North Luangwa National Park

Pros & Cons

• Excellent wildlife viewing with all the Big Five present
• The only black rhino population in the country
• Remote wilderness area set aside for walking
• Excellent add-on to a conventional safari in South Luangwa
• Self-drive visitors are allowed in the northern part of the park but need to be self-sufficient
• Very limited, expensive, fly-in accommodation options in the southern wilderness area

Wildlife

The wildlife is similar to what you can see in South Luangwa. All the Big Five are present and can be encountered, although black rhino is held in a sanctuary for the time being. The rare, endemic Cookson's wildebeest is more common here than in its sister park, and giraffe is absent. Lion and buffalo are regularly seen, as are big herds of eland and Lichtenstein's hartebeest.

• More about North Luangwa's wildlife

Scenery

North Luangwa is part of the southern extension of Africa’s Great Rift. The Luangwa river acts as the eastern boundary, but the Mwaleshi River is the lifeline of the park. Mopane and miombo woodland, acacia shrub, grassland savannah and riverine forest are some of the habitats that make up this lush valley. The Muchinga escarpment is a prominent landmark.

Weather & Climate

North Luangwa has a tropical climate with fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The park is subject to a Dry season (May to October) characterized by hot days, cold nights and no rain. Its Wet season (November to April) gets even hotter.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time to Visit

You can only go on organized safaris in North Luangwa in the Dry season (May to October). The wildlife viewing is particularly good from July, when animals stay close to the remaining pockets of water and are easier to track. Lodges and tours shut down when the rains come and the heat soars.

• More about the best time to visit

Want to Visit North Luangwa NP?

• North Luangwa safaris and tours
• Tour operators for North Luangwa