About South Luangwa
World's Most Celebrated Safari Destination
Walking in the Wild
Step into the heart of the African bush on a guided walking safari in South Luangwa, a place renowned for its exceptional guides who carry decades of local knowledge and passion. Since Norman Carr pioneered walking safaris in the 1950s, the park has remained one of the few places in Africa offering this thrilling and intimate experience.
Each safari is unique, letting you walk the same paths as Africa’s giants while discovering subtle wonders—animal tracks, delicate flora, and intricate herd patterns—expertly revealed by your guide. Whether you choose a gentle stroll or an adventurous multi-day trek, walking safaris offer not just unforgettable wildlife encounters, but also rich storytelling around a crackling campfire beneath the endless, star-studded African sky.
The Valley Of The Cats
South Luangwa National Park, famously known as the Valley of the Cats, is celebrated for its extraordinary density of big cats, making it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Its rich ecosystems, plentiful prey, and varied landscapes create an ideal habitat for leopards, lions, and cheetahs. The park is especially renowned for exceptional leopard sightings, often even during daylight—something rare elsewhere in Africa.
Lions flourish here in large, powerful prides, while the presence of cheetahs, though fewer, enhances its reputation as a stronghold for apex predators. This concentration of big cats offers thrilling safari encounters, showcasing dramatic predator-prey interactions and the raw beauty of nature. South Luangwa truly lives up to its name as the Valley of the Cats.
A Birdwatchers Dream
South Luangwa is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering one of Africa’s most rewarding birding experiences with over 400 recorded species. During the dry season, the shrinking waters of the Luangwa River attract an incredible array of water birds, including yellow-billed storks, pelicans, saddle-billed storks, goliath herons, and crowned cranes, creating a dazzling display of color and movement.
Beyond the riverbanks, the park’s varied habitats—woodlands, grasslands, and lagoons—host species like lilian’s lovebirds, martial eagles, and vibrant carmine bee-eaters. From witnessing fish eagles soaring over the river to hearing the dawn chorus in the mopane forests, every moment is enchanting. For bird lovers, South Luangwa offers unforgettable encounters, making it not just a destination, but a true dream come alive.
Promoting Local Community Development
In recent years, local community development has become a key priority alongside conservation efforts, and Thornicroft Lodge plays an active role in this mission. A portion of every guest’s stay is dedicated to impactful local initiatives, ensuring each visit leaves a positive and lasting contribution. By staying at Thornicroft, guests not only experience the beauty of South Luangwa but also support the well-being and sustainability of surrounding communities.
One of Thornicroft’s main projects focuses on providing clean, safe drinking water to communities across Zambia’s Eastern Region, addressing a vital need for health and well-being. Through these efforts, Thornicroft helps local communities thrive while preserving Zambia’s natural heritage for future generations, blending conservation with meaningful social support.