SAFARI & TOUR OF NORTH LUANGWA IN ZAMBIA

Safari Exploring & Touring North Luangwa National Park

View Lodges & Camps In North Luangwa

North Luangwa National Park, which became a national park in 1972 shares many features with its sister park, South Luangwa National Park. North Luangwa covers an area of 4636 square kilometers and situated entirely on the western edge of Lunagwa River, upstream of South Luangwa National Park; on the other side it is bordered by the dramatic Muchinga escarpment which rises over 1000 meters from the valley floor. North Luangwa National Park is known to be one of Africa's finest wilderness experiences with a specialty in offering walking safaris. The beauty of visiting North Luangwa National Park is the truly remarkable opportunities to experience Africa as it was. It is wild and untouched and you are simply an unobtrusive witness to its natural beauty and drama. A little history on North Luangwa National Park: In 1984, Major John Harvey and his wife Lorna sought permission to conduct walking safaris in the area and for many years were the only operators in this remote wilderness. Then in 1989, Two scientists, Mark and Delia Owens, famed for their book 'Cry of the Kalahari', were granted permission to set up a research station in the park. Through their influence and as a means of helping to curb poaching in the area, the authorities allowed entry to the park to a few more safari operators who bring limited numbers into the park for guided walking safaris and game drives. Their efforts in the North Luangwa are documented in their book 'Survivors Song / The Eye of the Elephant'.

About the ecology of North Luangwa National Park: There are a number of tributary rivers running through the park and into the Luangwa which play an important ecological role in the Area. The crystal clear Mwaleshi River trickles down the escarpment in a series of small waterfalls. It recedes in the dry season, leaving many pools along the way, drawing the animals from the bush to its banks in search of water. No game drives are permitted in the Mwaleshi area, access is by organised walking safaris only. Vegetation ranges from mopane woodland to riverine forest, open grasslands and acacia thicket, the beautiful sausage trees, vegetable ivory palms, red mahogany and leadwood. In terms of wildlife: North Luangwa National Park is noted for its massive herds of buffalo, a spectacular sight if they're seen on the run, kicking up dust for miles behind them. Large prides of lion inhabit the territory and it is not uncommon to witness a kill. Other common mammals are hyena, Cookson's wildebeest, bushbuck, zebra, warthog, baboon, vervet monkey, puku and impala. Elephant and leopard are also seen, but not as frequently as in the South Park. You are more likely to see hartebeest, reedbuck and eland here, however. All the birds in the South have been recorded here as well. Sighted regularly are the crowned cranes, purple crested loeries, broad billed roller, Lilian's lovebird, the carmine bee-eater, giant eagle owl and Pel's fishing owl. Occasionally seen are the bathawk, black coucal and osprey. There is word that the rhino will be introduced in a special conservation area of North Luangwa National Park and will be protected by the park authorities.