The Birthplace of the Walking Safari – Where Leopards Rule

South Luangwa isn't just another national park – it's THE park that invented walking safaris in the 1950s. Known as "the Valley of the Leopard," this is where Africa reveals herself on foot, at her own pace, on her own terms.

Why Visit:

• Highest Leopard Density in Africa – Your best chance anywhere to see these elusive big cats
• Home of the Walking Safari – Walk where Norman Carr pioneered the concept that changed African tourism forever
• Thornicroft's Giraffe now Called the Luangwa Giraffe – Endemic species found nowhere else on Earth
• Authentic Wilderness – UNESCO's first self-sustainable park in the world, preserving wildlife through community partnerships

What You'll See:Leopards draped in trees, large lion prides, massive elephant herds, hippo pods (over 50 animals strong), crocodiles, buffalos, wild dogs, hyenas, and the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe with its unique markings. Over 400 bird species.

Best For: Serious safari enthusiasts, photographers, walking safari fans, leopard lovers, and those seeking remote, crowd-free game viewing.

Our Local Insight: Night drives here are legendary – you'll see predators on the hunt. The dry season (June-October) concentrates wildlife around the Luangwa River for spectacular sightings.

Zambia's Untamed Giant – Africa's Best-Kept Secret

At 22,400 square kilometers, Kafue is Zambia's largest national park and one of Africa's biggest wildlife sanctuaries. Yet it remains blissfully uncrowded – you might go hours seeing only animals, not other vehicles.

Why Visit:

• The Legendary Busanga Plains – Seasonal floodplains that transform into wildlife theater from June to October
• 21 Antelope Species – More antelope diversity than almost anywhere in Africa
• Crowd-Free Safari – Experience wilderness without the tourist circus
• Big Cat Paradise – Lion, leopard, and cheetah thrive in different park zones

What You'll See:Lions lounging in tree branches (yes, really!), cheetahs racing across open plains, massive buffalo herds, hippos emerging at sunset, elephants, wild dogs, puku antelope by the thousands, and rare species like roan and sable antelope. The Busanga Plains deliver one of Africa's great wildlife spectacles.

Best For: Adventurers seeking solitude, serious birdwatchers (495+ species), big cat enthusiasts, and travelers who want Africa before mass tourism discovered it.

Our Local Insight: The Busanga Plains are only accessible by light aircraft June-October, making it feel like your private wilderness. Book early – camps are small and intimate.

Where Elephants Swim and Rivers Run Wild

Covering an area of 4,092 square kilometers along the banks of the Zambezi River, the Lower Zambezi National park does not disappoint in being a wildlife sanctuary in Zambia. Imagine elephants wading belly-deep in the Zambezi, islands dotted with pods of hippos, and mountains rising behind it all. Lower Zambezi is Africa's most scenic park – wildlife encounters happen on land, water, and everything in between.

Why Visit:

• Game Drives & Jeep Safaris – Track lions, leopards, and wild dogs along riverine tracks and through mopane woodland
• Canoe Safaris – Paddle alongside elephants and hippos in one of Africa's most thrilling wildlife experiences
• Supreme Remoteness – Authentic African wilderness experience away from crowds
• River-Based Wildlife – Animals congregate along the Zambezi, guaranteeing sightings
• Walking Safaris – Get mud between your toes tracking leopards and lions

What You'll See:Ranging from elephants, lions, leopards, painted dogs, to hippos, crocodiles, and over 400 species of birds. Fish eagles swoop to catch tigerfish right before your eyes. Elephants swimming between islands, enormous crocodiles sunbathing on riverbanks, hippos yawning meters from your canoe, buffalos, and spectacular wildlife interactions.

Jeep Safari Experience:Morning and afternoon game drives explore the floodplains and woodlands inland from the river. Track predators through mopane forests, encounter elephant herds at waterholes, and spot buffalo in the shade of albida trees. Night drives reveal leopards on the hunt, honey badgers, civets, and the mesmerizing eyes of bushbabies. The park's compact size means excellent wildlife density – drives rarely disappoint.

What Makes It Unique:Its remoteness allows you to experience the authentic African wilderness. The park is famous for its canoe safaris since most of the animals are usually around the water areas. It also has walking safaris which bring you closer to the wilderness.

Best For: Active adventurers, canoe enthusiasts, fishermen (catch-and-release tiger fishing), photographers, and those wanting a safari experience unlike anywhere else.

Our Local Insight: Accommodation ranges from intimate mobile tented camps (6-8 guests for that classic bush experience) to luxurious permanent lodges with en-suite facilities, plunge pools, and river views. Whether you prefer the romance of canvas under stars or the comfort of a deluxe suite overlooking the Zambezi, we have options to suit every style. May-October offers the best game viewing when animals crowd the river.

The Elephant Capital of Africa

Chobe holds the world's largest elephant population – over 120,000 of them. When these giants arrive at the Chobe River each afternoon to drink and bathe, it's one of nature's most magnificent daily rituals.

Why Visit:

• Elephant Mega-Herds – Witness hundreds of elephants gathering at sunset – Africa's greatest elephant show
• River-Based Safari – Drift past elephants, hippos, and crocs from a boat at eye-level
• Big Cat Action – Early morning drives yield lions, leopards, and cheetahs when they're most active
• Gateway Convenience – Just 90 minutes from Victoria Falls

What You'll See:Massive elephant herds (especially dry season May-October), lions on kills, crocodiles, hippo pods, buffalo herds thousands strong, sable antelope, and incredible birdlife. The riverfront is Africa's busiest animal highway.

Best For: Elephant lovers, boat safari fans, photographers (the light on the Chobe River is magical), and families wanting accessible big game viewing.

Our Local Insight: Do both game drives AND boat cruises – you'll see different animals and behaviors on each.

Zimbabwe's Wildlife Jewel – Wild Dog Heaven

Zimbabwe's largest national park sprawls across 14,650 square kilometers of diverse habitat. Hwange is famous for two things: colossal elephant populations and the continent's best wild dog sightings.

Why Visit:

• Wild Dog Central – Highest concentration of African painted dogs anywhere
• Elephant Haven – 40,000+ elephants call Hwange home
• Big Cat Territory – Exceptional lion and leopard populations
• Varied Habitats – From teak forests to open grasslands, each zone offers different wildlife

What You'll See:Large elephant herds, African wild dogs (painted wolves) on the hunt, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, brown hyenas, and hundreds of bird species.

Best For: Wild dog enthusiasts (they're highly endangered), elephant lovers, photographers, and serious safari-goers seeking Zimbabwe's premier wildlife destination.

Our Local Insight: Visit May -November. Hwange's network of over 60 water pans means you'll see action at every stop.