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Wildlife of the Luangwa Valley, Zambia

The Luangwa Valley has one of the highest concentrations of game in Africa, making it a fantastic destination for an African wildlife safari. Zambia's Luangwa Valley has lush riverine vegetation, interspersed with fertile grazing lawns and numerous ox-bow lagoons close to the river itself.  These factors create a very high carrying capacity.

The Luangwa is known for huge herds of elephants and was once dubbed the "Valley of the Elephants".  Large pods of hippos are seen in every stretch of the river, there are estimated to be at least 50 hippos per kilometer of river.

It is widely accepted that the South Luangwa National Park is one of the best places in Africa to see leopard in its natural environs.  They are usually a secretive animal but in the Luangwa their habits have changed somewhat as a result of the density of their population.

Prides of up to 30 lions are common throughout the Luangwa Valley and the areas around our various bushcamps are particularly good for lion.

Hyenas are fairly common and their plaintive, eerie cry, so characteristic of the African bush, can be heard on most nights.

Other carnivores that may be seen on your wildlife safari in Zambia's Luangwa Valley are caracal, serval and side striped jackal.  The wild dog population in the Luangwa is worthy of note as this has been steadily increasing over recent years and sightings of this endangered creature are now quite common.

Baboons and vervet monkeys are the most prolific primates but the nocturnal bush-baby and night apes are also seen.

The Luangwa River also has an extraordinarily high number of crocodiles. It is not uncommon to see several basking on the riverbanks or even floating down the river tearing at a dead animal.

Night drives are a fascinating treat on any African wildlife safari but particularly so in the Luangwa Valley.  Not only is this the time that you are most likely to see the predators hunting but there are a whole host of animals to be seen which are simply not active during daylight hours.  Genets, civets and mongoose are all common whilst the porcupines and honey-badgers are always very entertaining.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching is superb in the Luangwa Valley, with over 400 of Zambia's 732 species of birds occurring here. There are 39 species of raptor and 47 migrant species, so there is plenty for any birdwatcher to spot throughout the year.  Whatever the main emphasis of your African wildlife safari you cannot fail to be impressed by the birds with their ridiculously bright colours and intricate songs.

Near the end of the dry season, when the river and oxbow lagoons begin to recede, hundreds of waterbirds can be seen wading through the shallows. The red faced yellow billed storks move with their beaks open underwater, disturbing the muddy liquid with their feet until the fish stray into their mouths. The pelicans tend to operate in lines abreast, driving the fish before them into shallows before scooping them up into their beak pouches. The striking 1.6m saddle bill stork makes quick darting movements into the water. Then there's the marabou stork, great white egrets, black headed herons, open billed storks and the stately goliath heron. Among the most beautiful are the elegant crowned cranes, with their golden tufts congregating in large flocks at the salt pans.

Around the same time, just before the rains set in, in November, the palearctic migrants from Northern Europe and the intra-African migrants arrive to exploit the feeding opportunities that the warm rainy season brings. These include numerous species of cuckoo, many of which are quite vociferous, white storks and European swallows, as well a swifts, hobbies and bee-eaters. 

Birds of prey such as the Steppe eagles and Steppe buzzards also migrate all the way from Russia.

Birdsong is an ever-present aspect of any African wildlife safari and it may take some getting used to. An early caller is the ground hornbill, looking like a well-dressed turkey, but emitting the sound of a deep base drum.  Then there is the melodious Heuglin's robin, or the shrill cry of the fish eagle and the background cooing of doves and larks that will accompany any wildlife safari in Zambia.

• Mammals in the Luangwa Valley
• Birds in the Luangwa Valley
• South Luangwa National Park

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Map of Zambia

Camp Locations

• Best of Zambia Safari
• Zambia in a Week
• Rivers & Rainbows Zambia Safari
• Green Season Birding Safari
• A Week on the Wildside
• Beach and Bush Safari
• 6 Nights Zambia Safari - South Luangwa 
• 7 Nights Zambia Safari - South Luangwa
• 10 Nights Zambia Safari - South Luangwa
• Zambian Honeymoon Safari

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