South Luangwa National Park

An authentic wildlife sanctuary and the birthplace of the walking safari

South Luangwa National Park lies in eastern Zambia and covers an area of more than 9,000 square kilometres along the Luangwa river valley. The abundance of water has encouraged the development of a wide variety of habitats, from woodland and open grasslands to lagoons and wetlands, while also attracting an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. In this respect, the park is a true wildlife sanctuary.

South Luangwa is home to more than 60 mammal species, including lions, zebras, hyenas, African wild dogs, buffalo, impala, puku and waterbuck, as well as baboons and vervet monkeys. The area supports a large elephant population and is particularly renowned for its high density of leopards. Their concentration is among the highest in Africa, making them relatively easy to spot, especially along the banks of the Luangwa River.

The river itself is home to hippos and crocodiles. The park also protects two endemic species, Thornicroft’s Giraffe and Cookson’s Wildebeest, as well as more than 400 bird species, including Grey Crowned Cranes, Purple-crested Turacos, Lilac-breasted Rollers and the famous Southern Carmine Bee-eaters that nest along the riverbanks.

To explore this remarkable wildlife sanctuary, we offer traditional daytime and night game drives, as well as walking safaris. Walking safaris originated here as a form of low-impact tourism developed by Norman Carr, one of the key figures behind the establishment of the park.

Carr arrived in the area in 1939 as an Elephant Control Officer and later became one of the first Game Rangers. He quickly recognised the importance of working closely with local communities to protect the region’s wildlife and natural resources. In addition to pioneering walking safaris, he became one of the early supporters of the Save the Rhino Trust during the 1970s, helping to strengthen anti-poaching efforts alongside the government.