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The Luangwa Valley, encompassing both North and South Luangwa National Parks, is often referred to as the ‘Valley of the Leopard’ due to its high density of these elusive big cats. This region is the birthplace of the walking safari; British conservationist Norman Carr first pioneered this activity in the 1960s, and it’s still a must-do during a Zambia safari.
Must-Visit Areas in North and South Luangwa National Parks
Both national parks have their charms, such as the opportunity to see the Big Five in remote settings to high concentrations of wildlife perfect for first-time safari travellers:
Mwaleshi River in North Luangwa: Big Five Safari
This region of North Luangwa National Park is popular among the resident wildlife. Visit for the opportunity to see the Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, and elephants – as well as kudus, Cookson’s wildebeests, and wild dogs. Birders can’t miss out on a birdwatching safari to see the waterbirds and waders in this area. North Luangwa also offers remote and exclusive walking safari experiences.
Mfuwe Sector in South Luangwa: Explore the Wilderness on Foot
As a prime area for wildlife viewing along with numerous lodges and camps, Mfuwe is often busy with many tourists on game drives trying to get to sightings of a leopard in a tree or a lion pride. Lodges in this region are known to get wildlife visitors right on their doorsteps. Keep your cool if you’re in the pool and a herd of elephants decides to drop by for a drink. Don’t miss out on exploring this wildlife-rich area on foot during bush walks.
When’s the Best Time to Visit North and South Luangwa National Parks?
For the best wildlife sightings, plan your safari between June and October. This is the dry season; you’ll experience little rain and better views thanks to thinner vegetation and animals congregating around remaining water courses.
November to April is the green season, with the increase in rainfall transforming the landscape. While this is an ideal time for birdwatching with migrant species flying into the parks, some lodges and camps close from December until the end of the wet season.
Animals Found in North and South Luangwa National Parks
North Luangwa National Park
This section of the valley is a Big Five safari destination in Zambia. Black rhinos were reintroduced in the early 2000s, and their numbers have been steadily growing. Another endangered animal to spot here is the wild dog.
Birders can spot southern carmine bee-eaters – one of the over 400 species found here – during a birdwatching safari near water sources. Other notable species include the babbling starling, chestnut-backed sparrow weaver, and yellow-throated longclaw.
South Luangwa National Park
Head to the southern region for more opportunities to see leopards. While there are no rhinos, the other members of the Big Five are well represented. See hippos bobbing in rivers, and keep your eyes open for rare sightings, including the roan antelope and Sharpe’s grysbok.
Pelicans and yellow-billed storks wade in the shallows near water sources, offering excellent birding opportunities. Other birds to watch out for include the grey-crowned crane, Lilian’s lovebird, and saddle-billed stork.
How to Get to the Luangwa National Parks
South Luangwa is accessible via flights from Lusaka to Mfuwe Airport, followed by a road transfer to your lodge in the national park. As North Luangwa is more remote, a charter flight is typically required, which can be taken from South Luangwa.
