Safari
Annie’s Spectacular South Luangwa Safari
The stuff of your safari dreams
South Luangwa National Park Safari Trips & Tours
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is one of the most magnificent wilderness areas in southern Africa. The park is bordered by the great Luangwa River, which supports a large diversity of megafauna along its course through eastern Zambia. One of the largest populations of hippo and crocodile resides in the river, while elephant, zebra and many predators are attracted to its fertile and forested banks. The park is famous for leopard sightings, and the many spotted cats that hunt on the river have earned it the nickname "The Valley of the Leopard". South Luangwa is also the home of the walking safari, a tradition pioneered by Norman Carr in the 1960s, and still carried out today. Great lodges, high quality guiding and stunning wilderness make this one of our top adventure safaris.
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9 nights from $12,205 per person
8 nights from $9,655 per person
13 nights from $14,880 per person
12 nights from $0 per person
9 nights from $10,358 per person
6 nights from $6,414 per person
Deep in eastern Zambia, the South Luangwa National Park sits firmly off the tourist trail. Remaining a true wilderness and haven for elephant, African painted dog and leopard (watch their stealthy activities on a night drive), a visit to South Luangwa is a safari in the purest form. In fact, it is the origin place of walking safaris and they remain a staple at every camp in the park. Led by some of the finest guides on the planet, you’ll set out to follow the tracks of the big cats, examine the handiwork of birds and insects, and learn to ‘read’ the bush. For the most adventurous, there’s also the option to plan a multi-day expedition where you’ll trek through sandy riverbeds and overgrown forests, spending each night in a fly-camp under the stars. Don’t get us wrong, open-topped game drives are incredible as well as boating safaris, specifically after the rainy season when the Luangwa River has risen dramatically. It’s home to one of the largest populations of hippo and crocodile in Africa, and a plethora of birdlife!
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Take your photos to the next level with a private photographic guide
Swap four wheels for two and peddle your way around the north of the park
Try an Emerald Season boat safari and view wildlife from a hippo’s perspective
We’ve said it once, but we’ll say it again – as the original home of the walking safari, the South Luangwa is one of the best places on the continent to leave four wheels behind and head out on foot. And the added bonus? The guides are some of the best you’ll ever find.
If your love for walking goes beyond a few hours in the morning, book a multi-day expedition. By day, traverse sandy riverbeds and tangled forests on foot, and by night, sleep under a million stars in a simple fly camp. Nothing can beat it.
Camps in the South Luangwa are real bush camps, and you won’t find aircon, minibars and hairdryers anywhere. If that level of authenticity floats your boat, you’ll be in heaven, but if you’re looking for more bells and whistles, think carefully.
Wet Season
Temperatures are hot but comfortable, humidity varies throughout the month and there is a 1 in 2 chance of rain, although it usually falls at night.
Animal densities drop at this time of year with species spreading out and giving birth, providing a buzz of activity amongst the predators.
Vegetation is lush, green and in bloom, alive with the sounds of migratory birds in their breeding plumage.
It is important to note that some camps are closed during this month, leading to a more intimate safari.
Wet Season
Temperatures are hot but comfortable, humidity is unpredictable and rain falls regularly but usually at night.
Animal densities drop at this time of year with species spreading out and giving birth, providing a buzz of activity amongst the predators.
Vegetation is lush, green and in bloom, alive with the sounds of migratory birds in their breeding plumage.
It is important to note that some camps are closed during this month, leading to a more intimate safari.
Considered to be the best time of year to view the rarely seen wild dog.
Wet Season
Temperatures are hot but comfortable, humidity has dropped and rain is falling only a couple of afternoons a week.
The recent birthing season leads to a rise of predator activity and excitement as they take advantage of the innocent newborns.
Vegetation is lush and in bloom, alive with the presence of the migratory birds strengthening their wings for the impending journey.
It is important to note that some camps are closed during this month, leading to a more intimate safari.
Considered to be the best time of year to view the rarely seen wild dog.
Wet Season
Temperatures are high but comfortable, with little to no humidity and only a handful of rainy days across the month.
Animals are in peak physical condition but more difficult to spot with the lush vegetation at its thickest.
Birds migrate North signalling the end of the wet season and this time of plenty.
It is important to note that some camps are closed during this month, leading to a more intimate safari.
Considered to be the best time of year to view the rarely seen wild dog.
Dry Season
Day temperatures begin to cool with the onset of the dry season, rain is unlikely.
Game viewing begins to improve as vegetation thins and water holes begin to dry up, forcing the various species into closer proximity.
A great time to visit, with good weather and low price before peak safari season.
Considered to be the best time of year to view the rarely seen wild dog.
Dry Season
Day temperatures are hot but comfortable with little to no chance of rain.
Game viewing is at its best with vegetation thinning and animals congregating around the remaining water source.
Even during peak season this premier park never feels crowded, unique for a destination of this quality.
Dry cooler conditions, lead to a drop in insect numbers, particularly the mosquito.
Take advantage of the ideal walking conditions and experience the bush on foot.
pack a warm jacket for chilly morning game drives.
Dry Season
Day temperatures are hot but comfortable with little to no chance of rain.
Game viewing is at its best with vegetation thinning and animals congregating around the remaining water source.
Even during peak season this premier park never feels crowded, unique for a destination of this quality.
Dry cooler conditions, lead to a drop in insect numbers, particularly the mosquito.
Take advantage of the ideal walking conditions and experience the bush on foot.
pack a warm jacket for chilly morning game drives.
Dry Season
Day temperatures are hot but comfortable with little to no chance of rain.
Game viewing approaches its peak with vegetation thinning and animals congregating around the Luangwa River and other remaining water sources.
Even during peak season this premier park never feels crowded, unique for a destination of this quality.
Dry cooler conditions, lead to a drop in insect numbers, particularly the mosquito.
Take advantage of the ideal walking conditions and experience the bush on foot.
Dont forget to pack a warm jacket, morning game drives can get chilly.
Dry Season
Temperatures are high with relative humidity, there is little chance of rain.
Game viewing approaches its peak with vegetation thinning and animals congregating around the Luangwa River and other remaining water sources.
Even during peak season this premier park never feels crowded, unique for a destination of this quality.
Dry cooler conditions, lead to a drop in insect numbers, particularly the mosquito.
Take advantage of the ideal walking conditions and experience the bush on foot.
For all those birders, the Carmine bee eaters are nesting and best viewed at this time.
Dry Season
Temperatures are at their hottest, with humidity reaching an all year high before the fall of the first rains, usually towards the end of the month.
Game viewing is prime for most of October, deteriorating somewhat towards the end, should the first rains of the season fall.
The arrival of the first rains, trigger a burst of green as the vegetation is rejuvenated.
If you don't mind the heat, a great time to visit with tourist numbers dropping and often interesting sightings.
For all those birders, the Carmine bee eaters are nesting and best viewed at this time.
Wet Season
Temperatures are hot and humid for the first half of November, becoming less intense with the increase of rain throughout the month.
Game viewing is still excellent with few animals leaving the area until sufficient rains have fallen.
The arrival of the first rains, trigger a burst of green as the vegetation is rejuvenated.
The arrival of the rains sees a spike in the insect numbers, so have your repellent handy.
For all those birders, the Carmine bee eaters are nesting and best viewed at this time.
Wet Season
Temperatures are hot with unpredictable humidity levels and high evening rainfall is to be expected.
Game viewing is good with relatively high densities of wildlife in a rejuvenated environment.
Vegetation is lush, green and in bloom, alive with the sounds of migratory birds in their breeding plumage.
The arrival of the rains sees a spike in the insect numbers, so have your repellent handy.
It is important to note that some camps are closed during this month, leading to a more intimate safari.
