ACTIVITIES
The South Luangwa is a remote, vast, unspoiled ecosystem with varying habitats and abundant wildlife, offering an authentic, exclusive African safari experience. Witness sunrise and sunset on a game drive, observe the wildlife up close and personal from the photographic hide, connect intimately with nature on a walking safari, and bask in the warmth of Zambian hospitality on a cultural excursion.
Game Drives
A game drive is a journey into the unknown, where anything or nothing can happen, and the anticipation adds to the excitement. At Puku Ridge, the odds are stacked in our favour due to the prolific wildlife in the region and the expertise of our trackers and rangers. South Luangwa is known as the “Valley of the Leopard” due to the unique high density of this elusive African animal in the park and day and night leopard sightings abound at Puku Ridge. Also, almost guaranteed are sightings of the vast herds of elephants and Cape buffalo swimming between the many tiny islands on the river. View the mesmerising patterns of Crawshay’s zebra, and you will understand why they are known collectively as a dazzle of zebra.
Our thoughtfully outfitted and custom built 4×4 luxury safari vehicles typically venture out for a few hours in the morning and again in the late afternoon, culminating in sundowners of delicious cocktails and snacks before returning to camp on a night drive, using filtered red spotlights to spot the creatures of the night.
Walking Safari
South Luangwa is home to Zambia’s walking safari, the most immersive safari experience and an exhilarating sensory adventure. Safe in the capable hands of an experienced, highly trained safari guide and an armed Government National Parks scout, you embark on a walk of a lifetime. Meander through thick Ebony groves, dry tributaries and open savannah as you track leopards, giraffes, wild dogs or elephants. Listen to the fascinating facts and stories of the ranger and discover the intricate complexity of this landscape’s insects, birds, and plants.
Birding
With 378 species recorded, South Luangwa is a birder’s paradise. Nothing prepares you for the first time you hear the distinct call of the fish eagle pierce the air or the comical guttural croak of the spoonbill wading in the shallows. Kingfishers abound, from the colourful woodlands and malachite kingfishers to the striking pied, giant and brown hooded kingfishers. Osprey and African skimmers migrate here, and resident river birds include darters, egrets, storks, and cormorants.
