Exploring South Luangwa in Zambia
Much like the Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa – Zambia’s other great wilderness area – is dominated and shaped by the river that flows through it. However, it’s quite a different region, and well worth combining with Victoria Falls or Lower Zambezi (or both) by using charter flights to reach the distant corners of this vast country.
South Luangwa is widely regarded as the birthplace of the guided walking safari, and this is an experience you should definitely seek out during your African safari vacation. It’s also known for its diverse landscapes, with the meandering river and its oxbow lakes being the focus. Beyond the river itself, South Luangwa features grasslands, wooded areas and marshes.
Seasons change with the scenery
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about South Luangwa is how dramatically it changes throughout the year. That’s in large part due to the ground beneath your feet – much of South Luangwa is what is known as “black cotton soil” which is dry and dusty in the dry season, but turns to deep, sticky mud when the rains come.
For this reason, many South Luangwa safari camps and lodges close during the summer rains – simply because getting around becomes much more challenging. In addition, the wildlife tends to move to higher, drier ground during the summer, making game viewing less easy.
Alex’s July trip was therefore perfectly timed to enjoy South Luangwa – and other areas in Zambia – at their best.
Chikunto Safari Lodge
Located in the Mfuwe sector of South Luangwa National Park, this lodge offers a genuinely enjoyable safari experience. It’s the ideal starting point for an exploration of the South Luangwa wilderness and the perfect springboard for adventures.
Kaingo Camp
In contrast, this riverside, rustic camp was bursting with personality – in large part thanks to the warmth of the staff. The food blew Alex away, which was something of a delicious puzzle until he discovered that the chef had previously worked at Singita in South Africa. Kaingo is an owner-run property, and Alex felt that this showed in the attention given to even the smaller details.
Another not-to-be-missed feature of Kaingo Camp is its two fantastic hides – one providing views of a busy hippo pool, and the other being a favorite with bird watchers (who also enjoy visits to the carmine bee-eater colonies in the riverbanks). The guiding team is made up of veteran local guides who have all worked together for many years, meaning they can seamlessly coordinate activities to optimize your wildlife viewing.
Chinzombo
A sister camp to Chongwe in the Lower Zambezi, this wonderful camp overlooks a sweeping curve of the Luangwa River, which must be crossed to enter the national park. This is a much more romantic way to embark on each safari, and just one of the many ways in which Chinzombo is raising the bar for lodges in South Luangwa.
With award-winning safari architecture and in-room spa and massage treatments available, Chinzombo is the perfect blend of excitement and deep relaxation, and made for the ideal final stop on Alex’s custom-made Zambia itinerary.
To experience the wonders of Zambia on your next African safari vacation, contact the journey specialists at Journey Beyond today.
