For wildlife, and wildlife-lovers, it doesn’t get any better than Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. With its verdant floodplains rustling with huge herds of game, mopane woodlands and indigenous hardwood forests filled with over 400 species of birds, and a mighty river that attracts thirsty animals like a magnet, it is one of Africa’s truly great wildlife sanctuaries.

Over 60 different species of mammal call the South Luangwa National Park their home, drawn by the diverse range of habitats from sandy seasonal river courses to the mineral-rich alluvial floodplains that stretch out to distant blue hills. Predators such as lion, leopard and wild dog stalk the smaller game, whilst primates such as yellow baboons and vervet monkeys swing through the trees. The Park is well-known for its huge herds of elephant and buffalo, along with its large population of leopard. The Luangwa Valley has one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, estimated to be at least 50 per kilometre of river. The Luangwa Valley also boasts two endemic species: Thornicroft’s Giraffe and Cookson’s Wildebeest. Crawshay’s Zebra, with its unique evenly-spaced stripes, is also a local resident.

Walking safaris were pioneered in the South Luangwa National Park and are still one of the best ways of experiencing the African wilderness. There are many Bush Camps in the Park, and it is possible to walk between them, accompanied by an armed ranger.