Luangwa Valley Walking Safaris

Situated far from all the major cities, the Luangwa Valley has been spared from masses of tourists, leaving it unspoilt and undiscovered. This area consists of 9,000 sq Km of lush reverine vegetation, with arguably the most diverse range of wildlife in Africa, and fantastic for bird watchers. Walking safaris were pioneered in the Luangwa Valley. The Luangwa Valley is the southern extension of the Great Rift Valley that streches from North Africa down to the Zambezi River.

The Luangwa Valley has a long history of game protection and the safari operators in the Luangwa Valley since the 1960’s have been largely responsible for the ongoing conservation efforts.

The Luangwa Valley contains four National Parks. The South and North Luangwa National Parks, and the Laumbe and Lukusuzi National Parks. The latter two however have no safari facilities and poaching in these National Parks is an ever present threat.

The South Luangwa National Park is the Luangwa Valley’s most accessible and popular Park. The country side in the South Luangwa National Park is spectacular in its rugged beauty, and the conditions are idea for the thriving wildlife as well as bird species for which there are over 400 different types. This is also one of the best places in the world to see leopard. The Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest are also two animals that are unique to this region and are found nowhere else in the world.

Walking Safaris were pioneered in the Luangwa Valley in the 1950’s. The Walking Safari ranges from casual nature walks in the vicinity of the camp to intense tracking of lion in the heart of the African bush. A walking safari is one of the finest ways to experience the natural and pristine wilderness of the South Luangwa National Park. The excitement of tracking lions and seeing them in a pride of up to 30 strong whilst on a walking safari is unparalleled.

The North Luangwa National Park is a secluded bush paradise. It shares the same wildlife and vegetation as the South Luangwa National Park, however, it is renowned for its great buffalo herds and huge lion prides. Few places in Africa can compete with the North Luangwa National Park when it comes to exclusivity and remoteness.

Most of Zambia’s best safaris are found in the eastern section of the South Luangwa National Park. Permanent Safari Lodges are the main basis for Safari activities, however, there are numerous seasonal bush camps situated in remote areas that offer an unrivalled safari experience, although it is strongly recommended that only experienced safari goers consider these camps as they are not for the faint hearted.

Luangwa Walking Safari: Africa Uncovered