Off The Beaten Track To North Luangwa National Park - Incredible Adventure Awaits

By Jenna Jolie | Update on: Jan 15, 2025

North Luangwa National Park, the northernmost of the three national parks in the Luangwa Valley, is situated in the oldest region of Africa's Great Rift Valley. For millennia, the Luangwa River sculpted this distinctive terrain, which many refer to as "The Real Africa".

The park is one of the few significant unspoiled areas in central Africa, home to a distinct and varied species group. Being the only in-park Zambia with the Big 5, it also provides one of the most breathtaking venues for game-viewing experiences in Zambia. In this post, Zambia Immigration Services will help you discover North Luangwa National Park, which promises a fun-filled adventure amid pristine landscapes and the finest wildlife experiences. 

North Luangwa National Park Information For First-Timers

Helpful Facts about North Luangwa National Park

• Total: Area: 4,636km² / 2 880mi²
• Founded as a game reserve in 1938
• Become a national park in 1972
• Located: Northern Zambia

North Luangwa National Park is an off-the-beaten-path destination in Zambia

Getting there

Accessing North Luangwa National Park requires a sense of adventure. While there are limited roads and public access, the journey is well worth it. Visitors typically fly into Mfuwe Airport and then embark on a scenic drive or charter flight to the park. The rugged terrain and remote location contribute to the park’s exclusivity.

The best time to embark on a journey to North Luangwa National Park

There are two different seasons in North Luangwa National Park: the dry season (from June to October) and the "emerald season", which begins in November and lasts until May (all camps are now closed during this period). These seasons see a range of temperatures, from highs of 40°C in October to lows of 10°C in June and July.

Even during the coldest months, the days are still bright and sunny, making them ideal for safaris. The ideal time for game viewing is during the late dry season (October), when wildlife congregates around the final remaining rivers and bodies of water. High rainfall is often recorded during the emerald season, which can begin as early as the end of October and usually ends at the end of March.

North Luangwa National Park Accommodation

North Luangwa National Park accommodation

While North Luangwa National Park offers limited accommodation options, nearby lodges and camps provide comfortable stays. Here are a few recommendations for North Luangwa National Park accommodation:

1. Samala Community Camp

On the edge of North Luangwa National Park, Samala Camp is situated along the swiftly running Mwaleshi River, whose water sources are in the Mukungule Game Management Area. This camping site is surrounded by green dambos, wooded hills, and towering miombo forests. It has four walk-in safari tents, each accommodating two twin beds and equipped with an outdoor shower. 

Visitors may relax on their verandahs with a view of the river, watching it flow between jagged rocks. A large self-catering kitchen is available, with a gas stove, solar-powered refrigerator and freezer, and kitchenware. The expansive dining area opens out to a shaded braai area overlooking the river and lots of space to sit, unwind, and take in the peace.

2. Ituba Community Camp

Ituba Community Camp is located on the eastern border of the North Luangwa National Park within Chifunda, a part of Musulangu GMA. The campsite is on the banks of the mighty Luangwa River, surrounded by stunning cathedral mopane woods. It comprises four walk-in safari tents with twin beds and en suite bathrooms. Each tent has a small outdoor kitchen equipped with basic self-catering appliances. 

Guests may unwind on their own verandah with a view of the Luangwa River, where they can admire the vibrant sunsets, hear the sounds of hippos honking, and watch the arrival of warthogs and impalas seeking water. A solar-powered freezer is equipped in the shared open-plan dining and seating area, where guests can meet up and exchange stories.

The Best Things to Do in North Luangwa National Park

1. Take in pristine landscapes

North Luangwa is a remarkable destination to experience Africa as it was in years gone by. With three main rivers, wildlife-rich floodplains, and well-maintained tracks, the park is an off-the-beaten-path place for those seeking extraordinary experiences. Cascading waterfalls, open grassland, bird-filled forests, sandy rivers, and stony streams provide a diverse array of habitats. Utterly remote and untouched, North Luangwa National Park offers travelers a chance to enjoy the finest wildlife experiences in Zambia without crowds. This makes it feel more like the authentic African adventure you have always imagined.

Top things to do in North Luangwa National Park

2. Go on a walking safari to encounter iconic wildlife

Due to its limited road network, North Park is one of the few parks in Zambia that you may explore on foot and immerse yourself in the African bush. There are only a few operators, so you should book in advance to ensure you have a slot for the walking safari when you get there. The safari guides are among the most experienced in Zambia, and they will take you through the wilderness so you can enjoy the breathtaking fauna and scenery along the journey.

Enormous concentrations of lion, buffalo, and elephant, together with a sanctuary for Zambia's sole black rhino population, make North Luangwa a top-rated attraction to add to your safari circuit. The black rhinos in North Luangwa National Park are only found in Zambia, representing the core achievement in the conservation of the area.

Zambia is home to the largest number of elephants, so your visit will likely include an up-close and personal encounter with these magnificent animals. 

For the ultimate safari, the North Luangwa National Park offers an abundance of buffalo herds and a good population of lions. Moving forward to the Luangwa River, where several hippos can be found, will add a taste of adventure to your journey.

Native to the Luangwa, Cookson's wildebeest are bigger and more aesthetically attractive than their blue wildebeest siblings. North Park is home to its breathtaking liver/silver color. The Crawshay's zebra, which is native to Malawi and Luangwa, is commonly observed on the floodplains of the Mwaleshi River. It is said to be the most striped zebra species, with stripes extending down their legs and across their stomachs.

Walking safari in North Luangwa National Park

3. Take a day trip to Mwaleshi Falls

A day trip to Mwaleshi Falls is an unmissable activity for many visitors. You will be mesmerized by the stunning spectacle of majestic falls cascading through the rugged terrain. The journey to the falls allows you to appreciate the raw beauty of North Luangwa.

North Luangwa National Park, with its untamed wilderness and pristine landscape, offers an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts. To embark on the journey to this national park in Zambia, it's essential to ensure proper travel arrangements. Take the first step towards your North Luangwa adventure by applying for a Zambia visa today. By securing your visa in advance, you can ensure a seamless travel experience and fully immerse yourself in the wonders that await within this pristine sanctuary. Apply for your Zambia visa now and embark on the journey of a lifetime in North Luangwa National Park.