Located in the prehistoric part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, North Luangwa National Park is the northernmost of the three national parks situated in the Luangwa Valley. The Luangwa River has sculpted this distinctive landscape over countless years, earning it the title of “The Real Africa” in the eyes of many.
Established as a game reserve in 1938, this isolated 4,636km² area was designated as a national park in 1972. The North Luangwa protected ecosystem has expanded to encompass more than 22,000km² of nearly pristine landscapes, with the National Park at its core. The ecosystem hosts a unique and diverse community of species and stands as one of the last large, undisturbed areas in central Africa. As the sole park in Zambia featuring the Big 5, it provides one of the most remarkable environments for game viewing experiences in Zambia, if not the whole continent. Founded in 1986, the North Luangwa Conservation Program represents a collaboration between the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Zambian Department of National Parks and Wildlife aimed at preserving the North Luangwa ecosystem. The program provides practical and impactful conservation efforts that emphasize the management of protected areas and the empowerment of communities.
The North Luangwa Conservation Program has achieved its conservation success through effective protected area management strategies that focus on long-term impact. By engaging communities in management decisions, the program fosters pride, builds social capital, and provides socio-economic benefits, all of which enhance conservation outcomes.
Attractions in North Luangwa National Park
Rivers
The park is home to several river tributaries that converge with the Luangwa River, significantly contributing to the region’s ecological system. The crystal-clear waters of river Mwaleshi cascade down the escarpment, forming a series of stunning small waterfalls. The river recedes in the dry season, creating many pools along its path. These draw various wild animals to their banks as they seek out water holes for a drink. In the Mwaleshi region, only trekking safaris are permitted; game drives are not allowed.
Buffaloes
The park is renowned for its sizable herds of resident buffaloes; witnessing them run is a striking sight, as they kick up significant clouds of dust in their wake. This area is home to numerous lions, and it is quite typical to observe them hunting and making their kill. Among the other commonly observed mammals are Crawshay’s zebra, hyena, vervet monkey, bushbuck, baboon, impala, warthog, puku, and Cookson’s wildebeest – Connochaetes taurines cooksoni; which is a subspecies of the great Blue Wildebeest.
Elephants
Elephants are sometimes spotted, though not as frequently as in South Park; however, you can expect to see reedbucks, elands, and hartebeest. The bird species observed in South Park have been thoroughly documented and acknowledged as inhabitants of this area. The commonly observed species consist of Pel’s fishing owl, Lilian’s lovebird, carmine bee-eater, broad-billed roller, crowned cranes, giant eagle owl, and the purple-crested louries. Occasionally, one might view the bathawk, osprey, and the black coucal.
What to do in North Luangwa National Park
Game Drives
The ‘Big 5’ in Zambia are exclusively located in North Luangwa. The park hosts numerous lions that often follow herds of buffalo as they traverse the area. Additionally, there are numerous elephants and various species such as Cookson’s wildebeest, elk, and Puku. This region is home to over 350 different bird species, offering a wealth of opportunities for birdwatching.
Birding
The Park serves as a favored destination for bird watching, boasting over 410 documented species. Birding is often especially fulfilling as the wilderness area is reserved exclusively for walking.
Even the most hesitant birdwatcher will always remember the Southern Carmine Bee-eater colonies that make their homes along riverbanks. Certain species, including the babbling starling and the chestnut-backed sparrow-weaver, are exclusively located on the escarpment. Similar to South Luangwa, North Luangwa is a haven for bird enthusiasts. All the birds from the South have also been documented here. Regularly observed are the crowned cranes, purple crested loeries, broad billed roller, Lilian’s lovebird, the carmine bee-eater, giant eagle owl, and Pel’s fishing owl. From time to time, one can observe the bat hawk, black coucal, and osprey.
Nature Walks
The park is located in an isolated area with restricted access. This allows for easy exploration on foot, enabling visitors to genuinely experience the essence of the African wilderness with knowledgeable guides who accompany them throughout the safari. It serves as a sanctuary for nature walks, featuring small bush camps that facilitate easy viewing of the park’s stunning landscapes, allowing for a full understanding of Africa’s wilderness.
The Northern Park stands out as one of the rare parks in Zambia where visitors are able to walk through and truly immerse themselves in the African bush, thanks to its limited road infrastructure. The limited number of operators and the proficiency of the safari guides contribute to this situation. It is unlikely that you will meet another individual during your entire safari. The walks are not designed as route marches; rather, they focus on appreciating the stunning scenery and wildlife while reconnecting with nature. Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari. It is hard to imagine the level of tension that would arise from encountering a herd of a thousand buffaloes or a charging lion. A skilled scout and an experienced, enthusiastic guide are consistently available during the walks.
How to get there North Luangwa National Park
The main airport in Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN), located 14 kilometers (9 miles) from Lusaka, serves as the primary entry point for most travelers. Domestic flights are offered to Mfuwe International Airport (MFU), conveniently located near the main entrance of South Luangwa National Park.
Many visitors choose to fly between the two parks and incorporate it into their walking safari in South Luangwa. While the park has limited roads, independent travelers can journey from South Luangwa to North Luangwa. The park is now open to adventurous 4×4 enthusiasts, featuring a new game-drive route along the Luangwa River, along with numerous budget-friendly self-catering community camps and campsites.
