South Luangwa: Zambia

South Luangwa has all the qualities that make a superb safari; enormity of space, diversity of habitat, large numbers of animals, rarity of species and exceptional lodges staffed by friendly people.

The wildlife and cycles of nature in South Luangwa will have a considerable impact on you. For example, in three days you could record 100 different species of birds. In one night of rains the Luangwa River could rise by several metres to form a lake that was not there the day before. In one deep pool you could see up to 100 hippos.

Walking safaris were born in the Luangwa Valley and a number of specialised guides have perfected the art by combining comfortable bush accommodation with thrilling walks in extremely scenic big game country. Some camps are mobile and the whole set-up is dismantled and reassembled in its new position before you have completed your hike. Other camps stay put and offer you more luxury than you imagine. Night game drives are also a speciality of South Luangwa and visitors are often privileged to witness both leopard and lion in one evening.

The South Luangwa is inaccessible during the rainy season from December until the last rains in about April. The dry season then commences and it progresses from warm to hot. By October the earth is bone dry and the bushes have wilted. Game becomes much easier to view through the dry foliage and at the receding waterholes. A safari in South Luangwa emulates traditional African adventures of old and will be an 'out of this world' holiday that you can never forget.