BAOBAB trips to the South Luangwa National Park can be arranged on a tailor-made. Please examine the accommodation guide for a choice of luxury lodges and bushcamps with guideline prices and sample itineraries and then contact us for a precise quote for your chosen holiday (or for further assistance to help you make up your mind!!).

Accommodation in South Luangwa NP

All BAOBAB’s prices are excluding the international flight, which provides you with more flexibility, especially when you are based outside the UK . BAOBAB can arrange all aspects of your holiday once you are in Zambia, including transfer, safari guides, activities and of course accommodation.

The Luangwa River runs for 1000 km through a wide valley in the east of Zambia. Over time erosion has moved nutrient rich soils into the valley floor creating a bed of fertile topsoil, which houses one of the most dramatic concentrations of wildlife anywhere on Earth.

The remoteness and proliferation of animals here makes the Luangwa Valley a prime safari destination all year round. Herbivores such as giraffe, elephant and buffalo are plentiful, which in turn attracts predators such as lion, leopard and wild dogs. A particular feature of the park is the huge population of crocodile and hippo along the river itself. The river supports an average of 35 hippos per km of river so you are certain to encounter these huge animals.....and get the occasional hippo wake-up call ;-)

Things to do
South Luangwa National Park offers a range of safari options including:

Game drives: Open topped safari vehicles are the easiest way to move around the park. Experienced guides will drive you to the areas where specific animals are known to be present

Walking safaris: There is no better way to appreciate the sights, sounds and smell of the bush than on foot. In the South Luangwa Valley it is possible to walk through the bush in most areas with an armed ranger and highly experienced safari guide. Your guide will introduce you to the animal signs and tracks, the birds and smaller wildlife that are missed in a vehicle and of course the amazing variety of droppings.

Night drives: After sunset the bush takes on a completely different characteristic. Nocturnal animals such as hyena, civet and porcupine become active and the large cats begin to hunt. In the trees the smaller animals such as bushbaby and the eagle owls are readily spotted. A night drive is an unforgettale experience, especially for the lucky ones who witness lionesses hunt or a leopard kill. All night drives are lead by an experienced guide and ranger armed with a powerful spotlight to pick out the wildlife.

Cultural tours: During your stay in South Luangwa Valley it is possible to visit the local community to discover their way of life and culture. For example, spend a night in a local village or visit Tribal Textiles. More info..

A Typical Day on Safari in the Luangwa Valley

All lodges and bushcamps work to a similar day programme based around the activity of the wildlife. You are free to join in as many (or as few) of the activities as you wish. If you wish to sit out any of the safari activities on a particular day or part of the day you are welcome to spend time relaxing at the lodge and enjoy the local wildlife.

06.00 hrs - Wake up call from your hosts.

06.30-07.00 hrs - A light breakfast at the lodge or bushcamp.

07.00–11.00 hrs (morning activity) - A walking safari or game drive through the bush as the sun rises and the animals become active. Morning coffee is taken in the bush.

11.00–12.30 hrs - Brunch, a hot meal either back in the lodge or prepared by your hosts in the bush.

12.30–15.30 hrs (siesta time) - Relax at the lodge and perhaps take a snooze.

15.30 hrs – Afternoon tea with homemade cakes.

16.00 hrs (afternoon activity) - A shorter walking safari or game drive.

18.00–18.30 hrs - Sundowners of your choice at a scenic spot your guide will lead you to. Drinks are enjoyed whilst watching the magical African sun set.

18.30–20.00 hrs - Night drive in open-topped safari vehicles armed with blankets for those who feel the cold quickly.

20.00 hrs - Dinner back at the lodge, generally a 3-course meal with plenty of wine. Afterwards retire to your room or take drinks by the fire and relive the drama of the day’s activity.

Best Time to Visit

South Luangwa National Park experiences three distinct seasons, each with its own unique characteristics:

May to August is the most frequent time for tourists to visit as the weather is cool and dry. Daytime temperatures are in the mid-twenties degrees centigrade. However, as Zambia is in the southern hemisphere, it is winter time and hence temperatures at night may drop below 10 degrees centigrade.

Only visit the area in September to November if you can stand the heat. This is the peak of the dry season in the Valley and temperatures can rise above forty degrees centigrade during the day.

In late November the rains arrive and can last until April. This is not necessarily a bad thing for wildlife safaris, as the so called “Green Season” is excellent for bird watching and the big cats are often easily visible on the roads as they dislike the wet grass and mud.

Rain can be intense but is usually of short duration. Later in the green season rain can be more prolonged but fortunately usually falls overnight. Most bushcamps are unable to remain operational because of accessibility problems. However, some lodges remain open all-year and often reduce their prices during the Green Season by almost two-thirds, which makes this time of year an attractive option.