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South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park

Breakfast as the sunrises over the Luangwa

Harmony in the South Luangwa

We're not the only inquisitive ones ...

A public display of affection ...

The daily newspaper, reading lastnight's spoor

It's a whole new day ...

Zambia, renowned for it's walking safaris

Perfect photographic opportunities ...

Sunset views from Tafika Camp

Nsefu Camp

South Luangwa National Park

Reviews of safaris to South Luangwa National Park

942 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include South Luangwa.

Showing 161-170 of 942
Duration
Arrival date
Family C
East Sussex

"Zambia Safari 2022"

I visited Zambia between 4 Apr 2022 and 13 Apr 2022
"Great advice from Lucy, responsive and efficient as we did book quite last minute but nothing was a problem

Up to date Covid and visa advice provided

Was a very easy process which is always good in my book - thank you Lucy." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
L&M Canada
Dunham, QC

" Nov 2021 trip"

I visited Zambia between 7 Nov 2021 and 26 Nov 2021
"Luc and I had a wonderful trip to Kafue NP and South Luangwa NP in November 2021. The itinary created by Claire was excellent, first Kafue then South Luangwa.

Three weeks was an adequate time to appreciate the areas visited and to rest. We met dedicated people and visited beautiful landscapes.

We keep cherished memories of these three weeks.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Your services are excellent!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Thor & Deb
BC Canada

"My Oct 2021 "Alone in Africa Because of Covid" trip"

I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 25 Oct 2021 and 16 Nov 2021
"A big shout-out to Maruska who held our hands through extraordinary times. We had to delay the trip by a year, and then became very much the vanguard of the African safari tourists because of Covid.

We felt as if we essentially had the continent to ourselves--which was wonderful but a bit weird too. The pandemic complicated things quite considerably because of the need for timely PCR tests, flights disappearing, places closing, etc., but Maruska helped get it all organized and all the facets of the trip she organized came together perfectly.

This is our second trip with Expert Africa, the first the result of a recommendation from a friend. Elizabeth, who organized our first trip, did a fabulous job, and now that high bar of service continues. We are likely to go on safari again, and we will most certainly use Expert Africa again--and will recommend your services to friends.

Again: thank you for taking such great care of us, Maruska. I very much appreciated your solicitous and friendly professionalism.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Maintain that high standard!" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs K.
Bottmingen

"My Oct 2021 trip"

I visited Zambia between 21 Oct 2021 and 9 Nov 2021
"Zambia and all lodges were absolutely beautiful and we'd like to come back and recommend to everybody who is interested in.

We also were very lucky with the weather conditions.

Lusaka is not worth to see it. Typical big city with nice areas but nothing special.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

no you're just perfect !!!

we're very happy we found you in the internet under such a lot of different tour operators." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Z
Z

"My Oct 2021 trip"

I visited Zambia between 17 Oct 2021 and 3 Nov 2021
"Overall, game is very good across 3 NPs (South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue).
- Numerous lion sightings, but lions are the most majestic at Busanga Plains
- 13 unique leopard sightings, some with cubs, one feeding on an impala kill on the tree.
- Carmine bee eater colony was a bit smaller than usual at Shenton's hide this year, but saw the one near to Nkwali Camp from across the river. That colony was bigger.
- Not much luck on dog sightings except seeing the same pack twice in Mfuwe sector, and they were resting
- Game appears to be the strongest at South Luangwa northern sector. Lions were feeding on buffalo or hippo kills everyday

I have no hesitation in recommending all camps to future travelers
- Except for Mukambi Lodge/Mukambi Plains Camp, until the guiding issues are addressed.

Other notes to assist future travelers: PCR test
- Nature By Nature DNA Research Laboratory delivered as promised.
- Returned to Lusaka at 12 noon
- Swabbed at 1 pm
- Received results electronically (email/whatsapp) at 3 pm
- Was hand-delivered hardcopy results at 4 pm
- Left for airport at 7 pm.
- Flew out same day without issues.
- Healit Zambia now has a test center at Lusaka Airport, but it is not yet fully operational. I think it will be be up and running by next year. It is on the right hand side as you enter the departure hall of the new airport.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Singapore

"My Oct 2021 trip"

I visited Zambia between 13 Oct 2021 and 26 Oct 2021
"Overall a great trip, which was postponed several times. Camps and Expert Africa were flexible to accommodate the rescheduling requirements which I appreciate a lot. I had no issues with CoVID, the in-camp test was easy. All logistics worked smoothly. No problems whatsoever.

Compared to previous Zambia trips, this one rates slightly lower as the October heat, especially in the South Luangwa, was tough, in particular during Game Drives in the later morning and earlier afternoon. The heat was probably also a main contributor to a game viewing experience slightly below expectation, in particular leopards and lions were far less visible than in previous trips (during August/September). On the other site, sightings of Wild Dogs on four different days (even though it was always the same group of 21) was unexpected.

Hospitability in all camps and hotels was impeccable. Health (Covid) and safety (animals) protocols are in place and rigorously followed. Zambia is slowly recovering with international guests coming back. So there were days were I benefited from half-full camps, other days where I was happy to see camps full as it's vital for the camps. Zambia is definitely ready to welcome guests back. And it's also practical again to go on a safari." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Miss P
London

"My Oct 2021 trip"

I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 1 Oct 2021 and 25 Oct 2021
"As a solo traveler, the lesson from this trip was what a massive difference the hosting and management can make to my enjoyment of a camp. In this respect, it really highlighted the appeal of owner run camps like Tafika where, as a repeat guest, you know you can expect to see the same faces (more or less) and get the same welcome time after time. Whilst I did also really enjoy Rekero, I know that there would be no guarantee of the same experience in a couple of years time as managers move on.

It was wonderful to be back in Zambia, and I was determined not to go another year without a Zambia safari, so I departed for this trip before Zambia was removed from the red list. The 10 days in Kenya were to "launder" my red list trip, although this was rendered unnecessary during the trip by the removal of Zambia from the red list.

The two days walking in Chikoko were a highlight of the trip and I wish I could have done more walking, but my timings were constrained by needing to fit in the 10 day "quarantine" in Kenya.

One disturbing development I found in South Luangwa was the proliferation of film crews, both on the Kaingo side of the river and the Nsefu side. These do negatively impact game viewing for tourists as the crews monopolise access to certain high profile animals and either don't allow tourist vehicles to approach or at least only allow access when nothing interesting is happening. I understand that next year there will be SEVEN film crews operating in the north part of South Luangwa. I appreciate that some operators have had to find other sources of income in the absence of tourism due to covid, but when tourism returns to normal levels (hopefully next year) I can see this becoming a major issue." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Western
Alberta

"My Sep 2021 trip during COVID"

I visited Zambia between 18 Sep 2021 and 4 Oct 2021
"It took lots of planning and attention to details to pull this trip off in the later stages of the pandemic, assessing and managing potential risks, but I am so glad that I did so.

It was a fantastic trip originally planned for 2020, and ended up being a rare experience given the relatively small number of fellow travelers. This resulted in much more personal time and interaction with guides and camp staff, and with the small number of fellow travelers that one did encounter.

There were some offsets - fewer guests and vehicles about meant there were fewer "spotters" to share sightings, and so locating wildlife could be more challenging at times. With fewer guests, and guests dining in their own small bubbles; there was no communal dining and camaraderie with fellow travelers from around the world, which is a more common pleasure of the safari experience.

Expert Africa / Claire Scott did a great job throughout, with excellent information. attention to detail, and enormous patience. They have a great reputation in-country on the ground, based upon the feedback I got from both camps and operators, some of whom are competitors.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep up the good work!

Your web site has always been good, but you have made great improvements over the past couple of years and now it is excellent." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs E
Yardley, PA, US

"My Aug 2021 trip"

I visited Zambia between 9 Aug 2021 and 28 Aug 2021
"I had the most wonderful time! It was a time of total de-stressing, relaxation, wonder and renewal of old friendships. All staff at the camps were vaccinated, and all guests that I spent any time with were too. Of course everything was outdoors, so I really didn't worry about covid very much.

Sightings were varied from camp to camp. I usually visit Zambia in June so I was particularly interested to see the carmine bee-eaters and other migrants as well as so many flowering trees.

This was my ninth visit to South Luangwa. I will continue to return to this fabulous park and all the friends I have made with guides and staff during that time. It is a magical place!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 19 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Lee & Michele
PHX AZ

"My Aug 2021 trip"

I visited Zambia between 7 Aug 2021 and 20 Aug 2021
"This was an awesome trip. It took a lot to make this happen and without Expert Africa's involvement
coordinating with camps and lending advice and expertise as we booked flights, layovers and reacted to an ever changing international situation we would not have been able to do it." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Showing 161-170 of 942
99%
942 reviews of South Luangwa by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Where to stay in South Luangwa

Our suggestions for safari camps in South Luangwa National Park


Tafika

Tafika

One of the best camps in Zambia, Tafika is naturally built, combining excellent service and food with top guiding skills for a superb wildlife experience.


98% (340 reviews)
Nkwali

Nkwali

On the banks of the Luangwa River, with its own access to the national park, the intimate Nkwali is open year round.


97% (252 reviews)
Kaingo Camp

Kaingo Camp

Small and owner-run, the riverside Kaingo occupies a a quiet but excellent game area, with a series of wildlife hides and a focus on photography.


97% (221 reviews)
Nsefu

Nsefu

One of the Luangwa's oldest camps, Nsefu is a great safari camp in a remote, beautiful and game-rich location with top-rate guiding.


98% (203 reviews)
Mwamba Bushcamp

Mwamba Bushcamp

Small, remote and owner-run, Mwamba offers first-class walking, 4WD safari drives and superb hides, with excellent guides and a real bush feel.


99% (160 reviews)
Tena Tena

Tena Tena

One of the Luangwa's best camps, in a beautiful, remote bush location, Tena Tena is very small, exceedingly well-run and has top-rate guiding.


95% (160 reviews)
Chikoko Tree Camp

Chikoko Tree Camp

Chikoko Tree Camp is an excellent small, rustic bushcamp that concentrates on walking safaris, and is run by a top-quality operation.


99% (126 reviews)
Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp is a great little rustic bushcamp built to high standards that focuses on excellent walking safaris, with the emphasis on top wildlife guides.


98% (101 reviews)
Luangwa River Camp

Luangwa River Camp

Luangwa River Lodge is a small and consciously stylish lodge in the Mfuwe area, overlooking the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park beyond – an area renowned for great game.


97% (82 reviews)
Flatdogs Camp

Flatdogs Camp

A relatively big safari camp, Flatdogs offers value for money with great guiding and good food in a comfortable, relaxed setting.


98% (78 reviews)
Kapani Lodge

Kapani Lodge

Kapani Lodge is now the main office base for Norman Carr Safaris, one of the Luangwa's oldest safari operations.


95% (78 reviews)
Mchenja Bushcamp

Mchenja Bushcamp

Set in a shady ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa, Mchenja is a smart tented bushcamp. It combines well with Kakuli and Nsolo – its sister camps with a focus on walking safaris.


98% (71 reviews)
Kakuli Bushcamp

Kakuli Bushcamp

Beside the Luangwa River, Kakuli is a comfortable tented bushcamp offering 4WD safaris and walking safaris – the best of which are camp-to-camp walks linking Kakuli with its nearby sister camps.


97% (66 reviews)
Nsolo Bushcamp

Nsolo Bushcamp

Nsolo is a small, comfortable bushcamp overlooking one or two pools in the usually dry Luwi riverbed. It concentrates on walking safaris in an interesting and diverse area, led by a knowledgeable guide.


97% (55 reviews)
Kafunta River Lodge

Kafunta River Lodge

Kafunta is a laid-back, friendly and good-value lodge on the outskirts of South Luangwa National Park.


96% (45 reviews)
Luwi Bushcamp

Luwi Bushcamp

In a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park, Luwi is a rustic bushcamp whose emphasis is on walking safaris with great guiding and a chance of seeing some rarely seen and elusive antelope.


93% (39 reviews)
Robin Pope Safaris bush-camp

Robin Pope bush-camp

RPS bushcamping in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia


99% (30 reviews)
Lion Camp

Lion Camp

Lion Camp is an established and comfortable camp with a swimming pool, located near to the game-rich Lion Plain in the northern part of South Luangwa National Park.


95% (30 reviews)
Robin Pope Safaris Mobile Safari Camp

Robin Pope mobile

RPS mobile safari camps are at the heart of their set-itinerary walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park, which start and finish at a permanent camp.


98% (25 reviews)
Puku Ridge

Puku Ridge

Puku Ridge is a luxurious designer camp set in a stunning location, high on a hill overlooking a floodplain within South Luangwa. Explore from here on 4WD safaris and walks.


96% (23 reviews)
Kapamba Bushcamp

Kapamba Bushcamp

In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Kapamba is a small and very comfortable bushcamp offering good walks and game drives.


95% (20 reviews)
Mfuwe Lodge

Mfuwe Lodge

In a game-rich area close to the South Luangwa’s main Mfuwe Gate, Mfuwe Lodge is relatively large by park standards, but it’s stylish, modern and family friendly.


95% (19 reviews)
Kuyenda Bushcamp

Kuyenda Bushcamp

Kuyenda Bushcamp is a classic bushcamp with particularly delightful hosts and offers top-class walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.


99% (16 reviews)
Luangwa Safari House

Luangwa Safari House

Luangwa Safari House is a vast and very smart four-bedroom house specifically designed for families and small groups, and offering an exclusive and flexible safari experience.


100% (14 reviews)
Three Rivers Camp

Three Rivers Camp

In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Three Rivers Lodge sits at the confluence of three of the valleys rivers.


95% (13 reviews)
Island Bush Camp

Island Bush Camp

Island Bushcamp is a good-value, rustic, walking-only camp, in arguably one of the most remote parts of the South Luangwa, well away from all other camps.


100% (13 reviews)
Bilimungwe Bushcamp

Bilimungwe Bushcamp

A smart bushcamp with four very spacious chalets, Bilimungwe offers interesting walking safaris in pretty riverine woodland, as well as day and night safari drives.


95% (13 reviews)
Chinzombo

Chinzombo

Opened in early June 2013, Chinzombo offers luxurious and stylish accommodation with very high levels of service and excellent guiding.


98% (13 reviews)
Chindeni

Chindeni

Chindeni Bushcamp is a very modern and minimalist camp, which is a far cry from your traditional bushcamp and unlike most of the other camps in South Luangwa.


97% (12 reviews)
Robin's House

Robin's House

With your own expert guide, private vehicle, chef and valet, the two-bedroom Robin's House offers an exclusive, flexible safari experience – and is open year round.


95% (11 reviews)
Kawaza Village

Kawaza Village

Kawaza Village – beside the South Luangwa National Park, offers guests the rare opportunity to appreciate local village life. Visit for a few hours or stay overnight.


95% (11 reviews)
Chamilandu Bushcamp

Chamilandu Bushcamp

A comfortable little bushcamp, Chamilandu has a picturesque setting by the Luangwa River, in an area with a range of habitats to explore on foot and by 4WD.


100% (6 reviews)
Mwamba Camp-out

Mwamba Camp-out

The Mwamba-Camp Out allows you to have an incredibly adventurous night in the bush, sleeping under mosquito nets with activities led by some of the best guides in Zambia.


92% (5 reviews)
Zungulila

Zungulila

Zungulila is a small, comfortable tented bushcamp with an emphasis on walking safaris, in the remote southern section of the South Luangwa.


93% (3 reviews)
Shawa Luangwa Camp

Shawa Luangwa

Opened in June 2021, Shawa Luangwa Camp is a small, intimate and rustic camp, with a good location in a remote section of the South Luangwa National Park.


93% (3 reviews)
Luwi Riverbed Sleepout

Luwi Riverbed Sleepout

For an adventurous night in South Luangwa National Park, come and sleep out in the bush, around a campfire, with an experienced guide and game scout.


100% (2 reviews)
Chichele Presidential Lodge

Chichele Lodge

Currently in the final stages of an extensive rebuild, Chichele Presidential Lodge stands high within the park, with superb views, and is due to reopen in early 2025.


100% (1 review)
Chikunto Safari Lodge

Chikunto

Chikunto Safari Lodge is a more traditional property in the South Luangwa National Park, sitting on a peninsula of land created by the meandering Luangwa River.


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