South Luangwa

South Luangwa national park has excellent game viewing and abundant birdlife. Oxbow lagoons, mixed woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of wildlife. Known for the initimacy of its walking safaris, the reserve dates back to 1938.

Common sightings include herds of elephant and buffalo often in the hundreds, leopard, lion, giraffe and hippo. More unusual species found in the park are large numbers of Thornicroft's giraffe, Cookson's wildebeest and Crawshay's zebra . Its birdlife boasts over 400 species across the varied habitats.

As the dry season progresses, so temperatures rise, water levels drop and life becomes ever more frantic in the wild. Game becomes more concentrated around reduced drinking locations and predators do their work. Luangwa Valley is not short of drama - steadily increasing in pace from June through to October.