• Large populations of predators, elephant, buffalo, antelope
• One of the best places to see leopard
• Over 400 bird species
• The area in which the modern-day walking safari was pioneered
Luangwa Valley: is situated at the end of the Great Rift
Valley in a rift valley of its own. Between the walls of the escarpment,
winds the Luangwa River at the bottom. Over many years, the river
has receded and changed course, leaving lots scenic of ox-bows and
lagoons, filled with hippos and crocodiles. The rich volcanic soil
supports a wide variety of lush vegetation and a wealth of animal
and birdlife.
Luangwa
means "fishing basket", probably a reference to the great
number of fish residing in the many pools, lagoons and Luangwa River
itself
Situated far from all the major cities, the Luangwa Valley is remote
and has therefore been spared the masses of tourists in minibusses
- this is a pristine, over 9 000km² stretch of lush riverine
vegetation, plentiful game and fantastic birdwatching.
The first proper parks were created in 1938 and in 1972, they were
turned into national parks:
The Luangwa Valley has been a favourite
destination for off-the-beaten track visitors for many years, for
a variety of reasons:
- Walking safaris were pioneered in the Luangwa Valley and going on
one of these trails is still
considered one of the greatest wildlife experiences in
Africa
- The only place where one is able to see Thornicroft's giraffe and
Cookson's wildebeest
- Thousands of hippos and crocodiles lounge in the pools and river
- Luangwa is reportedly one of the best places in Africa to see leopard
- Over 50 mammals
With over 400 bird species, the
Luangwa Valley is a birdwatcher's paradise:
- At the end of the dry season, hundreds of waterbirds are attracted
to the pools. Storks,
Pelicans, Great White Egret, Black headed Heron, Goliath Heron,
Crowned Cranes
- Around November, migrating birds from Europe arrive here. These
include: Red chested
Cuckoo, White Storks, European Swallows, Swifts, Hobbies and
Bee-eaters, as well as
Steppe Eagles and Steppe Buzzards all the way from Russia.
- 39 birds of prey and 47 migrant species
Conservation: Once known as "The Crowded
Place" and "The Kingdom of the Elephant", the Luangwa
valley was sorely hit by poachers, who shot all the valley's rhino
and severely reduced elephant populations. Fortunately, conservation
measures have been stepped up due to the committed effort by several
individuals, community members as well as parks authorities and the
wildlife is flourishing once again.
Weather: There are three seasons: cool and dry from May-August,
hot and dry from September to November and warm and wet from December
to April.
