South Luangwa National Park
The South Luangwa National Park is the Luangwa Valley’s most accessible and popular park. It is 9050km2 and the concentration of game around the river is of the highest in Africa.
The park is well-known for large herds of elephants: Some herds numbering up to 70. Buffalo and various antelope species are prolific throughout the park. In the river and adjoining pools, hippos and crocodiles can be seen in great numbers.
The Park consists of the:
- Mfuwe Area: Nkwali Camp
This area has an extensive road system so drives can vary each day. Other camps operate in the area so other vehicles may be seen on most drives. However, the road network is comprehensive (especially during the dry season when the more remote roads are open) and the game is accustomed to vehicles so the photography opportunities are excellent. A great starting place for a Luangwa Safari.
The game-viewing in the Mfuwe area is undoubtedly the best in Zambia. These include leopard, lion and elephant. Thornicroft giraffe (unique to the Luangwa) are seen daily near Nkwali Camp.
- Nsefu Sector: Nsefu Camp and Tena Tena
This area is more remote with seasonal bush tracks. Our Zambia partner has the only 2 camps in this section of the National Park (1000 sq km) so other vehicles are not seen. The area has some spectacular lagoons.
Some of the game seen here include leopard and lion and there are good sightings of elephants during the dry months. There are Cookson’s wildebeest near the salt pans.
- Mupamadzi River: Walking Mobiles
The Mupamadzi River runs from the escarpment through very remote and varied country (hills with mopane, riverine strip and open plains). The park has 60 animal species and 400 different bird species. This is one of the premier wilderness areas in Africa, famed for its seclusion and natural beauty. One can see different contrasting habitats.
The game is wild and shy but can be approached with care.
Seasons: The dry season begins in April through to October, the hottest month, when game concentrations around water sources are at their height. Warm sunny days and chilly nights typify the dry winter months of May to August.
The wet season begins in November as the leaves turn green and the dry terrain becomes a lush, dense tangle of vegetation. The rainy season lasts until the end of March and migrant birds arrive in droves.
The Park consists of the:
- Mfuwe Area: Nkwali Camp
This area has an extensive road system so drives can vary each day. Other camps operate in the area so other vehicles may be seen on most drives. However, the road network is comprehensive (especially during the dry season when the more remote roads are open) and the game is accustomed to vehicles so the photography opportunities are excellent. A great starting place for a Luangwa Safari.
The game-viewing in the Mfuwe area is undoubtedly the best in Zambia. These include leopard, lion and elephant. Thornicroft giraffe (unique to the Luangwa) are seen daily near Nkwali Camp.
- Nsefu Sector: Nsefu Camp and Tena Tena
This area is more remote with seasonal bush tracks. Our Zambia partner has the only 2 camps in this section of the National Park (1000 sq km) so other vehicles are not seen. The area has some spectacular lagoons.
Some of the game seen here include leopard and lion and there are good sightings of elephants during the dry months. There are Cookson’s wildebeest near the salt pans.
- Mupamadzi River: Walking Mobiles
The Mupamadzi River runs from the escarpment through very remote and varied country (hills with mopane, riverine strip and open plains). The park has 60 animal species and 400 different bird species. This is one of the premier wilderness areas in Africa, famed for its seclusion and natural beauty. One can see different contrasting habitats.
The game is wild and shy but can be approached with care.
Seasons: The dry season begins in April through to October, the hottest month, when game concentrations around water sources are at their height. Warm sunny days and chilly nights typify the dry winter months of May to August.
The wet season begins in November as the leaves turn green and the dry terrain becomes a lush, dense tangle of vegetation. The rainy season lasts until the end of March and migrant birds arrive in droves.
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Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team.
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or WattsApp +1-250-588-9112
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.
Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years
Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years
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In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our clients’ feedback.
Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..
I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..
We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..
Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..
I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..
We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..
What Our Clients Say About Us
In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our clients’ feedback.
Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..
I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..
We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..
Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..
I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..
We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..
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Exploring Africa’s Wilderness on foot – Mara Walking Safaris
A Maasai women group from the Greater Maasai Mara region in the former Ol Kinyei Group Ranch has benefit from a 3,000-litre solar-powered milk coolant donated by the World Wide Foundation for Nature(WWF) with funding from the German government in partnership with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.