among others which offers you unforgettable safari experience.

South Luangwa national park in Zambia has several gates that serve as entry and exit points for visitors, this article brings you the main gates that takes you to the park on your safari. And these includes;

You are advised to note that the gate hours and access may vary depending on the time of the year, weather conditions and park regulations. It’s essential to check with the park authorities or your tour operator for up-to-date information before visiting South Luangwa National Park.

Mfuwe Gate.

Mfuwe Gate is the main gate that takes you to the park, it’s located near the park’s headquarters and the Mfuwe lodge. The gate serves as the primary entry and the exit point for the visitors. The Mfuwe gate is situated near the Mfuwe village approximately 20 km (12 miles) inside the park’s boundary.

The gate is accessible by road, with a well-maintained gravel road connecting to the nearby town of Chipata (30km/19 miles away). The gate can be open from 6:00am to 6:00pm daily. The gate is an essential part of the South Luangwa Park experience, providing a convenient and accessible entry point for visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Kapamba Gate.

Kapamba gate is located in the southern part of the park, near the Kapamba River. Kapamba gate is a secondary entrance gate to South Luangwa national park, Zambia. The gate is situated near the Kapamba River, approximately 50km (31 miles) south of the park’s main gate, Mfuwe. The gate is accessible by road with a rougher gravel road connecting to Mfuwe Gate and the park’s headquarters. The gate can be open from 6:00am to 6:00pm daily.

Kapamba gate provides an alternative entry point for the visitors, allowing them to explore the park’s southern region and experience its unique wildlife and landscape.

Nylon Gate.

Nylon gate also known as Nyalonde gate is situated in the eastern part of the park, near the nylon area. The gate is situated in the eastern part of the park, near the Nyalonde River, the gate is accessible by road, with a rough gravel road connecting to the park’s headquarters and Mfuwe gate. The park can be open from 6:00am to 6:00 pm daily, but may have limited hours or be closed during the peak rainy season (February to April).

Nylon gate provides another way to get to South Luangwa national park allowing them to explore the park’s eastern region and experience its unique wildlife and landscape. However it’s essential to note that the road conditions and the facilities may be more basic compared to the main Mfuwe Gate.

Lusangazi Gate.

Lusangazi gate is located in the northeastern part of the park. The gate is located in the northeastern part of the park. Lusangazi gate is situated near the Lusangazi River, approximately 70km (43 miles) northeastern of the park’s main gate, Mfuwe gate. The gate is accessible by the road, with a rough gravel road connecting to Mfuwe Gate and the park’s headquarters. The gate is open from 6:00am to 6:00pm daily.

Zikomo Gate.

Zikomo gate is a smaller gate used for foot safaris and walking tours. Zikomo gate is located in the northeastern part of the park, the gate is situated near the Zikomo pan, a natural waterhole that is approximately 10 kilometers (6miles) north of the Lusangazi gate. Zikomo gate is open from 6:00am to 6:00pm daily but may have limited hours to be closed during peak rainy season (February to April).

Zikomo gate is ideal for the visitors who want to experience the park’s wilderness and the wildlife on foot or by the vehicle, with a focus on guided walking tours and the game drives and other activities.