Zambia · Safari destination
South Luangwa National Park
Safaris built around South Luangwa National Park.
The birthplace of the walking safari, where the Luangwa River draws dense concentrations of wildlife to one of Zambia's finest national parks.
South Luangwa National Park
WHY
South Luangwa National Park offers a unique and rich wildlife experience. Known for its high density of game, the park is home to many animals including elephants, hippos, leopards, and various bird species. The park's landscapes are stunning, featuring the Luangwa River, lush vegetation, and scenic vistas. South Luangwa is also renowned for its walking safaris, allowing visitors to experience the bush on foot and get closer to nature. Additionally, the park provides opportunities for night safaris, which offer a chance to see nocturnal wildlife. Its relatively remote location means it is less crowded than many other parks, providing a more intimate and immersive safari experience.
Tailor-made safaris
Safaris in South Luangwa National Park.
Most requested · 10 days · Zambia
10-Day Ultra Lux Zambia Safari
All meals · Most activities · All transfers
- 3 nights each at Sungani Lodge, Lolebezi and Thorntree River Lodge
- Game drives and walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park
- Boat safaris and canoeing on the Zambezi at Lolebezi
- Rhino tracking walks and private excursions to Victoria Falls
From
$15,810
per person, complete package
≈ $31,620 for two · international flights excluded
Most requested · 6 days
6-Day South Luangwa Fly-in Safari Adventure
All meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Kafunta River Lodge on the Luangwa floodplains
- 2 nights at remote Three Rivers Camp or Island Bush Camp
- Twice-daily game drives plus spotlit night drives in South Luangwa
- Walking safari on foot with expert trackers
From
$3,470
per person, complete package
≈ $6,940 for two · international flights excluded
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Brochure
Southern Africa Guide
Southern Africa's icons, shaped into one itinerary: Greater Kruger, Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta and Cape Town.
Where to stay
Lodges in South Luangwa National Park.
8 lodges
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Live availabilityFlatdogs Camp - South Luangwa Lodge
Flatdogs Camp welcomes every type of safari-goer to rest their head. There are the family-friendly Chalet Rooms, the wild and luxurious Jackalberry Treehouse, the traditional Safari Tents with 270° views, and the ultra-private Crocodile Nest.
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LuxChichele Presidential
Rebuilt on the South Luangwa's prime vantage point with 360-degree views, Chichele Presidential is the former holiday home of Zambia's founding president, Kenneth Kaunda. Ten Vista Suites, an infinity lap pool, spa and yoga deck deliver contemporary African luxury inside one of Africa's most game-rich national parks, with Chiawa Safaris' award-winning guiding and carbon-positive ethos.
From $1,080 per person · night · normally $1,625
Special offer available
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PremiumChikunto Safaris
Chikunto Safaris is a boutique, owner-run safari lodge set inside Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, with just five luxury tented suites raised on decks above the Luangwa River. Game drives, walking safaris and seasonal boat safaris explore one of Africa's most productive wildlife areas, famed for leopard sightings, Thorneycroft's giraffe and dense concentrations of elephant and buffalo.
From $950 per person · night
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Affordable Live availabilityKafunta River Lodge
The lodge's central feature is a spacious bar and dining area, traditionally thatched and built around a semi-evergreen wild mango tree, offering stunning panoramic views of the Luangwa River and the national park. Exceptional game viewing and bird watching can be enjoyed right from the lodge.
From $535 per person · night
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Kafunta Three Rivers Camp
As its name suggests, this luxury tented safari lodge is tucked away under timeless and shady sausage trees set at the junction of the Luangwa, Kapamba and Lusangazi Rivers in South Luangwa, Zambia. The location offers a beautiful blend of nature with the sandy beaches on one side and game-rich plains on the other. Kafunta Three Rivers Camp combines luxury, adventure and a deep connection with nature, offering an enriching safari experience.
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Kapamba Bushcamp
Kapamba Bushcamp offers a tranquil retreat nestled in the wildlife-abundant southern part of South Luangwa National Park.
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AffordableMfuwe Lodge
Nestled within the heart of South Luangwa National Park, just a stone's throw away from its main entrance, Mfuwe offers a tranquil sanctuary amid nature's splendour. Set against the backdrop of ebony and mahogany trees, our thatched buildings adorn the banks of two lagoons, where an enchanting array of wildlife unfolds before your eyes.
From $565 per person · night
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Lux Live availabilityTime and Tide Chinzombo
Set across a 60-acre riverside estate lush with wildlife, Chinzombo offers seamless access to the national park across the river, making it an ideal conclusion to a safari circuit that includes bushcamps like Luwi, Nsolo, Kakuli, and Mchenja.
From $995 per person · night · normally $1,330
Special offer available
Rates per person sharing, per night.
South Luangwa National Park
Your guide to South Luangwa National Park.
WHEN
The best time to visit South Luangwa National Park is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this period, the weather is more predictable, and wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around the limited water sources. The vegetation is also less dense, improving visibility. The peak months, particularly July to October, are ideal for game viewing, with September and October offering some of the highest concentrations of wildlife. However, temperatures can be quite high in October.
The wet season, from November to April, transforms the park with lush greenery and abundant birdlife, making it a great time for birdwatching. However, some lodges and roads may be closed due to flooding, and wildlife can be more dispersed. Each season offers a different experience, so the best time depends on your specific interests in wildlife and activities.
WHERE
The best places to stay in South Luangwa National Park offer a range of experiences and cater to different preferences, from luxury lodges to more rustic bush camps. Here are a few top options:
Located near the main entrance of the park, Mfuwe Lodge is known for its comfort and luxury. It's famous for the elephants that sometimes walk through the lodge's reception area.
This tranquil retreat nestled in the wildlife-abundant southern part of South Luangwa National Park offers walking safaris, day and night game drives along with sundowners in the river.
This classic Zambian safari lodge with a contemporary touch overlooks the Luangwa flood plains teeming with wildlife. The spectacular location at the edge of the floodplain offers a stunning panoramic view of the Luangwa River and the national park.
Imagery
South Luangwa National Park, in pictures.
Recent travellers
Word from people who have just been to South Luangwa National Park.
Quotes pulled directly from Trustpilot. Where we have specific reviews mentioning South Luangwa National Park, those come up first. Otherwise these are recent five-star notes from across the trips we have planned.
"My husband and I had the trip of a lifetime visiting South Africa; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; and a day trip the Chobe National Park in Botswana. Our agent, Darren Robertson, and his colleagues were exceptional with everything from planning and budgeting to execution. Darren was very responsive before & during the trip. He sent us itinerary reminders for flig…"
"The trip that was arranged by Safari.com's Luxury Safari Consultant, Candis Sequera, to South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe was exciting, adventurous, and memorable! Thanks to her knowledge and resources the entire journey went smoothly, with every transfer and lodge providing courteous, friendly service. Candis provided exceptional customer service and…"
"We’ve had a really good experience with Sara at Safari.com. She’s been great to deal with, very patient with all our changes & always quick to come back with helpful advice. She really listened to what we wanted and put together a fantastic South Africa and Namibia trip for us."
"Five Star level treatment. I booked our Safari in Sabi Sans at Arathusa lodge, and our stay in Cape Town South Africa back in August of 2026 and the experience had been amazing. Safari.com agents have every detail thought from travel insurance, eSIM for phones, private transportation, and booked us amazing experiences. We saw the Big 5 in the Safari, went ca…"
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