LOCATION DETAILS

The Luangwa valley can be found at the end of Africa’s Great rift valley in North Eastern Zambia. Zambia itself remains one of Africa’s hidden gems, a true wilderness where nature is queen. Real Africa. From the thunderous cascades of the Victoria falls to the little explored Bangweulu swamps and vast wilderness of the Luangwa valley. Zambia is a tribute to the majestic power and beauty of the natural world. The lush fertile soil of the Luangwa valley, its dramatic seasonal changes and the magnificent ever changing and unregulated Luangwa river make for high wildlife populations and it is known as the “valley of the leopard” for its dense leopard population. It boasts the largest hippo population on earth as well as a plethora of other wildlife including, lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. Due to its geographical location, it has three endemic mammal sub-species, the Thornicroft giraffe, Cooksan’s wildebeest and the Crawshay’s zebra along with a magnificent variety of bird species, boasting over 500 species, an ideal location for those of us who are avid birders.

The Luangwa river begins its 770km life in Lilonda and the Mafinga hills, North East Zambia forming one of the major tributaries of the mighty Zambezi river. Its elevation decreases and therefore it becomes a meandering ever changing river, with an expanse of oxbow lakes (known as Luangwa Wafwa’s) and many historical flood plains. This in turn creates a stunning array of different habitats owing to the valley’s dense wildlife populations. The valley floor itself covers an impressive 52,000 square kilometres or 20,000 square miles, of which the South Luangwa National Park covers a vast expanse of this area 9,050 square kilometres of exquisite, wild, and untouched wilderness. The history of the park dates back as far as 1904 when it was known as Luangwa Game Park and 1972 game reserves were transitioned into National Parks.

As the Luangwa flows further south through the National park past Mfuwe and down to the southern reaches of the park you will find the Lusangazi sector. Here you will find yourself in the remote and exclusive paradise that is Sungani Lodge and Kulanidla Camp.