Dubbed one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in the world, South Luangwa National Park has an incredible intensity of wildlife, including healthy populations of wild dog, lions and leopard; elephant, buffalo hippo and many other grazers and ungulates. Some 400 species of birds inhabit the richly diverse habitat, from dry, bare bushland to lush, green forests. The total size of the park is 9059 square km.

The Luangwa River is the main source of water in the park, and the most intact river in Africa. Although the rhino has very sadly been poached to extinction within the park, the rest of Africa’s Big Five can be found here, among a total of 60 mammal species.

Among the more interesting vegetation is the marula tree, famously intoxicating elephants and baboons with its fallen overripe fruit; mopane trees, home to the worm that is considered a local delicacy; some very impressive baobabs, the amazing tamarind tree and a few large ebony trees.