The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. It is through this that the great meandering Luangwa river runs, with its ox bow lagoons, riverine supported woodlands and large plains, all of which play host to huge concentrations of game including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds.
Designed by Neil Rocher this impressive private house sits gracefully on the edge of a lagoon system frequented by large herds of elephants, impalas, giraffes and countless other species which use the lagoon as a source of water and food throughout the year. All of which is magnificently set off by the back drop of the Chindeni Hills. During the dry season lunch can be had on the raised deck surrounded by up to 80 elephants splashing around and enjoying the cool water.
Luangwa House has been designed to assault the senses from the minute you arrive, a strong castle like structure looms up in front of you, then and as you enter through the enormous pivoting door, light and grace as the entire front of the house is open to wilderness. The four double rooms each subtly but differently decorated to mimic the elements – water, earth, wind and fire encompass the feeling of bringing nature into the house.
This magnificent private house is the ultimate in luxury and the perfect getaway for families (children over seven) or groups of friends seeking an indulgent and private break.
The breathtaking Luangwa Safari House sits proudly on a spectacular lagoon which attracts game all year round. The space and privacy of the house is unrivalled and provides an understated luxury combined with a very welcome and friendly feel.
The highly experienced and passionate guiding team cannot fail to guarantee you an excellent safari experience and even when not out on an activity the wildlife that comes to the lagoon in front of the house is exceptional.
A stay at Luangwa House is ideal for those looking for a personalised and private safari experience.
International airlines
Coming to see us couldn't be easier. International flights to Lusaka are provided by South African Airways, Kenyan Airways, Emirates, Qatar and Ethiopian Airways. Regional access includes Johannesburg, Cape Town & Hoedspruit (for Kruger) South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya; Harare, Zimbabwe and more.
Seasons and Climate
In our part of the world, we're blessed with distinct seasons, from the dry heat of winter through to humid, wet summers. The new year is an astonishing time in the bush; the birds are breeding, it's the peak birth time for many animals and all around you'll see the natural world come alive. The lagoons re-fill after the long dry season, and as the game goes to higher ground, you get a great chance of watching them. It mostly rains overnight ensuring little or no disruption of activities by day. Boating through the lagoons and along the Luangwa makes a wonderful activity.
From April to May, the main wet season has gone, the grass is high and the migrant birds begin to leave. At the end of May our most remote safari camps re-open. Winter time comes in June and July, which is also our dry season, and although it's warm by day, you'll need a jacket at night as it gets chilly.
September brings hot, hazy weather and a riot of flowers on the trees. It's an excellent time to see game, and if you're a birder then you'll see the Carmine bee eaters nesting from now until November. In October it gets very hot, up to 40 degrees in the shade. This is the end of our dry season when our camps that are located far in the bush, close.
With November and December comes the onset of the rains, the migrant birds return, the bush sprouts new life and begins to bursts into vivid green, heralding the start of another Emerald Season.
The beginning of the rains can also bring a deluge of flying ants and other insects (sometimes in pretty big proportions, but normally lasting a few hours). With the insects come the cooler temperatures but also the humidity.
Open Open mid-March to mid-January.
Game drives
· An option of day or night drives.
· Toyota Landcruisers with two tier seats (three tier for groups / families) are used - a "window" seat (i.e. two people per row) for everyone.
· Open top vehicles, affording you total 360 degree vision.
Walking
· The walks are led by our knowledgeable guide, and escorted by an armed National Park scout.
· Our guiding team is very passionate and will certainly impart some amazing bush insights at a level that will surprise you.
Seasonal Boating - A special treat indeed for guests in the Emerald Season.
· From end December/January to around April.
· Explore the lagoons for enhanced game viewing and birdin
The unspoiled South Luangwa National Park is one of natural jewels in Zambia's crown, and home to one of the most varied collections of wildlife on the planet.
The park is centered around the Luangwa River. Untapped by man, its natural ebb and flow of flooding makes much of the park inaccessible by road which keeps it a sanctuary for the large concentration of game that live there. A paradise for birders, over 450 species are to be found in the park, and the wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, hippos, giraffe, leopards and lions.