South Luangwa Tours: Top 5 Sightseeing & Safaris

South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, is almost like one of Africa’s best kept wildlife secrets. So, unlike some of the other better-known parks, this place offers a pretty unspoiled wilderness experience, that is really something special. This park is greatly celebrated as the home of the walking safari, where you can, you know, actually stretch your legs and see the bush up close. The area is also stuffed full with wildlife, so it tends to be easier than usual, to spot animals.

1. Norman Carr Safaris – The Original Walking Safari

Norman Carr is quite a big name in South Luangwa, right? That’s because he really pioneered walking safaris. The company that bears his name sticks pretty closely to that tradition of exploring the bush on foot. So, they’ve got a few different camps spread around the park, yet each camp offers an intimate wildlife encounter.

At places like Kapani Lodge, that’s their original spot, expect things such as comfortable lodging and a relaxed atmosphere. That said, what you really get, is daily walking safaris, where you get a chance to learn a little bit, about the smaller aspects of the bush and, like, of course see the big guys too – lions, elephants, you know, that sort of thing. What is nice, is that Norman Carr Safaris, they work quite closely with the local communities, so their tourism has a real, somewhat beneficial, impact on the local area. Read our full review: Norman Carr Safaris Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Norman Carr Safaris)

2. Robin Pope Safaris – Luxury Bush Experience

Robin Pope Safaris are rather well-regarded, when it comes to, oh, delivering something a little special, in terms of luxury, yet that never comes at the expense of the wild experience, that is almost like, the main attraction, isn’t it? So, one of their very cool places, Nkwali Camp, happens to be set on the banks of the Luangwa River, just outside the park. It provides, what you might call, an exceptional spot for game viewing right from your tent. Which can be rather nice, isn’t it?

These folk, that’s to say Robin Pope, offer both walking and driving safaris, depending on your preferences, that might be exactly what you’re after, right? Very, very knowledgeable guides really help enhance the experience, what you know as their passion for wildlife, they really share it and show it, it seems. You will quickly notice that too. Besides the normal safaris, they put on special interest trips that focus on things, like, bird watching and photography. If you like that. Read our full review: Robin Pope Safaris Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Robin Pope Safaris)

3. Remote Africa Safaris – Off the Beaten Track

If your preference tends to be to actually, you know, go somewhere really away from all the other tourists, Remote Africa Safaris tends to be worth checking out. They have a couple of camps, located in the more remote areas of South Luangwa. So, what they provide, almost feels like, a more exclusive and intimate safari experience. So, for one example, Tafika Camp, which the Mwaleshi River nicely overlooks, does stand as one of the very first bush camps in Zambia. The idea is always to go minimal impact and high on experience.

Walking safaris are absolutely a core feature of their offerings, allowing a very, very close exploration of the area. The locations being remote means you often get incredible, pretty untouched wildlife viewing, quite free from many other visitors. That sounds pretty nice. In fact, they also combine safari options, which could potentially, add another level to your experiences, right? Read our full review: Remote Africa Safaris Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Remote Africa Safaris)

4. The Bushcamp Company – Community and Conservation

The Bushcamp Company tends to stand out, just because of their commitment to both conservation and community tourism. They have a selection of bush camps which give what almost seems, such a remote and exclusive feeling, yet you’re actually contributing to community development when you stay with them.

Each one of their camps, places like Mfuwe Lodge (only a few minutes from the main gate of the park), has got this unique character, and you are probably likely to see what is one of the famous landmarks: the elephants visiting the lodge’s lagoon. They usually pride themselves on their walking safaris, which gives visitors this extremely up-close, well, intimate experience in South Luangwa’s wildlife. As a matter of fact, what’s particularly cool, is how involved they seem to be, in supporting local schools and communities; so, tourism has quite a direct benefit for the people there. Read our full review: The Bushcamp Company Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (The Bushcamp Company)

5. Time + Tide Miavana – The ultimate in Luxurious Adventure

Time + Tide Miavana tends to provide something slightly different: a pretty luxe spot to base yourself while you get to explore the treasures of South Luangwa National Park. Set in Madagascar. It is so quite fancy, each of its villas has almost a private beach access plus a dedicated butler, yet what’s equally wonderful tends to be the safari experiences.

Daily excursions out in South Luangwa will certainly, wow, take your breath away with that up close experience you were dreaming of, including getting a taste of cultural heritage on the Malagasy Coast, perhaps, while at the park’s luscious Mfuwe Lodge . They can quite easily put you on trips, such as game drives, guided walking, as well as boat safaris (depending on that season), providing plenty to get involved with, and to witness, I’d suggest. In some respects, if you are after, what seems, like a blend of pretty upscale comfort and proper adventure, this is it. So, for someone it can be a fairly good option. Read our full review: Time + Tide Miavana Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Time + Tide Miavana)

Read our full review: south luangwa national park tours sightseeing cruises Full Review and Details