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Home/Destinations/Africa/Zambia/South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park Vacations and Tour Packages

South Luangwa National Park

Overview

Take a trip to South Luangwa National Park on your Zambia Vacation

Located in eastern Zambia, South Luangwa National Park is the southernmost (of three) national park found in the valley of the Luangwa River. World-renowned for its wildlife on Zambia safaris, the park was pivotal in the development of the now popular African walking safari.

In May 1938, three reserves were established in the valley of the Luangwa River: North Luangwa Game Reserve, Lukusuzi Game Reserve and South Luangwa Reserve. The following year, Norman Carr, a British conservationist, was appointed as a game ranger within South Luangwa. He was a pioneer when it came to commercial walking safaris and helped build the strong reputation that South Luangwa maintains today. With the help of new legislation, the reserve was designated as a national park in 1972.

While South Luangwa remains popular with tourists on a Zambia safari, its inaccessible location ensures that visitor numbers never get too high at any given time. The concentration of games found around the river and its lagoons are some of the most intense in Africa. The park supports large herds of Thornicroft’s giraffes, elephants and buffalo while it is estimated that there are around 50 hippopotami per kilometre of the river. The density of leopards is among the highest in the world, and with South Luangwa being one of a few parks to allow night safaris, there is a chance that visitors may spot these elusive creatures on a Zambia vacation.

At a Glance

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English

Currency

Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)

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South Luangwa National Park
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Zambia In Style: Livingstone, Lower Zambezi & More

Lower Zambezi National Park, South Luangwa National Park, and Livingstone
Experience the stunning beauty of Zambia on a safari. Discover Victoria Falls, lush parks, and diverse wildlife while enjoying luxe accommodations and thrilling adventures.
9 days
From US$12,153/p.p.
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Leopard, Zambia
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Zambia Walking Safari: South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park
Independent safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa offers close encounters with elephants, hippos and giraffes, plus walking safaris and riverside views.
9 days
From US$8,486/p.p.
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What do the experts say?

Queenie Hou

Queenie Hou

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
Compared to some other African safari destinations like Kenya or South Africa, Zambia offers a more off-the-beaten-path, less commercialized experience. Its a hidden treasure.
Whitney White, Africa & Middle East Expert

Whitney White

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
If you looking for the best time to visit then pick June to October for prime wildlife viewing and ideal weather conditions.
Whitney White, Africa & Middle East Expert

Whitney White

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
Zambia still feels like visiting a hidden gem.. It feels authentic, rugged and unscathed by tourism. South Luwangwa has stunning landscapes, high levels of biodiversity, and expert guides who openly and expertly share their knowledge of the wildlife and ecosystems.

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We have used Goway several times to plan simple & more complicated trips. The last 2 trips we worked with Brooke Theron who is extremely customer focused. She listens well & is alway flexible to look at alternatives. We will continue using this representative & Goway. Our only criticism is that they do not break down the various costs of a trip which makes tipping very awkward. It can also create a sense of " mistrust" when all the costs are not transparent. Cheryl Hayes
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