Zambia's South Luangwa National Park

Useful Information

History

In 1904 the Luangwa Game Park was proclaimed east of the river. On 27 May 1938, South Luangwa, North Luangwa and Lukusuzi were created as game reserves; South Luangwa corresponds broadly with today’s national park (with Chifungwe Plain added). On 15 February 1972 legislation converted reserves to national parks. Norman Carr pioneered walking safaris here.

Archaeology indicates Early, Middle and Late Stone Age tools and later agriculture from around 400 AD. In the 19th century, explorers including Antonio Gamitto and David Livingstone traversed the valley; the Portuguese settlement of Zumbo on the Zambezi influenced regional trade routes.

Wildlife

Predator viewing is outstanding. Lion is common; leopard densities are among Africa’s highest in protected zones. Spotted hyena is widespread. African wild dog occurs but can be elusive. Cheetah reintroduction for the Greater Luangwa Ecosystem is in preparation; there is no established resident population in South Luangwa at present.

Thousands of hippo congregate in the Luangwa River. Elephant is plentiful and relatively relaxed. Large buffalo herds are present. Unique forms include Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest and Crawshay’s zebra; antelope range from impala and puku to roan and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. Birding exceeds 400 species, with seasonal spectacles along lagoons.

Vegetation & Terrain

The park spans Zambezian and mopane woodland at lower elevations and Southern miombo on higher ground, interspersed with floodplain grasslands. Along the river, oxbow lagoons and alluvial soils support gallery woodland and high herbivore densities, notably crocodile and hippo.

The Luangwa—one of the Zambezi’s major tributaries—typically floods in the rainy season, recharging lagoons that sustain wildlife through the dry months. Tributary channels are often dry outside rains; towering mahogany and other riverine trees mark the main course.

Activities

South Luangwa offers bush walks with experienced guides, seasonal boating in high-water years and tailored birding safaris. Game drives in open 4×4 vehicles cover larger areas, and some lodges offer **night drives** for nocturnal wildlife under park regulations.

Between drives, guests unwind at camp or spa facilities where available; cultural visits to nearby communities (such as Kawaza Village) may be arranged with ethical operators that support local initiatives.