North Luangwa National Park Overview
Known as the untamed sister of the South Luangwa National Park, North Luangwa affords you remarkable opportunities to explore Africa as it was thousands of years ago.
If you love walking safaris, then North Luangwa National Park should be on your bucket-list. Similarly to South Luangwa National Park, it lies on the western bank of the Luangwa River bordered by the dramatic Muchinga Escarpment, which rises over 1000 meters from the valley floor. Covering an estimated 4636 square kilometers, this remote park was only opened to the public in 1984.
This is a Big Five area with black rhino present and well protected in the heart of the park. Although the habitat and wildlife is similar to South Luangwa, the populations are smaller. However, if you are seeking pristine wilderness and a truly exclusive experience, then this is the park to visit.
In 1989, two scientists, Mark and Delia Owens (famous for their book, ‘Cry of the Kalahari’), were granted permission to set up a research station in the Park. Through their influence, and as a means of helping to curb poaching in the area, the authorities allowed entry to a few more safari operators who were able to bring limited numbers into the Park for guided walking safaris and game drives. Their efforts in the North Luangwa are documented in their book ‘Survivors Song / The Eye of the Elephant’.
There are a number of tributary rivers running through the Park and into the Luangwa, which play an instrumental and ecological role in the area. The clear waters of the Mwaleshi River trickle down the escarpment in a series of small yet stunning waterfalls. The river then recedes in the dry season, leaving many pools in its wake; drawing animals to the life-giving water sources. No game drives are permitted in the Mwaleshi area, and access is by organised walking safaris only.
The vegetation ranges from Mopane woodland to Riverine forest, open grasslands and Acacia thickets. Trees include the beautiful Sausage tree, Vegetable Ivory Palms, Red Mahogany and Leadwood.
When To Travel
The operators working in North Luangwa only conduct their safaris in the dry season; from June to October. The remoteness of the park and lack of infrastructure makes it almost impossible to visit during the wet season.
May to October Dry Season
The Park is only accessible during the dry season and these are the best months for viewing game as they congregate to water sources and the vegetation is thinner. July to October is the middle and end of the dry season, and these are the best wildlife viewing months; animals congregate around the remaining water sources. However, October is extremely hot which some people find difficult.
November to April Wet Season
Operators do not conduct safaris during this time of year.
Getting There
Most people visiting North Luangwa do so as an add-on walking safari to South Luangwa and fly between the two parks. Domestic flights operate from here to Mfuwe International Airport (MFU), near South Luangwa’s main gate (and in the high season, there are direct flights from Johannesburg to Mfuwe).
Self-drive visitors are allowed to enter the northern part of North Luangwa by 4×4. The park is very remote and wild, and this expedition should only be undertaken by experienced 4×4 drivers. It is advisable to come in parties of at least two vehicles. Self-drive visitors usually come through Mano Gate in the north of the park.
Species
Wildlife
As a result of a successful reintroduction programme, this is the only Park in Zambia where you can find the endangered black rhino. The Park is renowned for its massive herds of buffalo, which are usually followed by the large prides of lion which inhabit the area. Witnessing a kill is not an uncommon sighting in North Luangwa. Other regularly sighted mammals include hyena, Cookson’s wildebeest, bushbuck, zebra, puku and impala. Elephant and leopard are not seen as frequently as in other parks but are present in the area.
Birdlife
As North Luangwa NP is designated as a walking safari destination, the estimated 400 bird species make this a very rewarding experience for birding enthusiasts. The escarpment area in North Luangwa offers some species not found further south, including the white-winged starling and chestnut-backed sparrow-weaver. The park is also renowned for its raptor species and a total of 38 different raptors have been recorded. Other specialities include the African broadbill, the African pitta, Allen’s gallinule, the Collared palm-thrush, the Dwarf bittern, the Horus swift, Narina trogon and the Yellow-throated longclaw amongst others.
Known as the untamed sister of the South Luangwa National Park, North Luangwa affords you remarkable opportunities to explore Africa as it was thousands of years ago.
If you love walking safaris, then North Luangwa National Park should be on your bucket-list. Similarly to South Luangwa National Park, it lies on the western bank of the Luangwa River bordered by the dramatic Muchinga Escarpment, which rises over 1000 meters from the valley floor. Covering an estimated 4636 square kilometers, this remote park was only opened to the public in 1984.
This is a Big Five area with black rhino present and well protected in the heart of the park. Although the habitat and wildlife is similar to South Luangwa, the populations are smaller. However, if you are seeking pristine wilderness and a truly exclusive experience, then this is the park to visit.
In 1989, two scientists, Mark and Delia Owens (famous for their book, ‘Cry of the Kalahari’), were granted permission to set up a research station in the Park. Through their influence, and as a means of helping to curb poaching in the area, the authorities allowed entry to a few more safari operators who were able to bring limited numbers into the Park for guided walking safaris and game drives. Their efforts in the North Luangwa are documented in their book ‘Survivors Song / The Eye of the Elephant’.
There are a number of tributary rivers running through the Park and into the Luangwa, which play an instrumental and ecological role in the area. The clear waters of the Mwaleshi River trickle down the escarpment in a series of small yet stunning waterfalls. The river then recedes in the dry season, leaving many pools in its wake; drawing animals to the life-giving water sources. No game drives are permitted in the Mwaleshi area, and access is by organised walking safaris only.
The vegetation ranges from Mopane woodland to Riverine forest, open grasslands and Acacia thickets. Trees include the beautiful Sausage tree, Vegetable Ivory Palms, Red Mahogany and Leadwood.
The operators working in North Luangwa only conduct their safaris in the dry season; from June to October. The remoteness of the park and lack of infrastructure makes it almost impossible to visit during the wet season.
May to October Dry Season
The Park is only accessible during the dry season and these are the best months for viewing game as they congregate to water sources and the vegetation is thinner. July to October is the middle and end of the dry season, and these are the best wildlife viewing months; animals congregate around the remaining water sources. However, October is extremely hot which some people find difficult.
November to April Wet Season
Operators do not conduct safaris during this time of year.
Most people visiting North Luangwa do so as an add-on walking safari to South Luangwa and fly between the two parks. Domestic flights operate from here to Mfuwe International Airport (MFU), near South Luangwa’s main gate (and in the high season, there are direct flights from Johannesburg to Mfuwe).
Self-drive visitors are allowed to enter the northern part of North Luangwa by 4×4. The park is very remote and wild, and this expedition should only be undertaken by experienced 4×4 drivers. It is advisable to come in parties of at least two vehicles. Self-drive visitors usually come through Mano Gate in the north of the park.
Wildlife
As a result of a successful reintroduction programme, this is the only Park in Zambia where you can find the endangered black rhino. The Park is renowned for its massive herds of buffalo, which are usually followed by the large prides of lion which inhabit the area. Witnessing a kill is not an uncommon sighting in North Luangwa. Other regularly sighted mammals include hyena, Cookson’s wildebeest, bushbuck, zebra, puku and impala. Elephant and leopard are not seen as frequently as in other parks but are present in the area.
Birdlife
As North Luangwa NP is designated as a walking safari destination, the estimated 400 bird species make this a very rewarding experience for birding enthusiasts. The escarpment area in North Luangwa offers some species not found further south, including the white-winged starling and chestnut-backed sparrow-weaver. The park is also renowned for its raptor species and a total of 38 different raptors have been recorded. Other specialities include the African broadbill, the African pitta, Allen’s gallinule, the Collared palm-thrush, the Dwarf bittern, the Horus swift, Narina trogon and the Yellow-throated longclaw amongst others.
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