Luambe National Park
Overview
Zambia Parks
By Alan Murphy
Alan is a renowned Africa expert and has authored many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Zambia.
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.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
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.
Scenery
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.
Best Time to Visit
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.
