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Wildlife & Animals in South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa Safaris South Luangwa National Park

Wildlife viewing in South Luangwa National Park is fantastic. You’ll likely see plenty of animals here including four of the Big Five (only rhino is missing). Elephants regularly cross the river and herds of buffalo can be hundreds strong. Lion and leopard are equally common, and night drives are very productive for seeing spotted hyenas, genet, bush baby and maybe even porcupine.

  • Abundant
  • Common
  • Occasional
  • Rare
  • None
Elephant
Abundant
Giraffe
Common
Hippo
Abundant
Buffalo
Abundant
Zebra
Common
Wildebeest
Rare
White Rhino
None
Black Rhino
None
Lion
Common
Leopard
Common
Cheetah
None
Hyena
Common
Wild Dog
Occasional

Wildlife Highlights

The Luangwa Valley has a few very special animals. Most iconic is the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe with its cryptic patterns. Also look out for Cookson’s wildebeest, another endemic to the country. Last but not least is Crawshay's zebra, a regional subspecies with distinctive stripes. Other, more widespread rarities include roan antelope and the diminutive Sharpe’s grysbok.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time to visit South Luangwa is the middle and end of the Dry season: July to October. During these months you will see lots of wildlife because the bush in the park isn’t as dense and the animals have gathered around the pools of the Luangwa River.


Wildlife Photos

Want To Visit South Luangwa NP?

61 South Luangwa Safaris