Hideaways Africa - South Luangwa Safari

This 7-night safari is designed for those who want to experience South Luangwa National Park at its most authentic on foot. Renowned as the birthplace of the walking safari, South Luangwa offers some of Africa’s most exhilarating opportunities to explore the bush at ground level, guided by expert naturalists who reveal the hidden details, tracks, and rhythms of the wilderness.

The journey begins in the Nsefu sector. Here, riverside woodlands, salt pans, and open plains create ideal conditions to spot elephant, giraffe, hippo, and crocodile, alongside predators such as lion, leopard, and African wild dog. The drives allow you to quickly cover ground at the start of the trip, while the walks begin to immerse you in the smaller wonders of the bush; bird calls, tracks, and the thrill of encountering big game on foot.

From there, you move into the Big Lagoon region, and the safari shifts almost entirely onto walking safaris. Days are spent following hippo trails along the riverbank, watching elephants cross floodplains, and approaching herds of buffalo in the open. The area is alive with birdlife, storks, herons, and kingfishers, and walking here allows you to slow down and take in both the large spectacles and the subtle details of this rich ecosystem.

Your final nights are deep in a remote sector of South Luangwa, far from other visitors, where the wilderness feels untouched. Mornings and afternoons spent tracking wildlife across open plains and alongside natural springs. On foot, you become part of the landscape, observing elephants at close range, watching hippo pods from riverbanks, and following the signs of lion, leopard, and wild dog. Each walk is a lesson in the interconnectedness of life in the bush, from the smallest insects to Africa’s most iconic predators.

This itinerary combines rich predator sightings, abundant birdlife, and varied habitats, with access to both classic and remote areas of South Luangwa, offering a balanced and deeply rewarding safari experience.

Tour Highlights

• Explore diverse habitats in the Nsefu sector: riverside, plains, and salt pans.
• Frequent sightings of predators including lion, leopard, and African wild dog.
• Observe elephant, giraffe, hippo, puku, and crocodile from game drives and camp waterholes.
• Discover lush floodplains and waterways in the Big Lagoon region, with abundant birdlife.
• Experience a remote wilderness sector with open viewing areas and natural springs for extended wildlife observation.
• Walking safaris and game drives reveal both predator activity and plains game in less-visited areas.