South Luangwa National Park, a world-renowned wildlife haven is located in Eastern Zambia covering an area of 9060km2. The South Luangwa National Park is also located in The Luangwa Valley in Zambia, alongside two other Zambian national parks namely North Luangwa National Park and Luambe National Park. Luangwa Valley is an extension of The Great Eastern Africa Rift Valley.
It is rich in game concentration hosting more than 60 mammal species and 400 bird species. To the west of the park is a steep escarpment and Luangwa River to the East. The Luangwa River is one of the major tributaries of the Zambezi River, and one of the four biggest rivers of Zambia.
Luangwa River, being an all-weather river provides water for the wildlife and aquatic plants along its banks. Above all, Luangwa River is home to a huge population of hippos and massive, killer crocodiles. During the hot dry season, there is a huge convergence of animals along Luangwa River in pursuit of water.
Among the 60 mammal species found in South Luangwa National Park include the African lion, Leopards, elephants, Thompson gazelles, Cape buffalos, cheetahs, the endangered African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, impalas and kudus among others. South Luangwa National Park boasts one of the densest population of leopards in Africa. They are silent assassins that live solitary lives unless during breeding or a female raising its young ones.
Although the park is generally well-protected from poaching, the park’s black rhinos were wiped out by 1987, and the elephant population has been under serious pressure at times.
The small mammals that can be found in park include the black backed jackals, velvet monkeys and mongoose among others.
With over 400 of the Zambia’s 732 bird species appearing in the park, South Luangwa National park is unique and perfect place for bird-watch. Some of the birds present in the park include the secretary birds, vultures, lilac-breasted roller, and southern carmine bee-eater among others.
There is a wide range of accommodation from which to enjoy all that this incredible park has to offer. Most of the accommodation options are found along the Luangwa River’s edge, so you can see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, lions, wildebeests and more without even having to leave the comfort of the hotel.