I spent the last two weeks of May in the South Luangwa National Park, one of Zambia’s premier safari destinations most famous for its high population of leopards and the thornicroft giraffe.
Located in the northeastern part of Zambia, in the Mfuwe area of Mambwe district, the park is accessible by both road and air. Proflight offers daily flights from Lusaka to Mfuwe from April to November and weekly flights from December to March. By road, you can choose between a private transfer, a public bus, or a self-drive adventure.
Safari with a Tour Group
My first trip was with a tour group that Iwas leading. We opted to fly from Livingstone to Mfuwe via Proflight. Our journey began with a one-hour flight from Livingstone to Lusaka. After a short layover, we boarded another one-hour flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe. During this flight, we were treated to spectacular views of the Muchinga Escarpment, which forms one of the boundaries of South Luangwa National Park. We also enjoyed breathtaking aerial views of the Luangwa River, which nourishes the North Luangwa, Luambe, and South Luangwa National Parks. The river rises in the Londa and Mafinga Hills in the North Eastern part of Zambia, then meanders through the valley before joining the Zambezi River. Our late afternoon flight was perfectly timed to witness a stunning sunset over the landscape.
Partner Visit by Bus
On my second trip, I decided to take thebus from Lusaka to Mfuwe to visit some of our partners in the park. I had to rise early to catch the 4:00 AM bus, with the journey taking approximately 13 hours. Despite the long travel time, the drive offered scenic views of the Muchinga Escarpment hills, beautifully arranged trees, and uniquely shaped rocks. We crossed the Luangwa Bridge and witnessed the agricultural heartland of Eastern Province. For those considering this journey, I recommend bringing a good book, headphones, a fully charged phone with a power bank, and a neck pillow to ensure a comfortable trip.
For those who prefer to self-drive, thetrip should take about 10 hours with fewer stops along the way.
South Luangwa National Park is a gem in Zambia's crown, offering unforgettable safari experiences, stunning landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Whether by air or road, the journey to this remarkable destination is an adventure in itself.
