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Routes · Africa

Hong Kong to Zambia: Lusaka and South Luangwa

Hong Kong → Lusaka → South Luangwa

Lusaka
"Downtown_Lusaka.JPG" by Matthew Grollnek, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence
Downtown Lusaka (Lusaka)
Photo: Matthew Grollnek, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Walking safari & leopards Best season (general guide): Jun–Oct

South Luangwa National Park, in eastern Zambia, is known for its walking safaris and its leopards. This route spends one night in Lusaka and four in the park. From Hong Kong you'll connect through Johannesburg or the Gulf.

Lusaka is a busy capital and a convenient stop before the short flight to Mfuwe, the airport for South Luangwa.

The park follows the Luangwa River, and its lagoons attract elephants, hippos, buffalo and many birds. It is one of the places where walking safaris began, and walking with an armed guide lets you see the bush up close.

Night drives are allowed in the park, and they give a good chance of seeing leopards. Thornicroft's giraffe, a subspecies found only in the Luangwa Valley, is another highlight.

June to October is the dry season and the best time for game viewing. Some camps close in the rainy season.

Camps in South Luangwa range from simple bush camps to comfortable lodges, and many sit on the riverbank, where animals pass in front of the tents. Days follow a rhythm of early morning activity, a long rest in the heat of the day, and an afternoon drive that continues into the evening. Guides are highly trained, and walking safaris are led by an armed scout. Lusaka's markets and craft stalls are worth a visit if you have time before your flight.

Good to know: Most camps include game drives, walks and meals. Book flights and camps well ahead in peak season. Bring neutral-coloured clothes, a hat and sun protection.

Pack light, as small planes have strict baggage limits, and soft bags are usually required.

Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens will make the most of every sighting.

Suggested outline

  1. Hong Kong

    Start

  2. Lusaka

    By air · 1 night suggested

    Zambia's capital, a stop before the flight to the bush.

  3. South Luangwa

    By air · 4 nights suggested

    Walking safaris, night drives and leopards along the Luangwa River.

    South Luangwa National Park
    "Loxodonta africana South Luangwa National Park (1).jpg" by Geoff Gallice, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Lusaka — Arrive in Lusaka· Hong Kong → Lusaka (by air) — long-haul; may arrive the next calendar day
  2. Day 2 · South Luangwa — Fly to Mfuwe; afternoon game drive· Lusaka → South Luangwa (by air)
  3. Day 3 · South Luangwa — Walking safari
  4. Day 4 · South Luangwa — Night drive for leopards
  5. Day 5 · South Luangwa — River and lagoons
  6. Day 6 · South Luangwa — Travel home from South Luangwa· South Luangwa → Hong Kong (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

Flights, leg by leg

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Lusaka

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South Luangwa

Nearest airport: Mfuwe Search fares · Mfuwe ↗

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