South Luangwa National Park

Pros & Cons

• Excellent wildlife viewing
• Game drives, night drives and walking safaris offered
• Lots of accommodation options
• The sky gets very hazy in the Dry season
• The Mfuwe area gets very busy

Wildlife

Also known as the ‘valley of the leopard’, South Luangwa has one of the highest leopard densities in Africa. If you don’t see one of these agile climbers resting in a tree in the daytime, your guide will probably track one down at night. Big herds of buffalo kick up dust as they roam the savannah, and you’ll enjoy watching elephants drinking and bathing in the river.

• More about South Luangwa’s wildlife

Scenery

The meandering Luangwa River is the lifeline of the park. This impressive waterway reduces to a mosaic of floodplains, pools and oxbow lagoons in the Dry season, providing much-needed water throughout the year. Open grassy plains are mixed with woodland and acacia shrub. The Muchinga escarpment creates a scenic backdrop to this beautiful valley.

Weather & Climate

It’s hot in South Luangwa throughout the year, but nights are cooler in the Dry season (May to October) during the months from May to August. The heat builds up from June/July and is at its worst in October, just before the rains. Afternoon showers are common in the Wet season (November to April).

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Best Time To Visit

The sunny Dry season is best for spotting animals – especially July to October. If you visit South Luangwa during the wetter months (November to April), you’ll understand why this is called the ‘Emerald season’: beautiful, lush scenery and clear skies.

• More about the best time to visit

Want To Visit South Luangwa NP?

65 South Luangwa Safaris

• South Luangwa Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for South Luangwa