South Luangwa National Park

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South Luangwa National Park

Undoubtedly Zambia’s most famous reserve, South Luangwa National Park is situated in eastern Zambia in the Luangwa valley. The South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safari, which allows visitors to view elephant, hippo and even lion close-up under the supervision of professional and knowledgeable armed guides.

The park is home to over 60 species of mammal and 420 bird species making it arguably one of the best national parks in the whole of Africa. South Luangwa is the most visited national park in Zambia, especially during the dry season when the wildlife concentrates along the Luangwa River.

Predators are well represented with Lion, Hyena, Wild Dog and Leopard frequently encountered. Elephant can be seen throughout the park as can Thornicroft Giraffe and Crawshay’s Zebra – both native to the Luangwa Valley.

Country:

Zambia

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Type: Lodge

One of the only camps in Zambia to be Fair Trade Tourism certified, Flatdogs Camp aims to protect the wildlife and people of the Luangwa valley. Flatdogs offers a host of different accommodations right on the Luangwa River. The luxurious Crocodile Nest is a three bed-roomed tented house with private pool, as well as private vehicle and guide. The wilder Jackalberry Treehouse is two bed-roomed house built around four live Ebony trees, over-looking a game rich waterhole. The chalets suit families perfectly with solid walls and connecting rooms. Luxury tents are spread out along the riverbank and are the real “Africa under canvas” experience, along with the slightly smaller but even better value classic tents. The food at Flatdogs is renowned in the safari world as the a la carte restaurant serves a wide range of delicious & creative meals catering to all diets, serious allergies and individual preferences! Safaris are led by expert guides who have studied all facets of the natural world. They can explain in detail the inter-locking ecology of the Park and use nature’s alarm calls to find interesting sightings for guests rather than following the herd!

Type: Luxury Lodge

Kafunta River Lodge is owned and operated by Anke & Ron Cowan who have made the Luangwa Valley their home for over 25 years. The 10-room lodge is located on the floodplains of the Luangwa River, away from the busier area near the park’s Mfuwe gate. During the peak season the lodge accesses the national park via its own pontoon. Central to the lodge is a spacious bar and dining area. Built around a semi-evergreen wild mango tree and thatched in the traditional style, it offers superb panoramic views over the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park. Great game viewing and bird watching from the lodge is guaranteed. Adjacent to the bar is a refreshing infinity pool and the only natural hot spring tub in the Luangwa Valley. This unique hot tub is fed from a source on Kafunta’s grounds, offering a constant temperature of 38 degrees. Activities on offer include game drives, bush walks, village & cultural tours as well as a wellness spa. Since the end of 2023, the lodge also features a private tented villa, The Sunset House, with 3 en-suite bedrooms. Perfect for multi-generation families or small groups of friends seeking privacy and flexibility.

Type: Luxury Tented Camp

Chikunto Safaris is a relatively new boutique luxury hybrid lodge/camp located on an amazing site within the world-renowned South Luangwa National Park in Zambia; recognised as one of Africa’s premier National Parks, known as the ‘Valley of the Leopard’ and famous for its high density of game and the absence of high-volume game-viewing traffic. Easily accessible yet away form the increasingly busy central Mfuwe area, Chikunto provides an ideal base from which to explore South Luangwa. With 5 spacious luxury Tented Suites (including 1 x Two Bedroomed Family Suite and an amazing Stargazing & Sleep platform) it never feels crowded at Chikunto. The option of Exclusive Use is becoming increasingly popular, from small family groups through to specialist photographic groups. The main area incorporates a reception, dining area, bar, and lounge under a thatch roof – overlooking a waterhole and the meandering Luangwa River. There is a new onsite photographic hide and a fabulous, heated salt-water swimming pool, complete with counter-current system for the more active! The elevated Stargazing & Sleepout platform provides amazing views of the setting sun and the opportunity to fall asleep to the sounds of the bush, looking up at the stars. Memories for a lifetime.

Type: Campsite, Safari Lodge

Wildlife Camp offers a much needed affordable niche for everyone who is enthusiastic about wildlife in South Luangwa National Park and Zambia. At the camp there are rustic en-suite chalets, a secluded en-suite tented camp, a Bushcamp for overnight walking safaris and a stunning campsite, all situated on the banks of the Luangwa River. Wildlife […]

Type: Bush Camp

Island Bush Camp is owned and operated by Ron & Anke Cowan, along with sister property Kafunta River Lodge located in the main Mfuwe area. Island Bush Camp is 2 1/2 hours’ drive south of Kafunta River Lodge (so about 3 1/2 hours from Mfuwe airport) in a very remote yet extremely game-rich area of the southern section of the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. It is in this complete solitude, far away from other crowds, that walking safaris are taking place in the mornings and afternoons. This seasonal, intimate camp lies under a grove of Mahogany trees, right on the banks of the Luangwa River. Island Bush Camp offers authentic bush accommodation in five elevated reed huts, with bucket showers and running water. The huts are open sided with a private verandah overlooking the Luangwa River. The camp runs on solar lights, and solar charging facilities are offered in the main area. Island Bush Camp focuses on bush walks and is close enough to Three Rivers Camp to walk between these two camps.

South Luangwa National Park