Your guide for travelling to Zambia and the Luangwa
1. What is the best time to visit the Luangwa Valley / Zambia for safari?
Dry season (typically June to October) offers the best game-viewing: animals congregate around rivers, vegetation is thinner so wildlife is easier to spot.
Our camps in the Luangwa close from November until early June due to the rainy season.
Best to consider your priorities (wildlife sightings vs. landscape photography vs. value) and tailor your timing. Practical tip: for walking safaris in the valley choose late dry season (e.g., September/October) when ground is dryer and guide foot-traffic is easiest.
2. How do I get to the Luangwa Valley lodges?
The main gateway to the Luangwa Valley is via Mfuwe Airport, which has regular flights from Lusaka and Johannesburg on Proflight airlines. From the airport, we will meet you and provide transport to the lodge.
It is worth keeping in mind that due to the remote setting, road travel can be a bit bumpy 🙂
There are local airstrips in both Luambe National Park and North Luangwa National Parks so if you would prefer to skip the bumpy roads in favor of the charter flight - there is an option to do so. Charter flights are available from both Lusaka or Mfuwe to both Luambe National Park and North Luangwa National Park (and visa versa). For costs, you can contact us.
For more in depth details of how to get to our camps, you can visit our Travel Logistics webpage here.
3. Do I need a visa and what about vaccinations / health requirements for Zambia? Answer outline:
Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival; some must apply in advance. Feel free to check with us in advance as to whether you do need a visa or not. Be sure to travel with your passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond travel), return ticket, proof of accommodation; check latest immigration/entry rules as they may change.
Health: Zambia is a malaria area so it is advised to take anti-malaria medication.
4. What wildlife can I expect to see in the Luangwa Valley?
The valley is home to large concentrations of wildlife: lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, leopards, wild dogs, and endemic species such as the Thornicroft’s giraffe.
Over 400 bird species recorded in some parts of the valley, making it a bird-watcher’s hotspot.
Depending on the season you might experience unique behaviour: huge hippo pods, night‐drives with nocturnal species, walking safaris offering bush-level encounters, colonies of carmine bee eaters and more!
Tip: Bring good binoculars and a camera with zoom; ask your guide for species lists and highlight walks.
5. What types of safari activities are offered and how active are they?
Activities commonly include game drives (early morning and late afternoon/evening) and walking safaris (on-foot).
Walking safaris: The valley (especially South/North Luangwa) is famed for walking safaris — you track animals on foot with an armed guide and tracker; it’s medium fitness level (not extreme trekking) but requires a willingness to be outdoors and attentive.
Family-friendly vs hardcore: Some activities may have age limits (e.g., walking safaris might limit younger children). Ask your lodge for suitability.
Ensure you pack comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and a small day-pack.
6. What should I pack for a safari in the Luangwa Valley?
Essentials: neutral coloured clothing (khaki, olive, sand), long-sleeves for evenings (mosquito protection), sun-hat, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera, spare batteries/memory cards.
For walking safaris: sturdy walking shoes/boots, gaiters (if needed), small day-pack, water bottle, jacket for early morning.
Electrical: Zambia uses plug types C, D and G (230 V, 50 Hz) so bring adaptors. Rhino Africa
Optional: travel umbrella/pullover (for the “green season”), dry-bag for camera gear, reusable water bottle, small torch/flashlight.
7. What is the cost of safari in the Luangwa Valley / Zambia and how to budget?
Safari costs vary widely depending on: accommodation grade (bush-camp vs luxury lodge), season (high/low), length of stay, transfers (charter vs road), inclusions (walks, drives, meals).
For example, luxury options might start around US$500 per person per night and upwards.
Best to keep in mind park/conservation fees ($50 per person per night for Luambe National Park) and $60 per person per night for Nirth Luangwa River Lodge.
8. How many days should I stay in the valley and can I combine it with other parks or attractions?
Typical safari stays range from 4–10 nights; for deeper immersion in Luangwa Valley and to allow walking safaris, transfers, downtime, a 7–10 night stay is ideal.
Many travellers combine Luangwa Valley with other Zambian parks (e.g., Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue National Park) or with the Victoria Falls experience. Chat to us if you wish combine the Luangwa with other Parks in Zambia
If you only have limited time, consider a single camp with optional activities rather than moving often (reduces transfer time). Chat to us about our single camp long stay 4 night specials!
Tip: Ask lodge for sample itineraries (e.g., 8-night circuit: camp-stay-fly-camp) and how they manage transfers.
9. Is there mobile phone and internet coverage in the Luangwa Valley?
Mobile network coverage is very limited in the Luangwa Valley, with most lodges having little to no signal. All of our lodge have access to satelite internet but it is restricted to the main dining area..
10. What currency is used, and are credit cards widely accepted?
The Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) is the official currency. Many lodges and safari operators accept major credit cards, but smaller vendors or remote areas may require cash in US dollars or Kwacha.
At our camps, we accept credit card paymetns although there is a 4.5% transaction fee on all payments done by credit card.
Currency exchange facilities are available at the major towns - Lusaka / Lusaka Airport or Mfuwe International Airport.
It is advisable that you do carry cash on you (Dollars or Kwacha) in cases of emergency and if you wish to tip the lodge staff.
10. What is the climate like in Zambia and should I pack for warm or cold weather?
Zambia has a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season. Daytime temperatures during the dry season (May to October) are warm, but early mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially on game drives. Packing layers, including a warm jacket, is recommended if you are traveling between June and August.
September and October are known to be extremely hot with temperatures averaging 35 - 28 degrees Celsius
Contact us to make a booking
Let's start planning your safari! Complete the form below (with as much detail as possible) and we will respond within 2 hours.
Who is Luangwa Valley Safaris?
Luangwa Valley Safaris a collection of 3 safari lodges within the Everwild portfolio. The 3 camps are Luambe Horizons, North Luangwa Skybeds and Painted Dogs Lagoon.
Bookings & Enquiries
Everwild Enquiries
Social Media
Rates
News & About
Travel Guide
Luangwa Camps
Activities
Guest Reviews
Luangwa Packages
Galleries
About Everwild Travel Portfolio
The Everwild Travel Portfolio consists of 8 camps located in various remote and wild areas across Zambia.
All the Everwild Camps
Kafue National Park
Nanzhila Safaris
Livingstone / Vic falls
Taita Falcon Lodge
Lusaka
Pioneer Lodge
Zambezi River
Lumbe Pools Camp
Travel Partners
Luangwa Valley Safaris is affiliated with and / or partner with the following organisations:
