Overview
South Luangwa National Park is a renowned wildlife haven located in eastern Zambia. It is one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations, particularly known for its walking safaris, offering an intimate experience of the African wilderness. It’s centred around the meandering Luangwa River, which attracts diverse wildlife.
Highlights
- Walking safaris: Immersive wildlife encounters and unique perspectives
- Huge hippo populations: Witness impressive gatherings in the Luangwa River
- Diverse birdlife: Paradise for birdwatchers with over 400 species
- Leopard sightings: Unparalleled opportunities to spot these elusive big cats
Itinerary
Fly into Mfuwe Airport. You’ll be met by a guide to transfer you to your lodge/camp.
Settle into your lodge near the Luangwa River.
Afternoon Game Drive: After lunch, embark on your first game drive to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems. Watch for elephants, zebras, and hippos as the sun sets.
Dinner: Return to the lodge for dinner and relax by the campfire under the African stars.
Start your day with a guided walking safari, the hallmark of South Luangwa. Track wildlife on foot, learning about animal behavior, plants, and birdlife.
Brunch: Enjoy a hearty meal back at camp after your walk.
Afternoon Game Drive: Head out in the late afternoon to spot predators such as lions and leopards, which are active during dusk.
Dinner & Overnight: Relax with a bush dinner and recount the day’s sightings.
Morning Village Visit: Take a break from the park and visit a nearby Zambian village to meet local people and experience their culture. Learn about traditional customs, food, and crafts.
Lunch: Return to camp for lunch and some relaxation.
Night Safari: After sunset, head out for a night safari, a unique experience in South Luangwa.
Dinner & Overnight: Return to camp for a late dinner under the stars.
Full-Day Game Drive: Set off on an all-day game drive with a packed picnic lunch. Spend time in various sectors of the park, focusing on riverbank areas where animals gather for water.
Wildlife Highlights: Look for herds of elephants, giraffes, and antelopes, and enjoy the incredible birdlife along the Luangwa River.
Return to Lodge: Return by late afternoon, just in time to enjoy a sundowner drink while watching the sunset.
Dinner & Overnight: Relax at camp, listening to the sounds of the wilderness at night.
Morning Walking Safari: Explore a different section of the park on foot. Track big game and smaller creatures alike, guided by your expert trackers.
Canoeing the Luangwa River: In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful canoe safari along the Luangwa River, where you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds.
Sundowners: End the day with drinks at a scenic lookout, taking in the stunning African sunset.
Dinner & Overnight: Return to the lodge for a cozy evening by the fire.
Morning Game Drive: Spend the morning tracking wildlife on a game drive, focusing on areas where predators hunt or prey animals gather.
Pool Time & Relaxation: Enjoy some downtime at the lodge, perhaps by the pool or at the spa.
Afternoon Game Drive: Head out in the late afternoon for another chance to spot elusive wildlife like wild dogs or caracals.
Dinner & Overnight: Back to the lodge for dinner and storytelling around the fire.
Breakfast & Departure: After breakfast, transfer to Mfuwe Airport back to Lusaka for your outbound flight.
Night Photography Sessions: If you're a photography enthusiast, schedule a special night safari for wildlife photography.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- 1. Airport pick-ups and drop-offs
- 2. Local flight from Lusaka to South Luangwa and back
- 3. Accommodation
- 4. All meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- 5. Park entry fees
- 6. All local taxes and levies
The Cost Excludes
- 1. International flights
- 2. Travel & medical insurance
- 3. Visas
- 4. Personal expenses. Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter
- 5. Services not mentioned by the Travel agent
- 6. Bank charges
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
