10 Reasons to Visit: G
South Luangwa
oing on safari is a thrilling experience, but sometimes the planning can seem overwhelming. Should you try to see the legendary ‘Big 5’ roaming the savanna or trek through the mountains in search of the elusive mountain gorillas?
As a diverse continent, Africa offers a range of vastly different safari experiences; figuring out which one is right for you is key. Whilst each country has its own draw, Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is the perfect destination for both experienced and first time safari-goers for several reasons:
1.
Highly Relaxed Leopard
South Luangwa is world-renowned for exceptional leopard viewing. Since the 1930s, when the area became a game reserve, leopards have constantly been exposed to people, both in vehicles and on foot, allowing them to become habituated to a human presence. As a result, it is possible to get brilliant photographs of and insights into a day in the life of a leopard.
2.
Walking Safaris
South Luangwa is often referred to as the ‘birth place of walking safaris’. In the 1950s, Norman Carr opened South Luangwa’s first safari camp with the intention of drawing visitors to walk and photograph in the bush, instead of hunt. Over sixty years later, South Luangwa is considered one of the best places to do walking safari in Africa.
3.
Wide Range of Lodges
4.
Knowledgeable Guides
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There are a wide range of lodges available in terms of price, location, and services provided. Prices range from around $40 pp/night for a self-catered lodge outside the park to $900 pp/night for an all-inclusive luxury lodge inside the park. For a real wilderness experience, bush lodges are available in the more remote parts of the park. Unlike in many parks in South Africa where guides come from cities or other countries, in South Luangwa most of the guides were born and grew up right on the outskirts of the unfenced national park. They know the area and the animals like the back of their hands, and can tell you endless stories about growing up in the bush. Zambia also has one of the most rigorous guiding examinations in Africa, ensuring all guides are highly-qualified. TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
5.
Get Involved in the Community.
Of the many non-profits based in Mfuwe (the main town outside the park), Project Luangwa is not to be missed. Created to help promote education and training opportunities in the local community, it has been largely successful in expanding the local primary and secondary school. You can visit the centre in town to learn more about what it does in the community, as well as how you can get involved.
