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An authentic Zambian safari in one of Africa’s leopard hotspots and the birthplace of walking safaris.
Explore South Luangwa National Park during expertly guided bush walks and game drives, enjoy a star bed sleepout and hone your photographic skills in one of Africa's best hides.
A sojourn to the birthplace of walking safaris and a leopard hotspot
Highlights
Incredible wildlife viewing - including the best chance to spot leopards in Africa. See the list of other species below.
The best walking safaris in Africa: This is where walking safaris were born in the 1950s, when British conservationist Norman Carr introduced them as a more immersive, respectful, and educational way to experience the wilderness.
Star bed sleepout: Million-star treatment on the legendary Numbu star bed as you drift off to a peaceful sleep beneath the Milky Way, safe and secure.
Photographic hideaway moments: Spend quiet hours in world-class photographic hides, watching elephants, hippos, and carmine bee-eaters at eye level.
Authentic bush luxury: Enjoy intimate, sustainable bush camps that capture the essence of classic safari adventure from a bygone era without compromise on comfort.
Location
South Luangwa National Park - the birthplace of walking safaris - is also one of the best places to see leopards. Safari life in the valley centres around the Luangwa River and its rich floodplains, which spill over into the surrounding plains, savannas, and woodlands. During the annual flooding season, the river changes course regularly, creating new oxbow lakes and hairpin bends.
The vibrant habitats are home to some of Zambia's highest densities of wildlife. Lions, leopards, wild dogs and hyenas are seen regularly, and the Thornicroft’s giraffe (subspecies of the Masai giraffe) is endemic to the area. Other Zambian specialities include the Cookson’s wildebeest (a subspecies of the blue wildebeest) and the Crawshay’s zebra (a subspecies of the plains zebra). Luangwa hosts one of the highest populations of hippos and crocodiles in Africa.
Over 460 bird species have been recorded in South Luangwa - including Lilian’s lovebird, Narina trogon, Pel’s fishing owl, western banded snake eagle and large flocks of carmine bee-eaters.
Lodges
4 nights at Mwamba Bush Camp: A secluded, authentic bush camp offering an immersive connection to nature. Known for its exceptional hides and the unforgettable Numbu star bed sleepout experience.
3 nights at Kaingo Camp: A classic riverside safari camp combining comfort with superb game viewing, excellent guiding, and signature photographic hides that bring wildlife encounters within arm’s reach.
Timing
The best time to visit South Luangwa for game viewing is during the dry season, from June to October. June to mid-August offers cooler, comfortable temperatures, while September and October provide peak wildlife concentrations and hotter weather. The dry season is ideal because the vegetation thins, and animals concentrate near scarce water sources. Walking safaris are excellent due to the dry ground and fewer mosquitoes.
The rainy season, from mid-November to April or May, brings localised flooding, making large parts of the park inaccessible. Many bush camps close during this time, but some larger camps remain open throughout this "green season", when boat trips and bird watching are favourite safari activities.
Price per person sharing
7 nights (8 days) | ||
Low season | May to June 2026 | from US$ 9,950 |
High season | August to October 2026 | from US$ 11,950 |
Includes: Flights: Johannesburg-Lusaka-Mfuwe-Lusaka-Johannesburg, inter-camp transfers, accommodation with all meals, local beverages, laundry, and safari activities including walking safaris, game drives, and use of photographic hides, Mwamba Numbu star bed experience, park and conservation fees 24/7 office support.
Excludes: International flights and airport taxes unless specified, visas, mandatory travel and medical insurance, premium drinks, gratuities, personal items, optional extensions or activities not detailed in the itinerary.
Thank you!
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
“A soulful experience”
Stefan Winterboer, AG Zambia safari expert: "Sitting high above the Luangwa, surrounded by low trees, I watched sixty hippos below and two fishermen mending their nets: my soul felt like it was soaking into this place."
“Timing is everything”
Linda Fox, AG Zambia safari expert: “I love how South Luangwa transforms with seasons, from September’s carmine bee-eater spectacle swooping over hippos in shrunken pools to the lush, rain-filled floodplains of December. Each season offers a completely different safari.”
“Add on Kafue”
Our destination expert, Nadia Lautenbach, says, "Round off your safari and add a few nights in Kafue National Park, creating the ultimate Zambian experience."
Safari planning
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Ultimate South Luangwa
Tell us about your dream trip - our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Guest payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability.
Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!