Activities to do in South Luangwa National Park.

Activities to do in South Luangwa National Park : South Luangwa National Park is in eastern Zambia, the southernmost of three national parks in the valley of the Luangwa River. Locals refer to this internationally recognized wildlife sanctuary as “the South Park. “Concentrations of game along the meandering Luangwa River and its lagoons are among the most intense in Africa. With over 400 species of birds and over 60 species of mammals, the river supports one of the greatest diversity of habitat and wildlife. It is overflowing with crocodiles and hippos. South Luangwa national park is a unique safari destination as in it supports large populations of Thornicroft’s giraffe, and herds of elephants and Cape buffaloes often several hundred strong. Created as a game reserve in 1938, it became a national park in 1972 and now covers 9,050 km2 (3,490 sq. mi).

The Luangwa River forms the eastern boundary of the unfenced Park, which is bounded to the west by a precipitous escarpment. The Great African Rift Valley system, which stretches 4,000 km (2,500 mi) from the Red Sea to the mouth of the Pungwe River in Mozambique, terminates at the Luangwa Valley.

Game drives in South Luangwa National Park.
Game drives are exceptional and are from one of our custom-built, open 4WD vehicles isn’t only fascinating but it’s comfortable too. Elevated seats facilitate effortless photography along with improved viewing angles. The vehicles have been modified to assist photographers with camera rests, super-clamp stabilizers and bean bags. You will be taken to game-rich regions deep within the park that are rarely visited by other vehicles by our knowledgeable and experienced guides.
South Luangwa national park offers various game drives that is morning, afternoon and night game drives these encounters you to the marvelous animal species like lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, Crawshay’s Zebras, Thornicroft Giraffes, Bushbaby, Cookson’s Wildebeests, Elands, Porcupines, Impalas, warthogs, and among many others.

Boat safaris in South Luangwa National Park. 
Luangwa River offers a spectacle of wildlife to view safely from the comfort of your boat. When the Luangwa River is fuller during the rainy season, it is ideal for navigation. The majority of the other animals won’t need to visit the river during the wet season, so the emphasis will be more on the experience itself than game viewing, though most operators combine boating and walks. The scenery is lush and verdant, with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants commonplace.

Bird watching in South Luangwa National Park.
South Luangwa offers outstanding birdwatching, with over 400 species documented. Hundreds of water birds, including stately goliath herons, graceful crowned cranes, ponderous pelicans, striking saddle-billed storks, and yellow-billed storks, congregate at the Luangwa River at the end of the dry season. Numerous migratory species, such as the steppe eagle and steppe buzzard, as well as the red-chested cuckoo, arrive prior to the rainy season. Nestled in the steep riverbanks are hundreds of carmine bee-eaters. You can get up to the ground hornbill’s call and depart on your birdwatching safari to the tune of the fish eagle’s cry. African broadbill, Lilian’s lovebird, African crake, African skimmer, Barred long-tailed cuckoo, Collared palm-thrush, White-fronted plover, White-headed lapwing, Woodland kingfisher, Horus swift, and many more bird species are among those that can be seen.

Walking safari in South Luangwa National Park.
A well-known feature of South Luangwa National Park is its guided walking safaris. This is a special opportunity to explore the African bush and see its wildlife. A walking safari from Kaingo or Mwamba usually lasts three hours, and both of our camps have lovely walks that showcase the unique features of the region. A few of which are the stunning Mopane woodlands, several waterholes, tributaries of the Luangwa River, and the 3 km long, several hundred year old Ebony Grove.

A large part of a walking safari centers around tracking animals from big cats to a variety of wildlife such as Kudu, Eland, Elephants, Giraffe, and the endemic Cookson’s Wildebeest. Of course, walks help you get a closer look at the little things, the amazing flora, the birds, and the arthropods. The majority of the big game will be visible, though maybe not as close as from a vehicle. The amazing thing about going on a walking safari is that you get to touch, feel, and smell the habitat that the wildlife calls home. You can also get up close and personal with our native flora, taking in the majestic old trees that can be found in the riverine areas of the Luangwa as well as closely examine tracks and droppings, nests, and insects.

Best time to visit South Luangwa National Park.
The best time to go on a safari in South Luangwa National Park is during Zambia’s long, dry winter. The most comfortable weather, with warm, sunny days and cool nights, occurs from May to August. (The early mornings in June and July can be bitterly cold.) Walking makes it easier to see and avoid wildlife, and because animals congregate near water, game viewing is both easy and incredibly rewarding.

Despite being extremely hot and dry, September and October are the months with the highest concentrations of animals near bodies of water. Travellers planning an early summer safari shouldn’t be deterred by the rains that arrive in November, though, as there is an abundance of antelope giving birth, drawing in predators, and fantastic birdlife. Returning safari visitors and wildlife photographers are strongly encouraged to experience a “Green Season” safari.