North Luangwa National Park Safaris

Remote wilderness, walking safaris, and Africa’s last untouched rhino sanctuary.

High Season

July to October

Size

Approx 4,636 square kilometres

Altitude

500–1,200 metres

above sea level

North Luangwa National Park Safari Holidays

Where Wilderness Remains Untamed and Unforgettable

North Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s wildest and most exclusive safari destinations, renowned for its walking safaris and sense of remoteness. With restricted access, limited camps, and strict conservation practices, this is a park for true safari purists.

Here, the thrill lies not just in what you see, but in the raw, unfiltered experience of the wild.

Why Visit North Luangwa National Park?

Located in Zambia’s north-east, North Luangwa is the lesser-known sibling of the famous South Luangwa. But while its southern counterpart attracts more visitors, North Luangwa offers something even rarer — solitude and exclusivity in one of Africa’s most intact ecosystems.

The park’s scenery is dramatic and varied. The Mwaleshi River winds through its heart, flanked by grassy floodplains and shady forests. To the west, the Muchinga Escarpment rises in a wall of rugged beauty, while mopane woodland stretches across much of the park, alive with wildlife.

Unlike most safari parks, North Luangwa is centred around walking safaris. Vehicle access is restricted, ensuring that exploration is intimate and immersive. Walking through the wilderness with expert guides brings an unparalleled connection to the land, offering an adventure that’s both exhilarating and deeply personal.



Conservation lies at the heart of North Luangwa’s identity. It is one of the few places in Zambia where black rhinos roam free, reintroduced through intensive efforts by the Frankfurt Zoological Society. The result is a park that combines conservation success with raw safari authenticity.

Wildlife and Nature

The landscapes of North Luangwa are vast, untamed, and alive with drama. Picture yourself wading through tall golden grasses, listening to the distant roar of lions echoing across the floodplain. The air is heavy with the scent of wild basil, and the silence is broken only by the cry of a fish eagle or the splash of a hippo in the Mwaleshi River.

Wildlife here is both diverse and thrilling. Elephants move in family herds through the mopane, while massive buffalo herds dominate the floodplains. Predators thrive — lions are abundant, and leopards are often seen in riverine thickets. Packs of African wild dogs roam the park, offering rare and electrifying encounters. And, most uniquely, the park protects Zambia’s only free-ranging population of black rhinos.

The birdlife is exceptional, with over 400 species recorded. Carmine bee-eaters, martial eagles, and crowned cranes are just some of the highlights, while the Mwaleshi River attracts flocks of waterbirds during the dry months.

Seasonality shapes the experience. In the dry season, wildlife concentrates around rivers and lagoons, making sightings more reliable and dramatic. In the wet months, the park becomes lush and green, a sanctuary for birds and newborn animals — though accessibility is limited.

North Luangwa’s exclusivity means wildlife encounters feel deeply personal. With so few visitors, it’s not uncommon to watch a pride of lions or a herd of elephants without another soul in sight. It’s this sense of raw wilderness that sets North Luangwa apart — a place where nature remains unspoilt, and safaris are truly wild.

Best Time to Visit North Luangwa

The dry season (June to October) is the best time to visit North Luangwa. Days are warm (25–30°C), nights cool, and vegetation thins, concentrating wildlife along the Mwaleshi River and lagoons.

This is prime time for walking safaris, with excellent chances to see elephants, buffalo herds, lions, and even rhinos.

The green season (November to May) transforms the park into a lush, vibrant wilderness. Heavy rains flood the rivers, turning the landscape into a mosaic of wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands. Birdlife flourishes, and animals give birth in abundance, though most camps close due to inaccessibility.

Special highlights include the black rhino, best seen in the dry months, and large herds of buffalo which dominate the plains.

Walking safaris are particularly rewarding at this time, offering up-close encounters with both wildlife and the landscape itself.

For photographers, early mornings and late afternoons provide golden light across the plains, perfect for dramatic wildlife shots.

In the green season, moody skies and lush colours create atmospheric images that capture the park’s seasonal contrasts.

Practical insight: access is limited in the wet season, and the park is best suited to adventurous travellers comfortable with rustic camps and remote settings.

For those who value privacy and wild authenticity, the dry months are ideal.

Safari Experiences in North Luangwa National Park

North Luangwa offers a safari experience unlike any other — raw, unfiltered, and deeply connected to the wilderness. With walking safaris at its core, every activity immerses you in the park’s wild heart.

• Walking Safaris Along the Mwaleshi: Step into the wild with armed guides leading you across floodplains, woodlands, and riverbanks. Every footprint, sound, and scent takes on meaning, creating an unforgettable sensory adventure.
• Tracking Black Rhinos: Join conservation-led treks to view North Luangwa’s most prized residents — the reintroduced black rhinos. Seeing these rare creatures in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime privilege.
• Buffalo Herd Encounters: Experience the drama of North Luangwa’s massive buffalo herds, sometimes numbering in their thousands. Watching lions circle these giants on foot is one of Africa’s most thrilling safari moments.
• Predator Action in the Wilderness: Lions dominate the floodplains, while leopards and wild dogs provide equally electrifying sightings. With so few visitors, predator encounters are often private, creating an atmosphere of raw intensity.
• Birdwatching Along the Mwaleshi River: The Mwaleshi is alive with waterbirds, from storks and spoonbills to bee-eaters nesting in the banks. Birding here is a feast of colour and sound, especially during the green season.
• Cultural Connections with Local Communities: Learn about the work of the Frankfurt Zoological Society and meet local communities engaged in protecting this wilderness. These experiences highlight the vital link between conservation and culture.

Where to Stay in North Luangwa National Park

North Luangwa National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets, all set within or just outside the park boundaries. These typically include:

• Eco-Luxury Lodges: Set in remote riverine locations, these lodges combine comfort with sustainability. Expect spacious chalets, solar power, and river views, paired with excellent guiding and conservation ethics.
• Tented Camps: Classic under-canvas safaris put you close to the wild, with ensuite tents, open-air dining, and campfires under the stars. Many camps are seasonal, opening only in the dry months.
• Boutique Bush Retreats: Small, characterful camps focus on intimacy and personal hosting, offering a slower pace and authentic connection with the wilderness.
• Mobile Fly-Camps: For adventurous travellers, mobile fly-camps provide the chance to sleep out under the stars, following game movements and maximising your time in the bush.

At Awake in the Wild, we work only with lodges and camps that meet our ethical and sustainability standards. Whether you’re looking for solar-powered luxury or a simple campfire safari experience, we’ll match you to the perfect base. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we’re able to arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

A Selection of our North Luangwa Safari Accommodation

We have access to a wide range of handpicked accommodation options — from rustic eco-camps and authentic bush lodges to stylish tented retreats with breathtaking views. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we can arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

Average Weather and Climate in North Luangwa National Park

The climate in North Luangwa is shaped by the Luangwa Valley’s rhythms, bringing dramatic seasonal contrasts.

The dry season (May–October) sees warm days averaging 25–30°C and cool nights around 10–15°C. Wildlife concentrates along rivers and waterholes, and walking conditions are ideal. Clear skies and golden light make this the best season for both comfort and photography.

The wet season (November–April) transforms the park into a green wonderland. Heavy rains swell the rivers, turning plains into wetlands alive with birdlife. Temperatures rise to 28–32°C during the day, with humid afternoons and dramatic thunderstorms.

Unique to North Luangwa is its remoteness — access is largely restricted to dry months, ensuring exclusivity. The seasonal flooding enhances the park’s role as a breeding ground for birds and antelope.

Seasonal changes in scenery are dramatic — from dusty, golden plains in October to lush, emerald wilderness in January. Each season shapes not only the landscapes but also the safari experience.



Year-round, North Luangwa offers authenticity. Whether you crave predator action, rhino tracking, or simply the silence of the wild, the park delivers an adventure rooted in Africa’s natural rhythms.

Combine with Other Destinations

North Luangwa combines seamlessly with South Luangwa National Park, creating a journey that balances exclusivity with variety.

South Luangwa offers more camps and vehicle-based safaris, while North provides intimacy and walking experiences.

Travellers often pair North Luangwa with Lower Zambezi National Park, contrasting the river-based activities of the Zambezi with the wilderness walks of North Luangwa. For dramatic scenery, adding Victoria Falls creates a spectacular finale.

With good connections via Lusaka, North Luangwa can also be combined with other Southern African highlights, such as Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

Speak to us about creating a tailor-made itinerary that captures Zambia’s wildest experiences.

Travelling from the UK to North Luangwa

There are no direct flights from the UK to Zambia, but connections via Johannesburg, Dubai, Doha, or Addis Ababa provide easy routes to Lusaka. Flight times from London average 13–15 hours including a stopover.

From Lusaka, light aircraft flights connect travellers to airstrips near North Luangwa, usually via Mfuwe. Flights take around 2–3 hours, followed by scenic transfers into the park. Road access is possible but lengthy and best suited for adventurous travellers.

UK passport holders require a visa for Zambia, which can be obtained online or on arrival. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond entry. Malaria precautions are advised, and Awake in the Wild provides up-to-date travel health guidance during trip planning.



We handle every step of the journey — from international flights to lodge transfers — so you can simply focus on the adventure ahead.

Discover the Wild, Your Way: Tailor Your North Luangwa Safari with Us

North Luangwa is a park of raw drama and rare privilege — a place where black rhinos roam, lions roar across silent floodplains, and every step on foot feels like a return to Africa’s wildest roots. Its remoteness, exclusivity, and conservation success make it a safari unlike any other.



Talk to us about the experiences you’ve always dreamed of. We’ll match you with handpicked lodges, expert local guides, and authentic adventures that bring North Luangwa National Park to life.

Speak to one of our safari specialists today — call us or fill out our quick enquiry form, and let’s start planning your tailor-made adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions