South Luangwa Explorer
Five Days in Zambia's Wildlife-Rich Luangwa Valley
Overview
A perfectly balanced five-day introduction to South Luangwa, combining the valley's celebrated game drives and night drives with the walking safaris that made it famous. Staying at superb riverside lodges, you experience one of Africa's most authentic and least crowded great parks in genuine comfort.
With a private guide, twice-daily activities and the Luangwa's extraordinary concentrations of leopard, elephant and plains game, this itinerary delivers a complete, unhurried safari ideal for first-timers and returning enthusiasts alike.
Who It's For
For travellers wanting an authentic, uncrowded Zambian safari with a blend of walking and driving — without compromising on comfort.
The Beyond Africa Difference
We don't just sample the Luangwa. We help you immerse in its wild rhythm for five days.
Walking safaris, night drives, and the knowledge of which pride claimed the buffalo kill last night — this is safari stripped to its purest form.
Package Highlights
Leopard Sightings
Among the best leopard viewing on the continent
Walking & Driving
The signature Luangwa combination
Night Drives
Spotlit nocturnal wildlife encounters
Hippo & Croc
The Luangwa River teems with life
Endemic Wildlife
Thornicroft's giraffe and Cookson's wildebeest
Riverside Luxury
Elegant lodges on the river's edge
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly into Mfuwe and transfer to your riverside lodge. An afternoon game drive eases you into the rhythm of the valley as the sun sets over the Luangwa.
🏨 Accommodation: Time + Tide Mchenja
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Your Route
Tap a marker to see each stop on your journey.
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Time + Tide Mchenja
📍 Luangwa Riverfront
Five elegant tented suites beneath ebony trees on a sweeping bend of the river — pure riverside romance.
From $980 per person per night
Mfuwe Lodge
📍 Mfuwe Sector
A characterful lodge beside two lagoons, famous for its walking elephants and excellent value.
From $520 per person per night
Track + Trail River Camp
📍 Luangwa River
A relaxed, well-priced camp with a superb game-viewing hide overlooking a busy river bend.
From $640 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Signature
(~$625/night)
Handpicked luxury lodges, expert guiding and all-inclusive dining
Get QuoteExclusive
(~$800/night)
Premium suites, enhanced privacy and the finest guiding throughout
Get QuoteUltra-Luxury
(~$1,000/night)
The very best lodges, private vehicle and guide — fully tailor-made
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ All accommodation as specified (or equivalent in chosen tier)
- ✓ All meals as per itinerary and selected beverages
- ✓ Light-aircraft transfers as per itinerary
- ✓ Twice-daily game drives & night drives
- ✓ Guided walking safaris with armed scout
- ✓ All park, conservation and activity fees as specified
- ✓ Airport meet-and-greet and private transfers
- ✓ Laundry service and Wi-Fi at lodges (where available)
- ✓ 24/7 on-trip concierge support from Private Tours Cape Town
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights to/from Africa
- ✗ Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- ✗ Visa and entry fees where applicable
- ✗ Premium imported champagne, fine wines and spirits
- ✗ Spa treatments and wellness extras unless specified
- ✗ Gratuities for guides, trackers and lodge staff (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Personal expenses, curios and items of a personal nature
- ✗ Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
Best time to travel: June–October (dry season). We tailor lodges and timing to the season for the very finest experience.
Safari Preparation Tips
Essential guidance for your journey
Night drive magic
South Luangwa pioneered night drives. Expect leopard, civet, genet, porcupine and the eerie glow of hundreds of eyes.
Hippo encounters
The Luangwa River holds dense hippo pods. Respect their space on foot — they're unpredictable and dangerous out of water.
Birding paradise
Over 400 species, including crowned crane, carmine bee-eater and Pel's fishing owl. Bring binoculars and a field guide.
Bush camp style
Luangwa camps are simple, intimate and solar-powered. Expect bucket showers, kerosene lamps and star-lit dinners.
Photography in low light
Night drives and dense bush mean lower light than Kruger. Bring a fast lens (f/2.8 or wider) and bump your ISO.
Malaria zone
Luangwa is malaria-endemic. Take prophylaxis, use repellent and cover up at dusk. Lodges provide mosquito nets.
Why Choose This Package
Authentic & Uncrowded
South Luangwa offers a wilder, less crowded safari than the big-name parks.
Walking + Driving + Night
The full Luangwa experience in one balanced itinerary.
Riverside Luxury
Some of Africa's most romantic riverside lodges.
Personally Hosted
Curated and supported around the clock by Private Tours Cape Town.
Safaris to Combine with This One
Extend your journey — pair this safari with neighbouring destinations for a multi-country adventure.
South AfricaRomantic Kruger Escape
Pair Zambia's raw walking safaris with Kruger's luxury for a contrasting Southern Africa journey.
ZimbabweVictoria Falls Getaway
Add Victoria Falls for a short, intense water-wilderness adventure.
TanzaniaSerengeti Plains Adventure
Combine Zambia's bushwalking with Tanzania's plains for a multi-country safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the South Luangwa Explorer?
From $2,500 per person | 5 Days / 4 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
