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Philip has travelled through Zambia several times and is the author of more than 20 guidebooks to various African destinations.
Philip is the Zambia expert for SafariBookings and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.
Philip is our Zambia expert and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.
This small, little-known park is located in the Luangwa Valley, between North and South Luangwa. There is one Dry season lodge, and if you visit this park, you’ll probably have it to yourself. Wildlife densities are increasing, but are still significantly lower than in neighboring parks. The lodge is located at the river, and elephant are regularly seen coming to drink.
All of the wildlife encountered in well-known South Luangwa can be seen in Luambe. Numbers are lower though, and animals are less habituated. There are plenty of antelope around, including puku, impala, bushbuck, kudu and waterbuck. The river is full of hippo and elephant often come through the lodge to drink. Lion and leopard are around, but sightings are infrequent.
The landscape of Luambe is comprised of open plains and miombo woodland. The Luangwa River is the park’s lifeline, and several lagoons hold permanent water. Riverine forest flanks the river.
Weather & Climate
Luambe has a tropical climate, which means there’s not much variation in temperature throughout the year. The main influences on the weather are the park’s two distinctive seasons. Days are warm and nights are cool in the Dry season (May to October). The Wet season (November to April) brings daily downpours.
There’s no real choice when it comes to visiting Luambe. There’s only one lodge in the park and it doesn’t stay open outside the Dry season (May to October). This coincides with the prime period for wildlife viewing, when animals gather around the local lagoons and rivers. In the wetter months, it’s simply not realistic to try and explore this remote, waterlogged area.
Ariadne is a renowned African wildlife photographer whose work is featured in many well-known guidebooks and magazines.
The heart of the Luangwa Valley, away from the crowds
4/5
Luambe is one of Zambia’s smaller national parks. It is located in the wildlife-rich Luangwa Valley sandwiched between the better-known South and North Luangwa National Parks. Poaching has been a problem here and wildlife viewing isn’t...
No big five or Serengeti-style mega-herds but lots of other wildlife to enjoy. Never saw so many raptors in one place. You need to work a bit harder than in Luangwa because this park was recently established and animals here are not used...