Destinations / The Best Places for a Safari in Africa / South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is the perfect place for a safari on foot, here you would truly get the experience of being in Africa. Here you will find a sea of fowls and more than 400 species of birds. The Luangwa River is filled to the brim with hippos and if you're lucky, you'll meet a pack of 30 lions and more others. The park is home to more than 60 different animal species and more than 400 different bird species. The South Luangwa Park offers both a low cost and a luxury accommodation of safari. The best time to visit is the dry season from April to October. Toward the end of this season the animals concentrate very strongly around the remaining ponds which makes Safari even better. One of the best national parks in Zambia is undoubtedly located in the north-east of the capital reserve South Luangwa. The protected area is about nine thousand square miles, a significant part of the Luangwa Valley, the left tributary of the great Zambezi. A gateway to the river valley is the Chaypata town. The city is located south of the reserve and, therefore, is somewhat closer to Lusaka . North of the conservation area is the Mpika city where the Luangwa National Parks Board is located next to the North Luangwa. To attend the reserve is equally convenient as the city is near and the traveler has the opportunity to stay in the comfort of the hotel. Going on a fascinating tour through the park is interesting to remember that this is where the idea of the so-called walking safari. Do not think of a better way for closer acquaintance with the wildlife than a leisurely walking tour. Walking safaris are conducted in the park every morning, there is also an opportunity to participate in the jeep safari in either case, the group will not exceed 6-7 people. And, by the way, if we are talking about the safari, it is useful to recall the significance of the word "safari" - translated from Swahili it means 'journey', but in English and other languages "safari" is not just a journey, but also an experience related to the observation of wild animals. So, go on safari!
The first thing that impresses the traveler in the Luangwa Valley, not even a variety of animal species living here, and wonderful, beautiful landscapes stretching thousands of miles an infinite strip covered with lush grass plains, picturesque lagoon. The rich vegetation grows on fertile soils, consisting of sediments of the river, flowing during heavy rains. Luangwa often changes its course, eroding beaches, many forms of temporary hoses and inlets. Close to the forest a flooded area thrives, consisting mainly of mopane trees. These trees grow well in heavy clay soil and resemble tall oaks. Mopane forests in the valley of the Luangwa are great belt of forest, crossing the continent of Africa from Angola to Transvaal province in the Republic of South Africa . In the forests mopane can even see some animals that are not found in the area, but are found on the plains of East Africa. The most surprising among them are giraffes and antelopes Impala. In the dry season herds of buffalo, zebra and antelope are going to the river. Herds of elephants, drawn mopane leaves in South Luangwa Reserve more numerous than anywhere else in Zambia. If you are lucky, you can see the band, numbering 60-70 animals. Marshy places along the banks of Luangwa, warm water shallow creeks are inhabited by hippos and crocodiles. Even in the dry season in floodplain areas are a lot of swamps and puddles surrounded by thickets of high grass, which throb with life. Around such perennial water bodies are going to drink all the surrounding animals, herbivores and predators together. Interestingly, the elephants are the only African mammals (except for baboons) involved in the exploration and production of water. Deftly using the tusks, they scraped the dry land, deepening the trunk opening. Dug wells elephants can sometimes reach a depth meter, and these sources of water are used by other animals. Hard times have had to endure together. In addition to the 60 species of mammals, the national park is inhabited by a large numbers of birds, more than 400 species. In the rainy season, which lasts here from December to April, there is a great variety of migratory birds. Predatory hawk hobby, living everywhere in Eurasia and North Africa, by December moves into the miombo woods, where they remain for the entire rainy season. In Africa, these small predators feed mainly on termites, which at the beginning of the rainy season starts swarming, and they leave their nests. Artful falcon hunts for termites in the air, and even heavy rain hunting is not a hindrance. Unfortunately, because the terrain consists of lowland, it is categorically impossible to visit the reserve during the rainy season. So, see the masterly work of Hunter's hardly happen to, but a closer look at his young victims of the winged insect world is always possible. Especially even termites usually do not have to look for. Yes, this is it – a dome-shaped or pyramid-shaped building, several feet high and completely deserted-looking - always part of the landscape in any tropical country. Contrary to the idea of termites as the relatives of ants, the ants are not even distant relatives, too soon ... cockroaches. The very same word "termite" comes from the Greek "termes" which means "the end". Alas, in which a lot of bitter truth. After all, food is the only termite cellulose. In other words - wood.
The famous German traveler Alexander von Humboldt, in his time returning from a trip to South America, noted with regret: rare on this continent, you can see the book over fifty years - for books hunt termites. Pulp - not just books, it's wooden houses, furniture, articles of cotton, cane, leather ... Known funny - or scary? A story about a traveler who was fast asleep. That is, sleep clothed, and woke up naked - stripped of its termites so carefully that he did not feel and never woke up. No one ever sees termites. As a rule, only the results of their hard work. Strong house suddenly crumbles into dust, but the fact that termites manage, gnawing the object inside, outside to keep it perfectly intact. They, incidentally, cannot be otherwise, but from within it is itself a term, being weak and defenseless. He cannot live either in the natural environment or in the light, his eyes are atrophied, the chitinous membrane is thin and colorless. And instead of all that nature than it cheated - a unique talent to build firmly on the light house. The hardness and strength of the outer shell of the home is amazing. Most termites are preserved intact for many years, often longer than human life. In other areas of Africa, the old large termite mounds were first boundary post, the original boundary.
Maps of South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
map South AfricaOthers from The Best Places for a Safari in Africa
If you are looking for the best safari where you are almost guaranteed to see the "big five" most popular animals (big five most popular types of animals: lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos and elephants), then you cannot be wrong if you choose these places.
If you plan to go on a safari in Africa, we know that there are many aspects that you need to take note: for example, what animals you want to look at, what is the best time to go and do, what type of safari you prefer with all the amenities , camping, traveling, economy-camp - there are plenty to choose from.
The first thing you need to decide on what animal you want to watch.
Mammals, birds, reptiles or The Big Five most popular animals are: lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos and elephants.
If you want to see these animals during a trip, then you should go to Masai Mara, Kenya, Kruger National Park, South Africa or Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
If you're interested to see gorillas, we would advise you to go to Rwanda, Uganda and Gabon.
If you work inspired by Jane Goodall and prefer to see chimpanzees, then you certainly need to visit Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania.
Enough to see a lot of elephants, a better place than the Okavango Delta, Botswana is not found.
To see the king of beasts- the lions, go to the Serengeti and protected areas Ngor, Ngorongo Conservation Area, South Africa - this is the best place to admire the lions.
In southern Africa, it is deserved to be mentioned South Luangwa National Park, as it is full of lions that live there more freely than in other places, equipped for tourists.
To see the black rhino is not easy, but still you have a chance to see him briefly in the Etosha National Park, Kruger National Park and in the Chobe National Park.
The huge number of hippos and crocodiles are in lakes and rivers of east and southern Africa.
More than anything I've seen them in a canoe safari in the Zambezi River, which flows between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania and the Liwonde National Park in Malawi, also offer good conditions to observe hippos and crocodiles, but beware, these animals are extremely dangerous.
If the bird-watching is your passion, then you will be pleased to know that in Eastern and Southern Africa are available bird safari to view birds.
You must decide for yourself how close you want to get to the wildlife in Africa.
If you do not like watching the wildlife out of the SUV, then do not despair - there are plenty of alternative methods.
Safari on elephants The best offer on the back of an elephant safari is of Abu Camp in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
Also, several of these trips are available in Zimbabwe, but throughout the safari.
Since elephants usually make their way to the desert, you may not much be watching, but the impression received from the fact that you are sitting high up on this huge beast, is definitely worth it.
Safari on foot If you're in good shape and love the thrill, then go on a safari on foot.
Guides will tell you many interesting things while walking, but because you are on your feet, you can do well close to the species, smells and sounds of African nature.
Safari on a mountain bike A great option for cycling for enthusiasts, this safari will make you experience the excitement, to show their flexibility! Canoe Safari Swimming along the Zambezi river among hippos and crocodiles, camping under the stars to the sounds of lions roaring in the night, crossing the river the spectacle of elephants - that's what a safari in a canoe.
It's magical.
Balloon Safaris It is rather expensive, but once in life itself, you can afford.
It's an unforgettable experience.
Safari on the ball offers the largest national parks.
The best place for it is in Serengeti Plains, where you can watch from the height the annual migration of wildebeest.
Passengers are treated to traditional hot air balloon with champagne.
Safari on a camel The advantage of traveling on a camel is that your guides are likely to be Aboriginal.
It's not so attracting like on a horse, but is funny and romantic.
Safari on horseback You can arrange the race for the zebras and antelopes! It is memorable, but you have to be completely healthy and have a great experience rider to take advantage of this safari.
Safari - Hunt If you want to go to Africa, not only to film by camera, but to use the gun to do a lot of options.
You will be able to bring the trophy to your living room.
Having selected the type of safari you're interested in, the next step is the selection of service levels in the safari .
From the list of the categories below, you can pick up a luxury, the usual safari, or something in between.
Traditional (mobile) safari tent The mobile camp moves with you from one location to another.
The camp is usually broken down for you in advance and is convenient of the level that you have chosen.
As a rule, in the camp you will have hot water shower, gourmet food and lots of servants, ready to meet your needs.
If you prefer to follow in the footsteps of Hemingway, this type of safari is for you.
Mobile safari is nice because you can get into more remote areas the African savannah.
Recommendations : Nomad Safari Guides : Tentage safari in Tanzania.
Abercrombie & Kent : Try their famous tour of Kenya Hemingway Safari.
Outback Africa : general camping safari.
Safari tours As a rule, you'll travel on a group of SUVs or pickup.
The itinerary of the safari is drawn up in every single day, you'll know it in advance.
It includes food, accommodation, leisure pastime.
There will be a guide who will help you throughout the safari and negotiate various issues.
Safari tours are a wonderful thing if you do not want too much difficulty during the trip.
The guides are usually well chosen, well-informed, which makes it possible to travel to more remote areas of Africa.
Recommendations : Taga Safari : Safari offers excellent tours in Malawi.
Explore Tanzania : A good example of a seven-day safari tours at reasonable prices.
Botswana Explorer : Chic guided tour that includes a walk to the best parks in Botswana and Victoria Falls at night.
Safari Package (a complete solution for safari) This species is similar to the safari tours, tour package offers you a definite route with accommodation and meals, but you are not traveling in a group.
All of your reservation will be made for you, so you do not have to worry about anything, in all other aspects you are the independent traveler.
Safari Package is a good option for those who choose to go to Africa for the first time, and for those who are limited financially, as these tours often cost little cheaper than others.
Recommendations : Kenya Discovery Tour: an eight-round package of top-notch Kenyan wildlife parks.
Northern Tanzania: a two-week tour of national parks in Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Luangwa Explorer Safari: the best tour in the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, includes foot safari.
Independent safari by car If you actually choose to plan your trip, take a car and drive on the reserve, which you will choose! Not bad, of course, pre-study, and perhaps to copy an existing route that you like.
Parks usually are fairly remote places, so bring your extra supplies of food, water and fuel.
It is necessary to use the services of a tour agency or a tour operator to book a room and a car in advance.
Independent safaris are suitable for South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, but for countries like Zambia and Malawi, where infrastructure is poorly developed , a lack of gas stations and roads, an independent safari cannot be called a good choice.
Of course, if you do not find a fun ride, consisting of a detour on the road potholes the size of a truck, people, goats and dogs.
Otherwise, it is better to travel in these countries buying the tour.
Recommendations : Wildlife Africa: tours by car in South Africa.
Namibian Org.
: Enjoy Namibia at a time when you want it and at a pace which you can.
Safari Drive Car cover safari tours in several African countries, particularly in Kenya.
Safari with the arrival on site For absolute convenience, the operator of a charter flight can throw you right in the park.
These kinds of safaris allow you to visit the reservation and parks, which are not accessible by road offering a trip into the wild life as it once was.
Moving by air also saves time that can be spent on land and allows you to not spend a moment in vain and you can enjoy views of wildlife.
Recommendations : South Africa Fly-in safaris: a huge number of options available, including the Kruger National Park.
Skeleton Coast, Namibia: Experience the shipwreck in the desert, it's a little scary, but exciting at the same time.
On this tour you will not see much wildlife around.
Botswana Fly-in safaris: A good way to quickly move and visit some of the best parks, accessible only by air.
Images of South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, icons, photos, figures, visions, appearances, illustrations, snapshots, captures, canvas and pictures of South Luangwa National Park, Zambia - The Best Places for a Safari in Africa
