5 Days Best Zambia Safari to South Luangwa National Park
This 5 Days Best Zambia Safari to South Luangwa National Park takes you deep into the pristine wilderness of South Luangwa National Park, renowned as one of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries. The birthplace of the walking safari, South Luangwa offers unparalleled opportunities to encounter four of the Big Five on foot and in game vehicles. This legendary park, known locally as "Nsenga" (The Land of Leopards), spans 9,050 square kilometers of untamed African wilderness.
Your Zambia Safari experience combines classic game drives with intimate walking safaris led by expert guides who possess generations of bush knowledge. The legendary Luangwa River system creates a lifeline that sustains incredible concentrations of wildlife throughout the year. From the dramatic seasonal lagoons to the ancient ebony groves, every landscape tells a story of survival and abundance.
The highlight of this Zambia Safari lies in its exclusive focus on authentic wilderness experiences away from crowds and commercialization. South Luangwa's reputation for exceptional leopard sightings, massive elephant herds, and the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe makes it a photographer's paradise. This intimate safari setting allows for profound connections with Africa's wildlife in their most natural state.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Pick Up from Lusaka and Transfer to South Luangwa National Park
Day 2: Continue with Classic Game Drives in Mfuwe Sector
Day 3: Proceed with Walking Safari Adventures in Nsenga Wilderness
Day 4: Transfer to Different Camp Areas for Varied Wildlife Experiences
Day 5: Continue with Final Game Drives Before Departure to Lusaka
Price Includes:
- Park fees and conservation levies for South Luangwa National Park
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during game drives and transfers
- Full board accommodation at luxury safari camps
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide and walking safari guides
- Driver allowances and park fees
- Walking safaris with armed scouts
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- Zambia Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Pick Up from Lusaka and Transfer to South Luangwa National Park
Your Zambia Safari adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your Lusaka accommodation, followed by a scenic 450-kilometer drive east to South Luangwa National Park, taking approximately 6-7 hours through rural Zambian landscapes. This inaugural day of your Zambia Safari includes stops in local villages and the historic town of Chipata, formerly known as "Fort Jameson," where you'll experience authentic Zambian culture before entering the park. Upon arrival at Mfuwe Gate, your Zambia Safari continues with check-in at your luxury safari camp, followed by an afternoon game drive through the renowned Mfuwe Sector, famous for its abundant wildlife including the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe found nowhere else on Earth.
- Day2Continue with Classic Game Drives in Mfuwe Sector
Dawn breaks on your Zambia Safari with the haunting calls of fish eagles echoing across the Luangwa River, located just 2 kilometers from your camp in the heart of the park's most productive wildlife area. Your comprehensive Zambia Safari experience continues with a morning game drive through the Mfuwe area, covering approximately 40 kilometers of diverse habitats from riverine forests to open grasslands known locally as "Dambo." The afternoon session of your Zambia Safari focuses on visiting the famous Mfuwe Lagoon, a seasonal water body located 15 kilometers south of camp, where massive herds of buffalo, elephant, and various antelope species congregate during the dry season from May to October.
- Day3Proceed with Walking Safari Adventures in Nsenga Wilderness
Today your Zambia Safari ventures into the pioneering realm of walking safaris, as South Luangwa is recognized as the birthplace of this intimate wildlife experience that began in the 1950s with legendary guide Norman Carr. Your authentic Zambia Safari walking adventure proceeds through the pristine Nsenga area, covering 8-12 kilometers on foot with armed scouts and expert guides who interpret animal tracks, medicinal plants, and the intricate ecosystem relationships. This unique Zambia Safari experience allows you to encounter four of the Big Five at walking pace, including the park's famous leopards, lions, elephants, and buffalo, while exploring areas inaccessible by vehicle in the remote wilderness sectors located 25 kilometers from the main Mfuwe area.
- Day4Continue with Final Game Drives Before Departure to Lusaka
The concluding day of your Zambia Safari begins with a sunrise game drive through South Luangwa's most productive wildlife corridors, offering final opportunities to encounter species you may have missed during previous days. Your memorable Zambia Safari experience continues with a farewell breakfast at camp before beginning the 450-kilometer return journey to Lusaka, departing at approximately 9:00 AM for the 6–7-hour drive through Zambia's Eastern Province. As your transformative Zambia Safari draws to a close, you'll reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters, the pioneering walking safari experiences, and the pristine wilderness that makes South Luangwa one of Africa's last untouched safari destinations.