Reviews of safaris to South Luangwa National Park
945 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include South Luangwa.
"Zambia two years late!"
As a first trip to Zambia we chose to visit three national parks (Kafue/ South Luangwa/Lower Zambezi) and were glad we did as they were very different, as were the camps selected. We were a little disappointed by the variety of birds seen and fewer than expected leopards in their supposed hot spot of South Luangwa.
There were film crews in South Luangwa and Kafue throughout our stays which, on occasions, inhibited our access and positioning at sightings. This was a VERY expensive trip and we did not expect our experience to be limited by them taking priority!
However, overall we had a terrific time with plentiful sightings and photos to prove it.
Our vegetarian diet was brilliantly catered for at every camp and of the three parks Lower Zambezi was our favourite." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Zambia safari
"Shenton Safari Kaingo and Mwamba Oct 22"
We almost never return to the same location for a holiday, but these two camps (which we visited in 2014) buck this trend due to their great guiding and wildlife experiences.
All the rest, the accommodation, great food, extremely helpful staff combine to make a fantastic holiday." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
"Back at last after nine years"
Good to have 3 camps in different areas of the park. At 76, our 11 nights/12 days was probably slightly longer than we would do next time, if we can afford to go again and are fit enough.
All the transfers/meet and greet etc worked perfectly (as they have on all our previous 5 Expert Africa trips) - thanks.
All the staff in the camps are both very professional, and approachable and friendly, as well as flexible on various occasions.
Good to see game numbers so obviously healthy, with lots of young in evidence.
Good to hear on the ground that the suggestion of clients like us paying some extra deposit money to help the camps through covid really did help - it reached local people. Also, from Tafika we heard that rather than covid leading to more poaching, it made locals appreciate just how camps are so beneficial to the local community and economy." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
"My Oct 2022 trip"
Despite many trips to Luangwa this was only my second visit to Lower Zambezi, and I was quite blown away by the density of wildlife and the beautiful scenery. The atmospheric Winterthorn forests make a stunning backdrop for photography.
Thanks to Claire for the tireless rearranging of multiple trips over the last 2 years!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zambia safari
"My Oct 2022 trip"
The trip was brilliant - the lodges, the game sightings, the organisation were all top notch. Sitting here looking out of a widow on the grey sky and lashing of rain in the West Of Ireland I have wonderful memories of our first time in Zambia.
We will be back!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
"Holiday of a lifetime"
We were very impressed that everyone had got the message that we were vegetarian, and even more impressed (and thrilled) that every lodge laid on a special diner, sparkling wine or cake as we had mentioned on the form we were celebrating a big wedding anniversary.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No - it's all great.
We have had several holidays with you and they've all been really good." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
"My Sep 2022 trip"
The only disappointment was the game viewing at Little Vumbura which was below exceptions, however the camp itself was great." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
"Our best safari ever"
As always Expert Africa's excellent website meant we were able to plenty of research ahead of talking to Claire who then ensured everything ran smoothly and with the least discomfort. A big thank you to her for suggesting our stay at Pioneer Camp at the start and organising for us to spend the afternoon at the Ciela Resort instead of the airport on our way home.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None at all, we will certainly be using you again when we organise our next trip to Africa." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari
"My Sep 2022 trip"
The itinerary Claire put together could not be faulted, combining South Luangwa (which we previously visited in 2013) with Malawi, a new country for us. All the transfers between lodges worked like clockwork, and we would particularly single out Sidney for praise, who was our driver/guide in Malawi, and gave us lots of useful information about life in Malawi as we drove through villages and he also took us on a hike on the Zomba plateau).
Many of our game sightings were our best ever, with multiple close encounters with lion and leopard, several of them action packed." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
"Return to Kaingo Camp and Mwamba Bushcamp"
This was a return to the two Shenton Safaris camps after an interval of 5 years. Expert Africa showed great patience with our repeated rebookings and amendments after our initial booking in December 2019. No sign of any effect of Covid at the camps or at our hotel or at the airports in Zambia. Excellent camps and guides and good companionship amongst staff and guests. It was lovely to be back.
The game experience was wonderful, with plentiful sightings of big cats, ellies and other favourites, excellent friendly, small camps in an area where we only saw two other camps’ game drive vehicles. Part of this area of South Luangwa’s appeal is high density wildlife and low density visitors. A great experience and many highlights and happy memories." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
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