South Luangwa is still one of the wildest parks in Africa. There is a range of excellent bush camps to choose from in a place where the traditional game drives are complimented well by exciting walking safaris and multi-day trails. The walking safaris here are particularly exciting and offer a real sense of wilderness. Options exist for “fly camping” or walking to wonderfully appointed mobile safari tents. There is seasonality to Zambia as rains can affect accessibility in some parts of the Luangwa valley, but this is not overly restrictive and can be worked around.
Fly-in safaris are the order of the day in South Luangwa with easy access to a range of bush airstrips. Some camps also offer a special opportunity to fly to the north of Zambia to experience the phenomenal bat migration in Kasanka National Park as well to Bangwelu to look for the massive swamp-dwelling Shoebill. This part of the world is not known as the “Valley of the Leopard” without good reason and is regarded as one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa, with not only great leopard viewing but also wonderful lion, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, elephant and over 450 bird species. The South Luangwa reserve spans an area in excess of 9000 square km and is crossed by the magnificent Luangwa River and the wilderness is best enjoyed on foot, although the driving safari option is also a world class experience.