Safari in South Luangwa

The Bushcamp company was set up in South Luangwa National Park in 1999. They have 6 bushcamps in the south of the park, as well as Mfuwe Lodge in the central area and the brand new Kukaya Camp (2023).  Mfuwe Lodge is known for a small family of elephants who love to come walking through reception at certain times of the year to get to a particularly tasty wild mango tree!

The guiding and accommodation you'll get staying at these camps and lodge is simply excellent. South Luangwa is a special place and a superb wildlife watching spot no matter where you stay, but Bushcamp Company is one of the companies we love recommending.

Between them, the camps are open throughout most of the year except February and March, making some of these 6 bushcamps the only ones open in the green season months of December and January.  Mfuwe Lodge and Kukaya are open all year round.

Emerald Season Safari
This is an excellent emerald season safari (ie in the rainy season) which is available at a time when no other bushcamps in South Luangwa are open. You really do have the place to yourself when you're at Zungalila and Kapamba (open April-January) and Bilimungwe to Chindeni (open May to November/December).

As the name suggests, green season is a time of lush growth due to the rains which mostly come between about November and March. It is also the time for newborns, and many migratory birds are in the park at this time. It is a beautiful time to travel here, and whilst it doesn't tend to rain constantly, you need to be prepared for the wet weather. Most often the rain comes in huge downpours, often at night or in the afternoon. The rest of the time, the weather is pleasant and hot. A trip to South Luangwa in the green season is also very good value as this is low season in terms of prices. So come and enjoy the wildlife, wilderness, rivers and rainbows of Zambia.

Shoulder Season
In June and October you can still get good value at these camps. Whilst it's not peak season, the wildlife in this months is still very good indeed, so grab yourself a bargain with any of the 6 bushcamps being open at this time. Be aware though, that October is extremely hot, and the wildlife is usually struggling for water by this time which can be hard to watch at times.

Peak season
July to September is probably the very best time to come to South Luangwa if you want the strongest chances to see wildlife.