NORTH LUANGWA
Off the beaten track >

A North Luangwa safari in Zambia offers an extraordinary adventure amidst the untouched wilderness of Africa. Nestled within the rugged terrain of the North Luangwa National Park, this safari destination provides a unique and immersive experience for wildlife enthusiasts - especially those who love walking.

 

Known as the untamed sister of South Luangwa National Park, North Luangwa affords you remarkable opportunities to explore Africa as it was thousands of years ago - and with the big five! The beauty of visiting this park is the truly remarkable opportunities to experience Africa as it was. It is wild and untouched and you are simply an unobtrusive witness to its natural beauty and drama. Although declared a wilderness area, it was not open to anyone other than Game Department rangers for more than 30 years. In 1984, John and Lorna Harvey sought permission to conduct walking safaris in the area and for many years were the only operators in this remote wilderness.

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To protect and preserve the environment, access to the park is strictly monitored and controlled. Authorities only allow a handful of operators and no permanent lodges. Despite this, accommodation is readily available with a few satellite safari camps situated along a scenic bend of the Mwaleshi River – providing tranquillity, peace and incredible views of the river. It’s a one-of-a-kind unfiltered African experience.

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Situated in the northern region of the Luangwa Valley, the park’s main appeal lies within the vast variety of wildlife that features the Big 5, wild and varied vegetation and, incredibly, a profound lack of human disturbance.

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Accommodation options are primarily intimate and eco-friendly bush camps, each designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. These lodges offer comfortable amenities and breathtaking views, allowing guests to unwind and connect with nature after exhilarating game drives and bushwalks. With professional guides and expert trackers, visitors can encounter a remarkable array of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, black rhino, hippos, and an abundance of bird species. The North Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safaris, offering a chance to explore the landscape on foot, witnessing the intricate details of the ecosystem.

 

A North Luangwa safari promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Zambia's wild beauty. Operators in this region conduct safaris in the dry season from June to October when animal sightings are at their peak. Access in the wet season (from about November to May) is virtually impossible thanks to black cotton soil, dirt roads and swollen waterways.

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Get there on regular flights into Mwaleshi airstrip, from Lusaka, South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi.