South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa, in Zambia's east, is one of the finest and most pristine wildlife sanctuaries in Africa, a lush, unspoilt valley along the meandering Luangwa River. Its concentrations of game are extraordinary, elephants, buffalo, hippos crowding the river, giraffe, and above all leopards, for which it is one of the best places on earth. It is celebrated as the birthplace of the walking safari, and exploring the bush on foot with an expert guide, alongside superb day and night game drives, offers a raw, intimate encounter with the African wilderness.

What you actually see

• The walking safaris - the guided treks on foot in the birthplace of the concept.
• The leopards - one of Africa's best places for leopard sightings.
• The river wildlife - the elephants, hippos and buffalo.
• The night drives - the search for nocturnal predators.

When to go

May to October, the dry season, is best, when wildlife concentrates at the shrinking river and the thinning bush makes for superb sightings; the peak is the hot, dry months before the rains. The green season, from November, is lush and excellent for birds but wetter, with some camps closing and walking harder.

Honest expectations

It is remote, reached by a flight or a long drive, and a proper safari with quality guiding and lodges is a significant expense, as everywhere in the region, so it is a bucket-list rather than budget trip. Wildlife, though abundant, still rewards patience. As one of Africa's greatest, least-crowded parks, superb for leopards and the home of the walking safari, though, it is a magnificent wilderness.

Nearby

The town of Mfuwe and the wilder North Luangwa are within reach.