8-Day Zambia Safari: South and North Luangwa National Parks
This 8-day Zambian safari offers participants an in-depth exploration of two of Zambia’s most renowned wildlife destinations: South and North Luangwa National Parks.
Duration: 8 Days
Places to Visit: Mfuwe, South Luangwa National Park, North Luangwa National Park
Itinerary:
Day 1: Mfuwe – South Luangwa National Park
Arrive at Mfuwe Airport, the gateway to South Luangwa National Park. Mfuwe is a small town with a population of about 15,000, primarily supported by tourism and agriculture. Transfer to the lodge within the park. South Luangwa covers 9,050 square kilometers and is known for its high concentration of wildlife and as the birthplace of walking safaris. Enjoy an afternoon game drive, focusing on the park’s diverse habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and the Luangwa River ecosystem. Learn about the Kunda people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Luangwa Valley, and their traditional customs and beliefs.
Accommodation: Mfuwe Lodge or similar
Day 2-4: South Luangwa National Park
Spend three full days exploring South Luangwa National Park through a combination of game drives, walking safaris, and cultural activities. Participate in morning and afternoon game drives. The park is home to over 60 mammal species and 400 bird species, including endemic species like Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest. Take part in walking safaris, a specialty of South Luangwa. These guided walks offer a unique perspective on the park’s ecology and smaller creatures often missed from vehicles.
Visit Tribal Textiles, a local enterprise that produces hand-painted textiles using traditional African and contemporary designs. Learn about how this business supports the local community. Explore the Mfuwe village to gain insights into rural Zambian life. Visit the Mfuwe Day Secondary School, supported by safari lodges, to understand local education initiatives.Learn about the Baobab tree, considered sacred in many African cultures, and its various uses in traditional medicine and daily life.Participate in a night drive to observe nocturnal animals and learn about celestial navigation techniques used by local guides. Visit the South Luangwa Conservation Society headquarters to learn about anti-poaching efforts and human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies.
Accommodation: Various lodges within South Luangwa National Park (3 nights)
Day 5-7: South Luangwa – North Luangwa National Park
Transfer to North Luangwa National Park (approximately 3-4 hours by road or 30 minutes by light aircraft). North Luangwa covers 4,636 square kilometers and is known for its wildness and exclusivity. Spend three days exploring the remote wilderness of North Luangwa. The park allows only walking safaris, offering a truly immersive bush experience. Learn about the successful black rhino reintroduction program in North Luangwa, a significant conservation achievement in Zambia. Visit the Mukungule Community, located on the outskirts of the park, to learn about their traditional way of life and how they benefit from and contribute to conservation efforts.
Participate in a cultural evening featuring traditional Bemba songs and dances. The Bemba are one of the largest ethnic groups in Zambia. Take part in a conservation activity, such as helping to maintain anti-poaching equipment or assisting with wildlife monitoring efforts. Learn about the unique flora of North Luangwa, including the prehistoric-looking sausage tree and the iconic African ebony. Enjoy a bush breakfast by the Mwaleshi River, learning about the river’s crucial role in sustaining wildlife during the dry season.
Accommodation: Mwaleshi Camp or similar (3 nights)
Day 8: North Luangwa – Mfuwe
Take a final morning walking safari in North Luangwa, focusing on the smaller details of the ecosystem.Transfer back to Mfuwe (approximately 3-4 hours by road or 30 minutes by light aircraft). Upon arrival in Mfuwe, time permitting, visit the local market to experience everyday Zambian life and perhaps purchase some locally made crafts. Enjoy a farewell dinner at your lodge, sampling traditional Zambian cuisine such as nshima (maize porridge) with game meat stews and local vegetables.
Transfer to Mfuwe Airport for departure.
End of Safari.
This 8-day Zambian Safari offers participants a comprehensive exploration of both South and North Luangwa National Parks. The itinerary combines diverse wildlife viewing opportunities with cultural and conservation insights, providing a well-rounded experience of these remarkable regions of Zambia.
