South Luangwa National Park lies in eastern Zambia along the Luangwa River and is the country's best-known park. It is known for guided walking safaris and night drives.
- Country
- Zambia
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 9,050 km²
- Best time
- August to October
- Suggested stay
- 3–5 days
- Main gateway airport
- Mfuwe International Airport (MFU)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to South Luangwa
- A pioneer of walking safaris
- Night drives with good leopard sightings
- Thornicroft's giraffe, endemic to the valley
- Large hippo pods in the river
- Small bush camps
Best time to visit South Luangwa
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit South Luangwa is August to October.
Peak dry season: wildlife concentrates along the Luangwa River and oxbow lagoons, though October is very hot.
Green season: heavy rain, many bush camps close and some lodges offer boat trips.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| February | 21–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| March | 20–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| April | 18–32 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| May | 14–32 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 12–31 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 11–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 13–33 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 17–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 20–38 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 22–37 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 21–34 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in South Luangwa includes lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, African wild dogs, hyenas, kudu, eland and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
A flight of about an hour connects Lusaka with Mfuwe, followed by a road transfer to Mfuwe Gate and nearby lodges. Driving is possible in the dry season with a 4x4.
Trips to South Luangwa
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- South Luangwa for families
- South Luangwa for a honeymoon
- South Luangwa for photographers
- South Luangwa for a first safari
- South Luangwa on a budget
- South Luangwa for luxury travel
Compare with
- South Luangwa vs Lower Zambezi
- South Luangwa vs Hwange
- South Luangwa vs Kruger
- South Luangwa vs Pilanesberg
- South Luangwa vs Addo
- South Luangwa vs Etosha
Travelling to South Luangwa from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit South Luangwa?
Generally August to October. Peak dry season: wildlife concentrates along the Luangwa River and oxbow lagoons, though October is very hot.
How many days do I need in South Luangwa?
Most visitors spend 3 to 5 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to South Luangwa?
A flight of about an hour connects Lusaka with Mfuwe, followed by a road transfer to Mfuwe Gate and nearby lodges. Driving is possible in the dry season with a 4x4.
Is there malaria in South Luangwa?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: Zambia Tourism - South Luangwa National Park · Zambia Tourism - Mfuwe International Airport · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Zambia (Mfuwe)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.