North Luangwa

Where Footsteps Outnumber Tyre Tracks: North Luangwa

The North Luangwa National Park lies in the far north of the Luangwa Valley – a place where nature rules supreme. Together with its southern sister, the South Luangwa National Park, it forms part of the Great Rift Valley that slices through the heart of Africa.

North Luangwa is refreshingly off the beaten path. It’s one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas – no permanent roads, no fences, just raw nature.

Here, safaris are largely on foot – intimate and exhilarating, guided by the ancient rhythms of the bush. It’s a pristine wilderness, home to large herds of the endemic Cookson’s wildebeest and eland, rarely seen further south. Prides of lion roam the park, and - if you’re lucky - you might witness the thunder of thousands of buffalo on the move – a spectacle of dust and drama.

The park has been a stronghold for black rhino conservation since the 1980s – a testament to its commitment to conservation.

The lifeblood of the park is the Luangwa River, whose rich alluvial soils support an astonishing variety of life. Yet the camps lie along the quieter Mwaleshi River, a permanent waterway that draws in wildlife throughout the dry season.

Mwaleshi Falls, hidden away in the park’s heart, is a breath-taking sight only a handful of visitors ever see.

We don’t have any sample safaris in North Luangwa, but can easily combine South and North Luangwa.

Getting to North Luangwa National Park

To reach North Luangwa, fly to Mfuwe Airport – the gateway to the Luangwa Valley. From there, take a light aircraft hop to the North Luangwa’s airstrip. Another option is to combine it with a stay at Tafika Camp in South Luangwa. From Tafika’s private airstrip at Lukuzi, a scenic flight whisks you straight into the wilderness of North Luangwa – a thrilling prelude to your adventure, and the one we'd recommend!

Ready to explore North Luangwa’s wild heart?

Let’s face it: North Luangwa isn’t for the “I just want a sundowner on the deck” crowd. It’s for those who want to walk in untapped wilderness. Chat with us to plan your safari into one of Africa’s last frontiers.