Reviews of safaris to South Luangwa National Park
942 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include South Luangwa.
"Our Zambia 2018 trip"
Having visited South Luangwa twice before we decided to try a mixture of 4 camps - 2 new ones to us, one totally refurbished and one familiar, with a mixture of results
Lion camp still has a wonderful location with excellent game viewing and guides although the new decor and food regime was not to our taste and if the price goes up appreciably in the future it will cease being our "go to" choice in South Luangwa
Tafika we had not visited before but were very impressed with most aspects of our visit.
Kafunta (twice before) has increased in size, with more families with pre-teenage children and a move away from communal dining to separate tables. In the past the pontoon shortcut into the park has always been working - when it is unavailable it does take quite a time out of game drives to access the park and return. The guide was disappointing and unfortunately stayed with us for 2 days here and 3 more at 3 Rivers (Kafunta's bush camp)
Three Rivers, new to us was a small nicely arranged camp with only 5 well designed chalets with good views over the bush (or the Luangwa river) and upper viewing platform with "star beds". These had mosquito nets so you could sleep out at night with a view of the African star lit sky. The camp was best suited to walking safaris and bird watching. There were more tsetse flies here than elsewhere. The staff here were all excellent with a nice relaxed but professional attitude to their guests, especially TJ who was the epitome of an ideal camp manager prepared to give us the benefit of his experience and knowledge over sundowners ." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
"Tafika was the highlight"
In my own defence, there had been some surprise changes in camps I thought I knew and had visited previously - such as no communal dining at Kafunta and a management change at Lion Camp leading to the introduction of new dining arrangements and a new activity/meal schedule. This changed the whole experience of the camp, rather than just the cosmetic refurbishment I had been expecting.
A last minute switch to include Tafika in the itinerary really rescued the trip. Tafika is a class act. It's a comfortable, welcoming, characterful safari camp run by people who understand what's most important about the safari experience. It remains one of my favourite camps in Africa." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zambia safari
"Senior Young report"
The people were all very helpful, open and friendly
The wilderness was immense and very impressive" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
"Nature Found "
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We found Lucy to be an excellent support, she is clearly a really lovely person who is so knowlegable and worked so hard to refine our itinerary! She is a real professional too!
I would much prefer the detailed feedback we give to be over the phone or face to face rather than on a feedback form.
With this we will also ring Lucy for a chat with our feedback.
Thank you for all that you do, you we find you to be an excellent organisation with first class knowledge and a clear great passion for Africa.
Thank you so much for all you have done for us x" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
"Safari trip of a lifetime"
Every detail Freddie put together was amazing from the fishing to the helicopter tour to the hotels and safari camps. The accommodations were just amazing and the game drives were beyond all our expectations. Robin Pope Safaris clearly knows what they are doing and it shows in every detail of their camps and game drives.
The bar has been set so high for us that I don't expect any African vacation to ever surpass this one.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I honestly can't think of anything that could have been better.
Keep up your amazing work and THANK YOU!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari
"My Jul 2018 trip"
"My Jul 2018 trip"
please note that Maruska did a great job last year also." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
"My Jul 2018 trip"
Request for accommodation in separate regions of the park was met. Understanding of transfers from Vic Falls lodge, accommodation standards and desire for separate rooms/tents was dealt with well.
Transfers went smoothly, no “no-shows”. Any concerns with food/cuisine was more related to the staff in the camps rather than the booking service." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari
"Lovely trip. Could have stayed longer"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Wish i could afford to do it again !! Lack of direct flights from London to Lusaka a big hindrance. Hope BA starts flying there again soon." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
"First time -- but probably not the last!"
I'm so glad I chose Zambia and specifically South Luangwa National Park for my first safari. I'm a little worried that I may have been spoiled - apparently it's not normal to see so many animals practically at will and sometimes you may have to wait.
I had already decided on Zambia, SLNP and Norman Carr Safaris before booking with Expert Africa. Lucy organised me beautifully and I didn't need much persuading to add a side trip to Victoria Falls. I was glad to have Lucy to fall back on when I managed to miss an internal flight, though fortunately I only needed her help (and reassurance!) to let the camp know my new arrival time.
At Livingstone, I stayed at Waterberry Lodge – loved my chalet with its verandah overlooking the lagoon, lunch on the deck serenaded by hippos grunting in the Zambezi. Had a wonderful helicopter flight over the falls and through the gorge.
Norman Carr Safaris were all they appear to be - truly excellent. I stayed at Kakuli, Mchenja and Nsolo. All three bushcamps were beautifully situated and well laid-out.
All the chalets I stayed in at each bushcamp were superbly comfortable - superking beds (given the full four-poster effect at night with mosquito nets) and hot water bottles if it was slightly chilly; solar-powered lamps and hot water; open air en-suite; inside and outside seating. Stupendously high roof, the beams and thatch are practically works of art themselves. Each room had fresh cold drinking water in a thermos, Peaceful Sleep mosquito spray and toiletries, I managed to resist the temptation to blow the emergency horn or whistle. There's a two-way cupboard in one of the walls where an early morning cup of tea/coffee will be delivered on request.
All the staff attached to the camps were so very welcoming and friendly, accommodating everyone's needs and wishes, and providing great meals. They really do work hard to ensure you are comfortable and get what you want out of your trip. I was unable to do any walking unfortunately, but there was no quibble about arranging an extra guide when needed. Quite often it was me, a guide and jeep and the beauty and bounty of SLNP - bliss.
As far as I'm concerned, the animals practically line up to greet you. It's just a constant parade of lions, hippos, elephants, leopards, giraffe, buffalo, hyena, wild dogs, kudu, puku, impala, mongoose, wildebeest, genets.... I'm terrible with bird names but there were many and often lovely (lilac-breasted roller, bee-eaters, fish eagle, giant eagle owl). Every game drive or walk is an adventure, as you don't know what you'll find but you know it'll be interesting!
My only concern is that safaris might become expensively addictive..." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Where to stay in South Luangwa
Our suggestions for safari camps in South Luangwa National Park
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.
Nkwali
On the banks of the Luangwa River, with its own access to the national park, the intimate Nkwali is open year round.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flatdogs Camp
A relatively big safari camp, Flatdogs offers value for money with great guiding and good food in a comfortable, relaxed setting.
Kapani Lodge
Kapani Lodge is now the main office base for Norman Carr Safaris, one of the Luangwa's oldest safari operations.
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.
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.
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.
Kafunta River Lodge
Kafunta is a laid-back, friendly and good-value lodge on the outskirts of South Luangwa National Park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kuyenda Bushcamp
Kuyenda Bushcamp is a classic bushcamp with particularly delightful hosts and offers top-class walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chinzombo
Opened in early June 2013, Chinzombo offers luxurious and stylish accommodation with very high levels of service and excellent guiding.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Zungulila
Zungulila is a small, comfortable tented bushcamp with an emphasis on walking safaris, in the remote southern section of the South Luangwa.
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.
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.
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.
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.
