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SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

ZAMBIA
LOCALE

Area (SqKm):9,050
Altitude (m):500-800
# Species:460
# Excl Vagrants:460
# Endemics:0
# Near Endemics:0
Species/100 SqKm:5.1
Habitat: Mopane & Miombo woodland, savanna, wetlands, riverine

ABOUT THE BIRDING

South Luangwa National Park is one of the best game parks in Africa and is most famous for its walking safaris. Walking in the park accompanied by armed rangers observing game animals on foot is an unforgettable experience. The large concentrations of game animals, especially during dry season from April-October, are the major attraction of the park. Birding is superb in the valley, where water birds concentrate along the river and other permanent water during dry season. Notable are Goliath Heron, African Openbill, and Saddle-billed Stork. Large numbers of colorful Carmine Bee-eaters nest along the sandy banks of the river. Pel's Fishing Owl and Pennant-winged Nightjar are easier to see there than in many other sites. Other birds of interest Lilian's Lovebird, Racket-tailed Roller, and Dusky Lark. While the birding is very good, the park is not usually visited just for birding. It's the combination of birding and mammal watching, especially on foot, that makes the park special. Unlike some other parks in Zambia, accommodations are available even in rainy season when birds are in breeding plumage. The rains begin in November and this is when many species begin nesting. It's also when Eurasian migrants arrive in the park.

LOCATION OF SITE

South Luangwa National Park is located in eastern Zambia northeast of Lusaka. It's most easily reached by air via Proflight Zambia. It's about a 2 hour drive of 123 km from the town of Chipata, which is 510  km (317 mi) from Lusaka.