South Luangwa National Park
Zambian park known for photographic and walking safaris.
South Luangwa National Park is a protected area in eastern Zambia, initially established as the Luangwa Game Reserve in 1904 and designated a national park in 1972. It covers 9,050 km² in the Luangwa River valley and is known for its diverse wildlife and pioneering role in photographic and walking safaris.
- established_as_game_reserve
- 1904
- became_national_park
- 1972
- area
- 9,050 km² (3,490 sq mi)
- location
- Eastern Province, Zambia
- major_river
- Luangwa River
- bird_species
- over 400
- mammal_species
- over 60
Lore & Background
South Luangwa National Park was initially created as Luangwa Game Reserve in 1904. British conservationist Norman Carr was influential in setting up the park, breaking the mould of track-and-hunt safari to create conservation-based tourism. In the 1950s, the Nsefu Game Reserve (a separate area) was established on tribal land; it later became part of the park. The first game viewing camp opened to the public in Northern Rhodesia, where guests shot with cameras instead of rifles, making South Luangwa the home of the photographic and walking safari. Profits from this remote camp went back into the community.
Reader's Guide
The park spans two eco-regions—Southern Miombo woodlands on higher slopes and Zambezian and Mopane woodlands on the valley floor—supporting grazers like zebra and leaf browsers like giraffe. Floodplains near the river sustain hippopotamus, whose dung fertilizes the water and supports fish and crocodiles. The Luangwa valley contains endemic animals such as Cookson's wildebeest and Crawshay's zebra, and its lack of roads has helped conserve wildlife. The Nsefu Sector in the north has high densities of leopards and stable populations of lions, spotted hyenas, and African wild dogs. Black rhinos were extirpated by 1987, and elephant populations have faced serious pressure. Since 2005, the park is considered a Lion Conservation Unit with North Luangwa National Park.
Did You Know?
- South Luangwa National Park was founded as a game reserve in 1904 and became a national park in 1972.
- The park supports over 400 bird species and more than 60 mammal species, including Rhodesian giraffe and African bush elephant.
- The Nsefu Sector contains natural geothermal springs and some of the highest recorded densities of leopards in southern Africa.
- Black rhinos were extirpated from the park by 1987.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was South Luangwa National Park established?
The area was first set aside as the Luangwa Game Reserve in 1904, and it received its national park designation in 1972.
How large is South Luangwa National Park?
The park spans 9,050 square kilometres (about 3,490 square miles) across the Luangwa River valley.
Where is South Luangwa National Park located?
It sits in Zambia's Eastern Province, centred on the valley of the Luangwa River.
What makes South Luangwa National Park unique among Zambian parks?
It pioneered both photographic safaris and guided walking safaris, and it is home to more than 400 bird species alongside a wide range of other wildlife.
Why is South Luangwa National Park important for conservation?
As one of Zambia's oldest protected areas, it has safeguarded the Luangwa River valley's ecosystems for over a century and continues to support a rich, diverse wildlife community.
More in National parks of Zambia 1-20
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