South Luangwa National Park

[[file:South Luangwa National Park banner Elephants wading - Elephants crossing the Luangwa River|otbp=yes}}

South Luangwa National Park is in eastern Zambia.

South Luangwa National Park Halal Travel Guide

Considered by some to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, South Luangwa is one of Zambia's main draws. This 9,050-km² park is centered on the Luangwa River and is home to one of Africa's largest concentrations of wildlife.

Thanks to its inaccessible location, South Luangwa manages to combine immense density of wildlife with limited visitor numbers, and it's also one of the few national parks that allow night safaris. However, visitor numbers are steadily marching upwards, and the best time to visit is right now — before it becomes the next Kruger National Park|Kruger or Serengeti National Park|Serengeti.

How is the Landscape of South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa is dry woodland, watered by the meandering Luangwa River and its many oxbow lakes. The dominant tree is the mopane, but stately baobabs also dot the landscape here and there. In the dry season, most plants and trees seem to shrivel up and wildlife congregates around watering holes, allowing excellent viewing.

Flora and fauna

Zebra Side - |Crawshay's zebra, a South Luangwa specialty Giraffe Walking Plaza - |Thornicroft's giraffe, also endemic to South Luangwa

South Luangwa is home to a dazzling array of wildlife. You'll see hippos and crocodiles as soon as you cross the bridge over the Luangwa River, and elephants are hard to miss along the river's banks. Thornicraft's giraffe, with white legs and faces, and Crawshay's zebra, without the brownish "shadow-stripe" of common (Burchell's) zebra, are endemic to the park and easily spotted. Herds of buffalo roam the park, along with several prides of lions. The density of leopards is among the highest in the world, although spotting these nocturnal creatures can be tricky. All sorts of antelopes abound: impala are ubiquitous and the puku — rarely seen outside Zambia — is almost as common and there are plenty of waterbucks and bushbucks too.

South Luangwa is a dream come true for birdwatchers, with over 400 species recorded. Depending on who you ask and the best times to go are November-December (when the rains start), April-May (when they end) or August-September (when the water levels are at their lowest).

See also: African flora and fauna

How is the Climate in South Luangwa National Park

The peak travel season is May to October. May to August it's still pleasantly cool and dry. September and October are very hot and the humidity is building up, but these are the best months to spot the game as they gather close to the river and watering holes. November to December is hot and humid and January to April is the rainy (or "green") season, some lodges close during this period, other give reduced rates. The rainy season is the best time to go birdwatching. From March to June is the best time to spot the elusive African wild dog.

Travel to South Luangwa National Park

There are two major access points for the park: Mfuwe Gate, near the village of Mfuwe and connected by bridge, and the less used Nyamaluma 50 kilometers to the southwest, where a pontoon ferries vehicles across the river.

Most tour groups will offer either the option to fly into Mfuwe or have a private vehicle pick you up (i.e., from Lusaka, Chipata, Lilongwe, etc.). Although these options offer the most convenient and comfortable means of getting to the park and they are not the only means of entry--and one can also access Mfuwe by means of public transport through much of the year.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from South Luangwa National Park

The nearest airport is in Mfuwe, which offers Flights to Lusaka and Livingstone, as well as Lilongwe (Malawi). Flight schedules are cut down in the green season. The airport is about 30 minutes away by vehicle from the park entrance, and most lodges offer free transfers.

By car

Mfuwe is 123 kilometers by vehicle from Chipata and mostly paved (May 2014), though road quality varies. It's feasible to complete the journey in as little as 2 hours in the dry season in a high clearance vehicle (longer if a public vehicle is being used), but travel is more difficult, occasionally even imfeasible, in the wet season. Trucks ply the road, but can take more than seven very bumpy hours. In March 2008 the journey took 2.5 hours in a high clearance 4x4 private vehicle.

From Chipata, it's 1.5 hours (2-3 hours public transport) to Lilongwe depending on the time it takes to cross the border and 8-10 hours to Lusaka.

There is a rarely used very scenic track from Petauke down the escapement and along the Luangwa northward to Mfuwe, but it's best not attempted unless you're traveling in convoy and can repair any problems that crop up. Expect 8 hours for this unforgettable trip of 180 km.

By public transport

South Luangwa remains one of the few national parks suitable for budget travelers. Lodges offer relatively affordable rates (some with dorms), and the park can be visited by public transport as well. Although as has been mentioned above most travelers access the park by way of plane or private vehicle (and most tour companies only have information about these two methods), it is also feasible to reach by public transport from Chipata.

To Chipata from Lilongwe: Either (a) Take a shuttle van from the Lilongwe shuttle van stand toward Mchinji (~2 hr: 1000 kwacha in May 2012) and then a taxi or shared taxi to the border (15 min: 500 kwacha). After crossing the border, take a taxi or shared taxi to Chipata (15 min, 15,000 kwacha). (b) Take a bus from Lilongwe to Lusaka, but depart at Chipata. 'Zambia-Malawi' is a reputable company.

To Chipata from Lusaka: Take a bus to Chipata (~7 hr, 130,000 kwacha April 2012). Buses depart from InterCity Bus Terminal. Zambia-Malawi, Johabie, and possibly Juldans operate on a fixed time schedule (often referred to as 'time buses' by local residents), but other coaches operate closer to shuttle vanes (leave when enough passengers have boarded, which may take several hours or all day). If in doubt, ask local residents or staff members, though the latter are more likely to mislead you. You will need to catch the first bus out of Lusaka in order to arrive in time to catch the same-day shuttle van to Mfuwe. If you do this, it is advisable that you coordinate with the shuttle van driver so that he anticipates your arrival.

Once in Chipata: There are nearly daily shuttle vanes that run from Chipata to Mfuwe and the town just outside the entry to the Park. The PPDAZ shuttle van departs in the early afternoon (2PM) after collecting passengers and sometimes goods (i.e., to deliver to Mfuwe stores), and takes 3-3.5 hours. There are other shuttle vanes that may also bring passengers to Mfuwe, but, as opposed to the PPDAZ shuttle van (which leaves at a fixed time), are passenger-dependent and will only leave when full. The ride from Chipata to Mfuwe costs 60-70 Zambian kwacha (May 2014), though you may pay more if you request to be dropped off directly at your lodge or simply for being a 'muzungu.' To confirm your spot on the shuttle van and coordinate its pick-up (can pick you up pretty much anywhere in Chipata), call the driver (John--a very friendly and honest Zambian) at 0967384620 (+260967384620 if calling from Malawi). Call 1-2 days in advance.

There are generally two ways of returning from Mfuwe to Chipata. The PPDAZ bus leaves early in the morning (5:30AM), and will arrive mid-morning/noon in Chipata. Alternatively and the more traditional shuttle van tends to leave around 6:30-8:00PM (~4 hours to Chipata by night) and costs 60-100 Zambian kwacha (May 2014). The shuttle van will drop you at the Chipata bus stand. If you are doing this with the intention of taking a morning bus to Lusaka, it is feasible to buy your bus ticket when you arrive at the Chipata bus stand and then sleep on the bus until it departs in the morning. This is a safe (though can be cold) way to avoid the hassle of finding a hotel late at night upon arriving in Chipata.

With a tour group

• Kiboko Safaris | @safaris.com Mandala Road 4/278, Old Town, Lilongwe ☎ +265 1 751226 - This hotel and travel company based in Lilongwe, Malawi runs reasonably priced all-inclusive tours round-trip from Lilongwe.
• Jackalberry Safaris - The company runs affordable 3-, 4- and 5-day all-inclusive tours from Chipata with an interesting range of itineraries that include both game viewing and cultural activities. From $135 pppn.
• Land & Lake Safaris | have their office in Old Town, Lilongwe. directions= Land & Lake Safaris offers standard and luxury safari trips to South Luangwa and is also specialized in tailor made trips in Malawi and Zambia.
• South Luangwa Safaris - Office: Golden Peacock Shopping Complex, Lilongwe. ☎ +265 111 746 449 - South Luangwa Safaris specialise in tours to South Lunagwa National Park and other destinations in Zambia and Malawi. Discover a host of exciting itineraries combining South Luangwa & other Southern African countries.
• Marula Lodge - Dorm from US$10; tents $15pppn rooms from $30pppn - Provides accommodation and safari packages from their camp at the main gate to the park.

Fees and permits

As of September 2016 and the basic park fee is US$25 per day for non-Zambians. Extra fees are levied for bringing in your own vehicles ($15 foreign reg or 12,500 kwacha for local residents). Complete list of fees here].

Entry permit is valid for a single calendar day (06:00 - 18:00).

How to get around in South Luangwa National Park

By car

Most visitors tour South Luangwa by car, either on safari drives organized by their lodge, or by their own 4WD vehicle. If going on your own and there are plenty of trails but the signposting can be a little haphazard, so pick up a map from the gate.

The Personal Touch Ltd (@) ☎ +260 978 459965 has well-equipped game-viewing cars available for the hire to established lodges or individuals needing rental vehicles, transfers or transport in the valley. Beside high quality game viewing vehicles, Personal Touch offers a variety of transport options within the Mfuwe area. For volunteers assisting at various community projects wishing to hire a vehicle, to specific transfer needs to lodges, camps, or even researchers or filmcrews.

It is feasible to rent 4WD open top Land Cruiser from a local company in Mfuwe (Hardies Engineering, near airport).

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in South Luangwa National Park

During the dry season the water levels in the Luangwa River are too low to permit travel by boat. In the green season, however, some operators arrange canoe safaris, but trying this on your own is not recommended due to the large number of hippos (which capsize canoes) and crocodiles (which attack capsized canoes) in the river.

Halal Friendly Walking Tours in South Luangwa National Park

Independent travel on foot is not permitted, but you can join a walking safari (see next section).

See & do

Lion Walking - |Solitary lion on the prowl

The thing to do in South Luangwa is, of course, to go on safari. All lodges organize game drives, where a trained guide takes visitors around by a safari jeep. Safaris are typically arranged at the crack of dawn (wake-up call before 6AM), in the evening past 4PM when temperatures have started to cool, and at night after sunset when high-powered spotlights are used to locate nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas and civets. High-end lodges include drives in the price, but independent travelers pay US$20-25 each if you can rustle up 3-4 others to go.

Some lodges organize walking safaris, where you walk through the bush on foot and track animals with the help of a guide — an altogether different experience. Walking safaris can be as short as 4 hours, but multi-day treks where you stay overnight in "bushcamps" (usually far more luxurious than you'd think from the name) are more rewarding. You will not, however, save any money this way: costs are generally US$300-400 per person per day.

At the end of the day, if all that bouncing around in jeeps and/or tramping about the bush has you tired, call Personal Touch (tel. +260 6 246 123, ) to book an on-site massage at one of the established lodges.

Buy, eat & drink

There are no public shops or restaurants in the park. Safari lodges usually provide three meals a day.

• How Bazaar Shop and Dog and Gat Bar, Flatdogs Camp (on the road to main park entrance). Sundry shop, restaurant. Promises to satisfy enormous appetites, quench unbearable thirsts and guarantee monumental hangovers. Open all day.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to South Luangwa National Park, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for South Luangwa National Park. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in South Luangwa National Park and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to South Luangwa National Park. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to South Luangwa National Park. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSouth Luangwa National Park: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in South Luangwa National Park.

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Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in South Luangwa National Park, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within South Luangwa National Park and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in South Luangwa National Park, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in South Luangwa National Park, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of South Luangwa National Park without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for South Luangwa National Park is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring South Luangwa National Park.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group South Luangwa National Park is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in South Luangwa National Park, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group South Luangwa National Park Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in South Luangwa National Park

eHalal Group South Luangwa National Park is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in South Luangwa National Park. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in South Luangwa National Park.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in South Luangwa National Park ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

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If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in South Luangwa National Park, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

In the July-September peak season demand often outstrips supply, so book in as far advance as feasible. During the green season, however, many lodges close down and those that are still open can offer steep discounts.

Lodging

Unless otherwise noted, all rates below are per person per day and include all meals, two game drives per day, park fees and airport transfers.

• Wildlife Camp | ☎ +260 216 246026 - Provides affordable rustic en-suite chalets, a secluded en-suite tented camp, a Bushcamp for overnight walking safaris and a campsite, all situated on the banks of the Luangwa River. Guides lead all the activities and, as they are all Zambian and they give a true insight into their own South Luangwa Park. A full board option is available at US$220 (peak) and includes accommodation, three hearty meals every day, all game drives or village tours, room cleaning & laundry as well as airport transfers. Open all year.
• Kafunta River Lodge - ☎ +260-6-246046 +US$370-490 - Wonderful safari lodge with friendly service, knowledgeable guides, stunning views of the Luangwa River and the Luangwa Valley. Not only does it have a swimming swimmingpool but a natural hot spring tub as well. Guests can relax after a safari at the wellness spa or take in the view from the hide or tree deck. Kafunta River Lodge has its own pontoon 5 minutes from the lodge taking you to the more remote areas of the park and providing a shortcut to the main gate 10 kilometers north of the lodge.
• Thornicroft Lodge - @lodge.com 5 minutes from main gate to park Standard package from US$205 pppn Classically African on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking the South Luangwa National Park. An intimate lodge with 9 chalets and a Zambia shaped swimming pool. Rates: US$205 low season and $255 high season per person per day including two four hour safaris per full day stayed, breakfast, lunch and dinner and transfers, based on two people sharing. Specials: Thornicroft Lodge also offers upgrades from standard safari to walking safari and all-day in the park which can be requested by email.

• Mushroom Lodge. Can be found as you enter the main entrance to South Luangwa National Park, travelling 2 kilometers until you see a sign to the right. It is a unique site on the Mfuwe Lagoon inside the South Luangwa Park, and was built in the early 1970s to accommodate the Head of State and his VIP guests. The main lodge area boasts an expansive verandah that overlooks the lagoon, meals are taken here. The Mushroom Pub is a great social meeting area. The lodge features twelve double chalets, each with bathroom en-suite and wireless broadband internet. Each chalet is equipped with twin or double bed options and a spacious lounge complete with mini café. ☎ +260–216–246-116 or 246-117. Fax: +260–216–245063. Mobile: +260-977-397-900 or +260-977-758-056
• Shenton Safaris - Offers two bush camps and six photographic hides that are used regularly by National Geographic, Al Jazeera and Discovery channel for numerous photographic shoots and the making of wildlife documentaries. Visitors in these hides will have a unique up-close-and-personal view into the lives of these animals, enabling you to watch them undisturbed in their natural environment. ☎ +260 216 246064
• Zikomo Safari Camp - plot# 24623/M -12.284897, 33.174509 135 kilometers from Chipata via Mansumba ☎ +260216246202 - US$450-500 per person per day sharing on full board (all inclusive) Wednesday also offer camping at $20 pppn A small and personalized safari camp on a beautiful spot on the banks of the Luangwa river. This is the base for the South Luangwa Safaris that are conducted in open safari vehicles to give you that ‘bush’ touch feeling and the flexibility to make that unique picture to take home! The first time the Wallace family came to the Luangwa Valley in eastern Zambia were overwhelmed by the diverse and plentiful wildlife and the wildness of the Nsefu sector and the main South Luangwa National Park. The place or area is a trip back in time to old Africa where the people are friendly, and the wildlife is abundant. There is an old African saying which goes something like this; “once you get the dust of Africa on your boots, you will never be able to kick it off”. In other words; once you experience Africa, it will be in your heart forever. Wildlife is in danger all over the world, and especially in Africa. Photographic safari camps are one of the best ways to save wildlife as they; bring tourists in for the best safari explore, create jobs for local residents, which makes both parties (the tourists and the local residents) value their wildlife and habitat which helps save the animals for the whole world. The intention was to become part of larger conservation efforts taking place in the Luangwa valley and so we built Zikomo Safari Camp (the word Zikomo means thank you in a local dialect).
• Marula Lodge - ☎ +260974595838 - US$12-150 Budget accommodation right on the Luangwa river with chalets and safari tents. It's the closest lodge to the main gate of South Luangwa National Park and has lots of wildlife wandering through the property. There is a swimming swimmingpool and bar/restaurant area and a kitchen so you can cook your own food. Good budget option with tents from US$12 or full board in a chalet for $150.

Camping Places

• Track and Trail River Camp - On the Luangwa River, with the park boundary on the other side of the river. Expect the daily elephant herds outside your window, lion prints outside your tent and hippos keeping you up all night. The 'terrifying at the time' memory of looking UP at the elephants as they tred carefully around your tent throughout the night is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity and not to be missed. The camp features a tidy ablution block, luxury tents, swimming pool, private massage room, two storey chalets, shady trees. Each camping spot has electricity, running water and a barbeque. Great meals, friendly service, free airport transfers. Game drives are organised on request; ask for Godfrey. Camping US$10/7.50 in high/low season.

• Wildlife Camp (@) US$10 p.p.p.n. peak season. Offers a scenic site to camp and relax next to the Luangwa river. Swimming pool, bar, electricity and warm showers available. Game drives & restaurant is optional. Campers planning on bringing their own food to eat should be entirely self-sufficient as there are limited to no cooking facilities (i.e., a kitchen for backpackers to use) at the lodge.

Bushcamps

Bushcamps are scattered throughout the camp, but are generally accessible only on exclusive safari tours costing US$300-400 per day. The largest operators are The Bushcampcompany Robin Pope Safaris, Norman Carr Safaris and Kafunta Safaris].

There is also a barebones camp site at the Nyamaluma pontoon, but using it is only practical if you have your own 4WD.

• Island Bush Camp - ☎ +260-6-246046 +US$270-495 - Island Bush Camp lies under a grove of mahogany trees on the banks of the Luangwa River in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park. This intimate bush camp provides a real safari bush experience in rustic but comfortable accommodation in grass and reed huts built on stilts providing great views of the Luangwa Valley. The camp specialises in walking safaris but also offers game drives and night drives.

Telecommunications in South Luangwa National Park

Mobile phones do work in the national park and nearby Mfuwe has GSM. However, all safari lodges and camps, as well as the airport, are set up with a radio system for local communication.

• CyberDog Internet Café, Flatdog Camp. Two terminals available at US$1 per 15 minutes. Open from 7AM to 9:30PM.

Stay Safe

Hippo BabyAndCroc - |Even hippos watch out for crocodiles!

Walking in the bush at night is extremely dangerous, and lodges provide escorts to take their guests even around lodge grounds. Hippos, crocodiles, lions and buffalo kill many people every year — although the victims are mostly unfortunate local residents, not tourists.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from South Luangwa National Park

• Mfuwe — village just outside the park, with some attractions of minor interest
• North Luangwa National Park — a short flight (or arduous drive) away, offers wilder game and fewer visitors.

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