Zambia - Event

Zambia led the way in introducing walking safaris and South Luangwa National Park is its showcase destination.

Walking to find animals gives a thrill that can't be experienced in a jeep. Imagine approaching an elephant as it gently scratches itself against the bark of a tree, or watching hippo wallowing in a mudbath. The guides know the best places for viewing game, so visitors watch from a shelter as kudu bound across the plain, or zebra graze the grasslands.

South Luangwa lies between the lakes and lagoons of the Luangwa River and the sheer walls of the Mchinga Escarpment, covering an area of around 3500 square miles. It is mostly miombo woodland, with patches of grassland and lusher vegetation along the river. The river is a lure for all kinds of animals and visitors should see plenty of elephants, hippo, crocodiles, buffalo, zebra and antelope. Predators like lions, cheetahs and hyenas are frequently spotted. Sadly, the black rhino population has now been polished off by poachers.

Walking safaris operate in the dry season between June and October. They vary in length and can be as short as a few hours, but it is worth spending a few days on the trail for a real bush experience.

Jeep safaris are also on offer. It is worth finding out whether the park is operating any night drives, since they offer the chance to see animals that lie low in the day and often hunt in the dark - especially lions.