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South Luangwa National Park

  • Destinations
  • Zambia
  • South Luangwa National Park
OVERVIEW ITINERARY IDEAS ACCOMMODATION WHEN TO GO? WHERE NEXT

When to Go?

Best Time to Visit South Luangwa

A South Luangwa National Park safari is best experienced during Zambia’s long dry winter. The May through August period has the most comfortable weather: warm sunny days and cool nights. (In June and July it can get extremely cold in the early mornings.) Wildlife is easier to see (and avoid when walking!) and animals are concentrated around water, making game viewing simple and highly rewarding.

September and October are very hot and dry but it’s when animal concentrations around water are at their most intense. The arrival of the rains in November needn’t put travellers off an early summer safari however: many antelope give birth, attracting predators, and the birdlife is magnificent. A ‘Green Season’ safari is highly recommended for returning safari travellers and wildlife photographers.

If you plan to include Victoria Falls on your safari, note that Victoria Falls is in full flow when the South Luangwa is at wettest and least accessible. And when the South Luangwa is at its game-packed best (late dry season), Victoria Falls is at its lowest levels – and almost completely dry on the Zambian side. Safari Online recommends combining the South Luangwa with Victoria Falls during the May to August period for a happy compromise.

Jan Feb Mar
Rainy Season: many camps closed
April May Jun Jul
Early Dry Season: great game viewing, best time for walking safaris
Aug Sep Oct
Late Dry Season: very hot; excellent game viewing
Nov Dec
Early Rainy Season: antelope birthing season, great birding
LET’S PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY GET IN TOUCH HERE

What To Do

Activities to Look Forward to

1. Go on a Game Drive

Morning drives see the Luangwa at its crisp-edged best with predators on the move; afternoon drives end with sunset drinks before a spot-lit drive back to camp to catch nocturnal creatures on the prowl.

2. Walk the Luangwa

It’s how this park made its name: being on foot in big game territory. You’ll be led by some of Africa’s best & most experienced guides, enjoying anything from short walks to multi-day adventures.

3. Search for Predators

The South Luangwa has a high density of lions & enjoys a reputation for excellent leopard sightings. Spotted hyena, jackal & crocodile are all resident, as are endangered African wild dogs.

4. Enjoy a View for Two

With a range of idyllic lodges to choose from, the South Luangwa does romance too. Honeymooners & couples celebrating a special occasion can look forward to indulgent suites, private views & table-for-two dining.

5. Go Bird Watching

Over 400 bird species makes the South Luangwa a bird watcher’s paradise. Serious birders visit in summer when migrant birds arrive but there is plenty year round to keep everyone interested.

6. Bring the Family

Several South Luangwa lodges welcome children, offering family accommodation along with child-friendly safari activities, childminders & meals at convenient times.

7. Go on a Photo Safari

Let our guides use their knowledge of the bush and of photography to manoeuvre you into the best positions. They understand that considerations of light and composition are essential for any photographer. Getting guests up close to the animals is our aim.

8. Explore by Night

Spot-lit drives are the only way to see Africa’s elusive nocturnal animals & one of the best ways to see South Luangwa’s cats. Evening drives deliver all the action, returning you to camp for supper.

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Reviews

Karina was absolutely instrumental to our safari success.

Our experience with Safari Online was excellent. After becoming very frustrated trying to search for a safari destination on our own, we turned to Karina for help and she was a lifesaver.  We had an amazing safari adventure at the lodge–the experience of a lifetime–and are so grateful for her help. We literally couldn’t have done it without her!

Chris (USA)
An incredibly well organised tour with no hassles whatsoever.

Safari Online understood our needs and was able to present us with sensible options to choose from. It was evident that this tour operator has knowledgable and experienced agents who can arrange a seemless tour. We were provided with a professional online itinary which was comprehensive and easy to use, knew exactely what to expect, and encountered no stumble blocks along the way.

Gwen (AU)
It was a safari of a lifetime and exceeded all of our expectations!

Our mom grew up in Central and South Africa so we had visited the continent many times. My sister and I wanted to take our teens and husbands to Africa to experience the magic. We had a limited budget but big and specific expectations and by some miracle Walter was able to manage both.

Heather (USA)
Professional, patient, efficient and responsive. Met all our travel needs and requirements spot on

Communication was excellent – I asked A LOT of questions and did a ton of research myself and Walter was extremely patient with me and very responsive. he was straight forward and extremely professional. Tour itself was excellent – an incredible experience and one never to be forgotten. Everything was spot on.

Neena
Very helpful good suggestions for holiday ideas always available for questions good organising

Excellent service and they supplied good suggestions for our holiday they also organised all internal flights and arranged check in for us so we had no worries while on holiday. We have had a most memorable holiday staying at wonderful places thanks to Sabrina and Safari Online. Would recommend Safari Online to organise your holiday.

Lorraine (UK)
Professional, quick and top of the edge service!!!

From the very first contact we’re very happy about the respond time and quality of information from safari-online.com. Based on the received first tailor-made quote, which is a weblink with all the details about the flights, photos of the lodges etc. we knew that this is “our” partner for this trip. Our expectations were excelled!!!

Lukas (Germany)
Safari Online made our fantastic family holiday dream come true!!

Safari Online have been nothing but professional and incredible from the time we made our first enquiry to the last day of our stunning holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for Walter. We are now starting to plan our next family Safari for 2019. Guess who we will be booking with??? Safari Online we hope you are ready!!!!!

Penni (AU)
Safari Online were extremely efficient and absolutely charming to work with.

Our 28-day itinerary took us to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. A magnificent and unforgettable adventure. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently from the flights, transfers, rides, connections, etc. Absolutely wonderful! Can’t thank them enough!

Ann and Mario (Canada)
Walter has always been an excellent communicator and has supported us fully

We have been to Africa for 24 of the last 27 years so know a bit about what is involved. Walter has arranged the details for the last couple of years, and has done a superb job. He is always quick to respond and comes up with answers immediately……..no evasive tactics, always head-on!

Roger (UK)
Best trip I have ever been on. Highly recommend.

Would highly recommend. Safari online asked questions when booking and were efficient and knew exactly what we were looking for in terms of accommodation and animals were wanted to see. Gave advice on a few little extras with no pressure, which we did and am very grateful which make trip even more exciting. Would definitely recommend booking with them.