National Park in Zambia
A walking-only wilderness on the Mwaleshi River
North Luangwa National Park is one of the wildest and least visited parks in Africa. It lies to the north of South Luangwa, across the Luangwa River, and has no roads to speak of, no permanent lodges and only a handful of small walking camps. It is walking country, and visitors explore the valley on foot with expert guides and armed rangers.
The park has been rebuilt by conservationists, in a partnership with the Frankfurt Zoological Society, and black rhino were reintroduced here, the first in Zambia for some years. Large herds of buffalo and elephant, lion and leopard, and Cookson's wildebeest live in the valley. The sense of space and solitude is hard to find elsewhere.
It is open from about June to November, and it suits experienced safari-goers.
The park has huge herds of buffalo, elephant, Cookson’s wildebeest, eland, zebra and impala, as well as lion, leopard, spotted hyena and wild dog. Black rhino have been reintroduced, but sightings are rare.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
A broad valley of grassland and woodland, framed by the Muchinga escarpment, with the Mwaleshi River running through the middle. The sense of space is hard to match.
Activities here
North Luangwa is hot and wet in summer, and dry and warm in winter. The rains fall from November to April, and the park is closed for most of that period.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 19 | 230 |
| Feb | 30 | 19 | 210 |
| Mar | 30 | 18 | 170 |
| Apr | 30 | 17 | 45 |
| May | 29 | 13 | 5 |
| Jun | 27 | 10 | 0 |
| Jul | 27 | 10 | 0 |
| Aug | 30 | 12 | 0 |
| Sep | 33 | 16 | 0 |
| Oct | 35 | 19 | 20 |
| Nov | 33 | 20 | 100 |
| Dec | 31 | 19 | 210 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to October is dry. The Mwaleshi River shrinks and wildlife concentrates along the river and on the plains.
November to May is hot and wet. Roads and rivers flood, the camps close, and the park is inaccessible.
July to October is the best time. The camps are open from about June to November.
Best time to visit Jul to Nov
North Luangwa is reached by a charter flight from Mfuwe, South Luangwa, of about 30 to 40 minutes. Most visitors combine it with South Luangwa. Light aircraft have a 20 kilogram soft-bag limit.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Many nationalities are exempt from a Zambian visa for stays of up to 90 days, and others can buy a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa. Please check the rules for your passport.
The park is remote and a malaria area, so please take medical advice. Evacuation is by air, so good insurance is essential.
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“Our take”
North Luangwa is for travellers who like to walk. Stay at least four nights, and be ready for long, quiet days.
Safaris from
US$8,272 per person
Plan your time in North Luangwa
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Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
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