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 May
to October form the "peak" season; the cooler and drier
environment means that animals tend to group around water,
making animal spotting and walking safaris a more predictable
affair. Outside this window, much of the Park is inaccessible
when seasonal rains bring in floods and mud that make vehicular
travel an impossibility.
This seasonal access reflects the tenacity at which raw Africa
is holding this area; people are still very much guests! Very
few parts of the park have all year access; the luxurious
Mfuwe Lodge is one of
these areas with an all-weather road network in place.
January to April are known as the "green" season, and the months
either side of this time are recognized as the best times for
bird-watching, when birds prepare for migratory travel or
breeding.
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The
South Luangwa National Park is considered as one of the most wildlife
abundant sanctuaries in Africa, and the sheer variety of fauna and flora
found in the area guarantees unforgettable experiences and memories for
all the Park's guests.
The
Luangwa Valley has formed around the Luangwa River, a slow and
meandering body of water that leaves dozens of oxbow lakes in its path.
These shallow pools of water are essential to the ecology of the area,
and form hotspots of wildlife where animals come to bathe and water,
particularly during the dry season. The landscape is largely dominated
by a dry woodland comprised of mopane trees, a tall hardwood with
leaves that look like a set of butterfly wings. This environment is
especially suited for leopards, and the Luangwa is renowned for frequent
spottings of the elusive cat. Other rare animals that are often seen in
the area include the puku (a small antelope) and Wild Dog, whilst
the more common huge herds of buffalo and elephant are equally
awe-inspiring. Bird life is astonishingly strong with over 400 species
recorded!
Walking
safaris are reputedly to have been pioneered in the Luangwa
Valley, and the tradition continues to this day with very little
change. Extensively trained safari guides take small groups of
people for walks through the bush, identifying points of
interest and keeping a track of environmental factors in order
to keep the ramble safe. These walking safaris normally take
place during early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures
are more suited toward physical exercise. Undoubtedly the best
way to explore the African continent, walking safaris seem to
offer a primal satisfaction of connecting with the land
first-hand, experiencing everything it has to offer at the level
of the animals that equally wander the territory.
Mfuwe
International Airport offers air access, and receives regular
flights from Lusaka, Livingstone and Lilongwe. A short transfer
from here will get you to Mfuwe Gate. Mfuwe Gate (and the lesser
used Nyamaluma Gate) can be accessed by vehicle from the
capital city and other routes, but these roads are extremely
seasonal and often inaccessible...actually a bonus for the
national park as it means less people! Within the park itself,
cross-terrain vehicles and walking safaris are the major modes
of transport, and several "bush tracks" have been established
between the camps to make these journeys more comfortable.
Canoeing can be done during the green season, although the
Luangwa has an extremely high hippo density that occasionally
object to the intrusion!