Unquestionably
Zambia's most famous wildlife sanctuary, the South Luangwa covers a vast
9050 square kilometres and is dominated by a flood plain and savannah
that extends from the Luangwa River to the Muchinga escarpment rising
over 800 metres from the valley floor in the west. The annual rains fill
the valley's sandy rivers and feed the Luangwa which becomes a raging
torrent in its journey down to the Zambezi - this annual flooding
replenishes the Luangwa's game carrying capacity as it fills the
low-lying plains and spawns new ox-bow lakes. The green season (November
to April) although practically off limits at that time is when large
herds of elephant congregate.
Norman
Carr, perhaps Zambia's greatest conservationist, active in the South
Luangwa for over 50 years, was responsible for what we now know as the
modern walking safari. A safari activity that ranges from casual nature
walks in the vicinity of camp to full-blown portered trails. The South
Luangwa is unquestionably one of the best locations in Africa to
experience a walking safari.
The park
itself although not having a massive diversity of game is renowned for
its leopards (particularly in the Mfuwe area) and other predators and
holds strong populations of buffalo and antelope. The Luangwa has
important populations of Thornicroft's giraffe and Cookson's wildebeest.
Birdlife is excellent in the Luangwa with over 400 species having been
recorded.
Most of
Zambia's best safari operators are found in the Luangwa, all in the east
of the park in close proximity to the river itself. Permanent safari
lodges are the main bases for safari activities but there are a number
of excellent seasonal bush camps in the remoter areas that should be
considered by more serious and active safari-goers. Portered trails,
reminiscent of the old pioneering ways are available - a very special
safari option.
The North
Luangwa, about half the size of its southern counterpart is an
undeveloped and entry-restricted gem in the African bush. If you're
looking for exclusivity and remoteness, then you'll find few places in
Africa to compare!
Similar
in terms of game and vegetation to the South Luangwa, this wilderness
area is renowned for its buffalo herds and attendant lions. Mark and
Delia Owens brought the North Luangwa to public attention through their
book "The Eye of the Elephant" (also available under the title
"Survivor's Song"). The Park remains totally off-limits to the
public as it has for nearly 4 decades, only two operators have access to
this pristine wildlife area - speak to us about Mwaleshi!
Safari
spots
