Fly direct from Lusaka to Mfuwe, gateway to the mighty South Luangwa National Park. This takes around 70 minutes and on arrival you will be transferred to your choice of lodge. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to enjoy your first game drive this afternoon.

South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s safari gems, where the solitude of the bush and its magnificent wildlife can be enjoyed with relatively few others. The park’s eastern boundary is flanked by the meandering Luangwa River which forms numerous ox bow lakes and acts as a magnet for wildlife.

Accomodation Options:

Flatdogs Camp: A convenient riverfront location close to the park gate along with stone chalet or luxury tented accommodation. (All meals included)

Kafunta River Lodge: A contemporary bush lodge located on the river a little further away from the park gate, with a pontoon boat to cross the river for quick access. Upgrade from £345pp. (All meals and selected drinks included)

Puku Ridge: Luxury tented suites overlooking floodplain featuring air conditioning, plunge pool and star beds. The location just outside the busier Mfuwe area ensures relative peace and quiet.  Upgrade from £1757pp. (All meals included)

Morning and afternoon game viewing activities today will provide the opportunity to seek out this park’s impressive wildlife. Known as the ‘Valley of the leopard’ this is one of the best places in Africa to spot these beautiful cats along with prides of lion. There are also large herds of buffalo, antelope and zebra, as well as endemic species such as Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s Wildebeest. Ornithologists will be in heaven too with over 400 species of birds, including the colourful carmine bee-eaters.

It was in the Luangwa Valley that the walking safari was pioneered, and the high standard of guiding that the lodges offer, provide guests with an exhilarating experience of tracking game through the bush as well as gaining fascinating insights into the smaller flora and fauna too.

Unusually for national parks, Zambia also allows night game drives where you can often stay out later after sundowner drinks to seek nocturnal creatures, adding another dimension to the safari experience. Afterwards, return to the lodge and freshen up for dinner and recount tales of exciting wildlife encounters around the camp fire.

This morning there may be time to enjoy another game drive before breakfast, and then it is time to bid farewell as you return to the airport for your flight to Lusaka.

Alternatively, ask about extending your stay in South Luangwa, or adding an exciting stay in Lower Zambezi National Park for a two centre Zambia Safari.