Head out into South Luangwa National Park by open-sided 4x4 vehicle. Accompanied by your experienced guide, search out the many predators which give the park its world-class reputation. The large number of elephant and other herd animals sustains a variety of predator niches. You stand a good chance of sighting lion on the hunt, spotted hyena roaming in search of an easy meal and mysterious leopard resting in the branches overhead.
The rivers and waterways are teeming with magnificent hippo, and are a great place to tick off some of the 400 species of bird found here. You won’t have to stare too long into the water to see the characteristic watching eye of the perfectly camouflaged crocodile.
Depending on the season of your visit, this exiting foray into South Luangwa could yield any number of safari sights. Set out between October and April to spot the endangered African wild dog (or African painted dog). Meanwhile, the period between September and November is ideal for unlocking the best bird sightings here. During this time, the water levels within the park rise. This creates the perfect habitat for good numbers of colourful carmine and little bee eater, Lilian’s lovebird and the unique and spectacular African skimmer eagle.