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hemrin2000
US
Visited:
December 2002
Reviewed: Apr 24, 2012
20-35 years of age
Absolutely amazing
After we got back to the lodge, we had lunch. We are vegetarians and had informed the lodge of our meal preference up front. We rested a bit in the afternoon in the lodge. We went out again for an evening safari where we saw a leopard that was trailing a herd of impalas. We slowly followed it for
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about 45mins as it was inching closer and closer to one implala it had singled out. Unfortunately, it was getting very dark and we decided to head back.Overall, a very good experience. Would definitely go again.
Trapperjem
Visited:
August 2011
Reviewed: Apr 24, 2012
Fantastic first safari, few people and lots of animals.
This was a fantastic 4 day safari, 2 days at Kapani Lodge and 2 days at a very luxurious bush at Mchenji with Norman Carr Safaris. We saw more than 60 different species of animals and birds during those days. The guides and scout were exceptionally well trained and knowledgeable on most aspects of the wildlife and plants. A very personal service was provided and the night drives were terrific for seeing hippos feeding on land and several leopards, a very special treat. A great destination for all the great African mammals except cheetah and rhino.
During the two 3-4 hour drives each day we only met other a couple of 4x4. There was none of that following along in a queue of traffic! The food and the accommodation were also 1st class. I highly recommend this place.
There are safari parks, and there is South Luangwa.
I visited with my eldest son in early August 2107, the beginning of the busy season. We wanted to a walking safari, and our tour operator recommended Remote Safaris, as they have three lodges an easy walking distance apart towards the northern part of the reserve. Although the lodges were fully booked in the peak period of September and October, they were less than 50% occupied. We stayed three nights in the main camp of before walking to … Crocodile River. We were the only occupants in the two satellite camps.
The combination
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of walking and vehicle game experiences meant we had many sightings, including leopard (three times from vehicle), lion, and wild dog, who passed within five metres of us when walking on our final day.Hippos are abundant in the Luangwa river; elephants abound, and we had many sightings of zebra, giraffe, and antelopes. Every sighting even of the common herbivores gave us a different perspective, especially when walking; there is that extra feeling of adventure when you tiptoe slowly near an antelope, or freeze when elephant is close.
The scenery adds to the experience. The sublime mapone forest, with many trees devastated by elephants, contrasts with the rich vegetation around the river. According to our guide, some guests request a long walk simply to experience the feeling of isolation and peace.
The birdlife is amazing. We viewed 78 species and photographed many close up. Our guide told us much about footprints and plant life as we made our way through the bush.
South Luangwa is expensive. It is difficult to visit for overseas travellers, requiring a flight into ….and then on onward journey to your camp. But the reward is experiencing something very special: abundant wildlife in a remote location where, for the most part, you alone are the sole human participant.
Close to being the finest National Park in Africa
I've already been to South Luangwa National park 3 times and will be going again next year. This is simply an outstanding place in every way, shape and form. It has an outstanding bush vibe as well as exceptional guiding. The night drives and walking are unbeatable.
The wildlife is just superb. I saw so many elephants, hippos, lions, leopards and antelope. The birdlife was just superb.
You will love it - see lots without huge crowds.
It has almost all major animals except rhino. Not overwhelmed with tourist vehicles - a bit more private experience. Our guide was super - including positioning the vehicle for best photo angles. Have been to parks in 4 countries and this is my favorite for the overall experience.
Jennifer
CA
Visited:
October 2017
Reviewed: Nov 11, 2017
Email Jennifer | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beyond our imagination and exceeded our wildest dreams
South luangwa national park is truly the most "natural" place we have ever visited. And we are avid wildlife hikers. The sheer volume of wildlife - of many many species - everywhere was something we'd never experienced. The number of species of birds, animals, insects was wondrous. The bush camp company guides are local and very very knowledgeable about the wildlife and also reading the 'signs', watching the animal interactions, behaviour to know what was happening. I cannot recommend enough helping to keep this park as it is. For some of these animals it is the last bastion. And our outings were respectful of nature and animals.
Payam Mazloum
CA
Visited:
December 2015
Reviewed: May 17, 2016
Email Payam Mazloum | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The park of never ending experiences
I have traveled to this park over 20 different times over the last 10 years and really that should say it all!
Every time I go without a doubt I experience something new. This attests to the diversity of the park and the general quality of the guides available.
As a photographer, this is the park in which I have captured my most amazing shots! (Google Payam Mazloum Photography to see for yourselves).
As for accommodations, depending on how much you are willing to spend, there is a large variety of quality locations, but regardless of where you stay, the safari experience will be consistently amazing.
Alberto Rametta
IT
Visited:
October 2015
Reviewed: Dec 29, 2015
Email Alberto Rametta | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A surprising experience
For the first time in Africa I saw lions hunting buffalos, just meters from our car (I know, there is a big part of luck in that ...), a lot of leopards, a lot of herbivores, not forgetting elephants and ippos.
We enjoy so much also "the walking safari" also if I was afraid before to go, but the experience of our guide (unluckly I forgot the name) made it only a pleasant walk.
Also the accomodation at Croc Valley Camp was excellent: nice cottages in the middle of the bush and a nice restaurant, and you know how italians are demaning on food.
Hope this short text could explain our satisfaction
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to stay at South Luangwa National Park and a great thank to our tour operator Africa Wild Truck from Blantyre (Malawi) who supported us in Zambia.Alberto Rametta
Allen
GB
Visited:
July 2015
Reviewed: Aug 26, 2015
Email Allen | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
First Safari and after this trip will not be my last
The Park is fantastic, not crowded with load of vehicles and people, the wildlife is always very close and relatively safe, the guides really know there stuff and are brilliant at their job, we stayed at the Lion Camp, which is up market for a Safari, very comfortable, brilliant food and transportation was always there on time and always safe. Highlights were the six Leopards we saw - beautiful animals, we also saw Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Antelope and too many bird species to mention. Night Drives were fun, but you need a good camera to capture the views on film, walking safari's are very educational - you will learn a lot about POO. Overall a great experience, wish we had seen two camps rather than just one to allow us to make a comparison, apart from that fantastic, but we were very tired when we got home - not used to 05.30 starts.
D. Armstrong
Visited:
November 2010
Reviewed: May 26, 2015
Even in Ultra-Dry Conditions, South Luangwa NP is not to be Missed
I traveled to South Luangwa National Park in late November, during one of the driest portion of an already dry-spell. Even so, the scenic beauty and wildlife were spectacular - and concentrated around the dwindling river systems. Although not a "birder" per se, the southern portions of the park are highly recommended for bird lovers.