Located in eastern Zambia, South Luangwa National Park is a premier African safari destination, renowned for its extraordinary concentration of wildlife, unspoiled landscapes, and pioneering walking safaris. Spanning approximately 9,050 square kilometers, the park forms part of the broader Luangwa Valley ecosystem — one of the most intact in Africa.

🐾 Wildlife and Biodiversity

South Luangwa is home to an impressive variety of wildlife:

• Over 60 mammal species, including large populations of elephants, buffalo, hippos, and all major predators: lions, leopards, hyenas, and the increasingly frequent sightings of African wild dogs (painted wolves).
• Several endemic and rare species, such as the Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest, and Crawshay’s zebra.
• A birding haven with more than 400 bird species, including seasonal spectacles such as the nesting colonies of carmine bee-eaters, as well as year-round favorites like Pel’s fishing owl, African fish eagle, and ground hornbills.

The park's healthy predator-prey balance and the visibility of elusive species like wild dogs make it a top choice for photographers and safari enthusiasts.

🌍 Terrain and Landscapes

South Luangwa’s terrain is remarkably varied:

• The lifeblood of the region is the Luangwa River, a dynamic watercourse lined with mature woodlands, sandbanks, and oxbow lagoons.
• The surrounding landscape features open grasslands, mopane and miombo woodlands, acacia groves, and seasonal floodplains.
• This diversity creates rich habitats that support high wildlife densities and allow for varied safari experiences across the seasons.

During the dry season (May to October), animals concentrate near water sources, making sightings more predictable. In the green season (November to April), the park transforms into a lush, verdant paradise ideal for birding and landscape photography.

✈️ How to Get There

Access to South Luangwa National Park is straightforward:

• By Air: The closest airport is Mfuwe International Airport (MFU), which has daily domestic flights from Lusaka and seasonal connections from Lilongwe, Malawi and other regional hubs. The airport is about a 45-minute drive from the park’s main entrance at Mfuwe Gate.
• By Road: From Lusaka, the journey takes approximately 10 to 12 hours by car, passing through Chipata. The final stretch to Mfuwe includes gravel roads but is navigable year-round. It is also possible to drive from Lilongwe (Malawi) to Mfuwe via the border at Mchinji.

Travel Insurance Recommendation

We strongly recommend that all guests secure comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation (airlift) coverage. Kudu Safari Lodge is located in a remote part of South Luangwa National Park, where access to advanced medical care is limited. While basic medical facilities may be available nearby, specialist doctors and emergency treatment may require air transfer to a major hospital. Having full insurance with airlift provisions ensures peace of mind and immediate assistance in case of serious illness or injury. Your safety is our priority, and proper coverage is essential when traveling in such a wild and beautiful region.