The park is home to 60 different mammal species and over 400 bird species, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the park’s once-resident rhinos were poached to extinction, but there is still an abundance of wildlife to discover. From predators like the renowned African wild dogs, lions, and leopards, to large herds of elephants, buffalo, and hippos, South Luangwa offers a safari experience like no other. The park’s wildlife is rich and varied, providing excellent opportunities for close-up encounters with some of Africa’s most iconic animals.

In addition to the well-known species, South Luangwa is also home to unique sightings that cannot be found in many other parks. One of the highlights is Zambia’s beloved Crawshay’s zebra herds, which are a specialty of the area. The park also boasts a variety of antelope species, including the elusive bushbuck and the stunning kudu, with its impressive spiraling horns and delicate, graceful face. These unique animals add a special charm to the park, making each game drive an unforgettable adventure.

Throughout the day, your experienced guides will share their knowledge of the park’s ecosystem, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the interconnections between the wildlife, plants, and the Luangwa River. In between game drives, you will return to the lodge for a relaxing lunch, giving you time to reflect on the morning’s wildlife sightings and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the lodge.

In the afternoon, after a well-deserved break, you’ll set off for your shared evening game drive. The cooler hours of the evening provide a perfect opportunity to witness the park’s nocturnal creatures as they emerge, including elusive predators on the hunt. The African bush comes alive with the sounds of nighttime activity, offering a completely different experience compared to the daytime game drives. As you journey through the park at dusk, you’ll witness the changing light over the landscape, creating a magical atmosphere as you search for more wildlife to admire.

During your stay, you may opt for the optional the now famous ‘walking safari’ originated in South Luangwa and is still one of the finest ways to experience Africa’s pristine wilderness first-hand. The changing seasons add to its richness, ranging from dry, bare bush in the winter (April to October) to a lush, green wonderland in the summer months (November to March).

The Zambezi River, which forms the boundary of the park, offers a range of exciting activities. You can enjoy peaceful and scenic river cruises, where you can observe wildlife from a unique vantage point, watching animals come down to drink at the water’s edge. For those seeking a bit more adventure, there are fishing excursions, where you can try your hand at catching one of the river’s many fish species. Canoe safaris along the Zambezi provide an unforgettable experience as you glide silently through the waters, offering close encounters with animals and birds along the riverbanks. Whether you’re relaxing on a river cruise or paddling through the waterways, the experience of being surrounded by nature is both tranquil and exhilarating.

While most safari activities are centered around the Zambezi River and its expansive floodplains, game drives and walking safaris will often take you onto higher ground, providing opportunities to explore different landscapes such as grasslands, woodlands, forests, thickets, floodplains, and riverine areas. This combination of habitats makes Lower Zambezi one of the most ecologically rich regions in Africa, and it allows for a varied and exciting safari experience.

Spanning an area of 4,092 square kilometers (1,580 square miles), Lower Zambezi National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, with game primarily concentrated on the valley floor. The northern escarpment forms a natural barrier to many of the park’s animals, creating a distinct division between the valley and the higher plateaus. Herds of elephants, some as large as 100 individuals, are commonly seen foraging along the riverbanks, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. The riverine woodlands are dominated by majestic ebony, fig, and albida trees, whose seed pods provide a critical food source for elephants and other browsing animals.

These are the days, you may wish to indulge in the unique experience of tiger fishing along the Zambezi River. The Zambezi tigerfish, known for its strength and fierce nature, can grow up to 12 kg, offering a thrilling challenge for anglers. If you’re not able to land a tigerfish, there are plenty of other species to catch, including bream and chessa. The peaceful surroundings of the river also make for a relaxing fishing experience.

In the afternoon, you’ll have leisure time to unwind and take in the beauty of your surroundings. Alternatively, for those who prefer more adventure, a game drive in the Chiawa Game Management Area is an excellent way to end the day. This area is known for its rich wildlife, and a drive through it could offer the opportunity to encounter more of the park’s iconic animals, such as lions, leopards, hippos, buffalo, and numerous bird species.