North Luangwa National Park

Park Remote Zambian park protecting diverse wildlife and wilderness

North Luangwa National Park is remote Zambia bushland where walking safaris and small‑group game drives focus on elephants, buffalo and predators away from crowded lodges.

North Luangwa National Park is a protected area in Muchinga Province, Zambia, that conserves the northern stretch of the Luangwa valley and its associated wildlife. The park is noted for its remote, rugged wilderness and relatively low visitor numbers compared with more visited parks in the region.

Wildlife viewing typically focuses on species adapted to the Luangwa valley environment, and the park is known for opportunities for walking safaris and small-camp mobile safaris that emphasize close, low-impact wildlife encounters. Infrastructure is basic and conservation management has prioritized anti-poaching and habitat protection.

The area was set aside as a protected area in the 20th century and later designated a national park; conservation efforts continue to focus on maintaining habitat connectivity within the Luangwa ecosystem. Management works with partners to monitor wildlife and support anti-poaching measures.

The park lies in east-central Zambia along the Luangwa River basin, north of South Luangwa National Park, and is accessed via regional roads and airstrips used by conservation and safari operators.

  • Safari style: Many safaris in the park emphasize walking and mobile camps to access remote wildlife areas with low visitor density.
North Luangwa National Park
North Luangwa National Park, Muchinga Province, Zambia
-12.1111, 32.1056
Park access seasonal and typically coordinated with operators
Park entry and camping fees vary; most visitors use local safari operators - expect variable pricing

How to Get to North Luangwa National Park #

Most visitors fly to Mfuwe (UDF) or Lusaka and arrange a charter or scheduled light aircraft to North Luangwa airstrips. Overland access is possible but requires a robust 4x4 and local knowledge.

Tips for Visiting North Luangwa National Park #

  • Book a fly‑in safari to reduce travel times - road access is lengthy and rough.
  • Choose operators who specialise in walking safaris; North Luangwa is among Zambia's best areas for experienced foot-safari guides.
  • Bring cash for in-park fees and tips - remote areas have limited card facilities.

Best Time to Visit North Luangwa National Park #

May-October is optimal for wildlife sightings and reliable travel; the wet season is greener but less accessible.

Dry season
May-October · 15-28°C (59-82°F)
Best game viewing; animals concentrate around permanent water sources.
Wet season
November-April · 20-32°C (68-90°F)
Lush landscapes, bird migrations, but some areas become difficult for overland vehicles.

Weather & Climate near North Luangwa National Park #

Climate

North Luangwa National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in November) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 12°C to 34°C. Moderate rainfall (959 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
SeptemberJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (229 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 30°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

229 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

February

February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (211 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 30°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

211 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

March

March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 30°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

156 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

April

April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
18° 30°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
15° 29°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

6 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and mostly sunny skies.

93 Ideal

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
13° 28°
61%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
12° 28°
53%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
14° 30°
44%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

September

September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.

98 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
17° 33°
39%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

October

October is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
19° 34°
39%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

November

November is the warmest month, feeling like 28°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
20° 34°
52%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

December

December is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 31°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

202 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

Nearby Attractions to North Luangwa National Park