South Luangwa National Park

Nestling at the southern end of the Great rift valley, the ‘South Park’ as it is known is divided by the impressive Luangwa River that cuts through from North to South creating vast oxbow lakes that spread over floodplains providing the lifeline to the area. The Park has become increasingly known over the past few years for its unspoilt beauty and varied, exclusive habitats; It is rare to anyone else whilst staying in much of the park.

Much of its reputation is owed in no small measure to one man, Norman Carr - he was the first to realise the photographic potential of the park and the first to start official ‘walking’ safaris. Whilst working to rehabilitate animals into the wild Norman Carr created a network of bushcamps that he guided walking safaris between, placing a huge emphasis on the level of guiding and being on foot rather than in vehicles. Fifty years later and the vast majority of operators in South Luangwa use his ‘bushcamp’ model and keep to his strict guideline on the incredibly high levels of guiding. It is these bush camps that attract the enthusiasts.

Mfuwe, the gateway to the Luangwa valley, is home to a superb concentration of game and consequently is by far the busiest game driving area. Busy in Luangwa however, is quiet almost everywhere else! The reality is that Mfuwe area has some fantastic lodges and even though the area is the busiest safari region in the entire country, we often recommend clients stay here at the start of their Luangwa trip.

The ‘bush camps’ are located away from Mfuwe, in completely untouched areas that could just as well be private reserves for the number of people you see whilst on safari. They are small camps, with between three and eight rooms guaranteeing a personal service and authentic safari that is hard to find anywhere. Combining Mfuwe and ending in the bushcamps is the common way of seeing the best of both areas.