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The Luangwa Valley is an extension of the Great East African rift valley, the main arm of which runs east of Zambia, containing Lake Malawi. The valley is formed by the Luangwa River which rises in the dramatic Mafinga Mountains(7,500 ft) bordering the northeastern corner of Zambia. The flat-bottomed valley running northeast to southwest, is defined to the west by the beautiful Muchinga escarpment.
The ecology of the Luangwa Valley is extraordinary: dramatic seasonal variations, a dynamic river system, fertile soils, lush vegetation, prolific wildlife, a perpetual contest between the elements, hunter and prey. These inter-related ingredientst comprise the Luangwa Valley and engender its unique atmosphere. This is classic Africa.
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The valley experiences two distinct seasons, the Dry Season from May to November, and the Green or Emerald Season from December to April.
The coldest time of year is June and July when the daytime temperatures are pleasant but early morning and night excursions can be cold in the open vehicles.
By October temperatures reach 37 degrees centigrade but the game viewing "hots" up too as the outlying water dries, forcing the game to the riverine area. |
The Luangwa is home to most of the big game - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and hippo are abundant. It is notable for two endemic species: Thornicroft's Giraffe and Cookson's Wildebeest.
Black rhino, although once common, are sadly no longer seen. There are few, if any, rivers in Africa that contain such a high concentration of hippos and crocodiles. Night drives reveal many fascinating mammals including civet, genet, mongooses, bushbaby, serval, porcupine and aardvark.
Over 400 hundred species of birds have been recorded in the Luangwa. Close to Tafika the large flocks of Crowned Cranes and the Yellow billed stork breeding colony are incredible sights. Pel's fishing owls and Bat hawks are regularly seen.
At Mwaleshi bird specials include White winged babbling starlings and Fulleborn's Longclaw.
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National Parks:
In the Luangwa Valley there are four National Parks:
- The South Luangwa National Park
- The North Luangwa National Park
- Luambe National Park
- Lukusuzi National Park
Remote Africa Safaris properties are closed from Mid November to the 1st May. |
Dry Season:
By May the last rains have fallen and only a smattering of puffy white clouds remain. Ground water remains plentiful and the vegetation thick, but areas that have been unreachable throughout the rains now start to become accessible.
During June and July temperatures fall to their lowest, although they would rarely go below 10 or 11 degrees Centigrade. The days are glorious - warm and sunny. Thereafter the thermometer rises until the heat is alleviated by the onset of the next rains, which usually arrive in November.
October is normally the hottest month with maximum temperatures of about 37 degrees Centigrade. There is virtually no precipitation during the dry season and, by October, virtually all outlying water has dried up. The valley's herbivores are irresistibly attracted to the riverine belt and endure great hardship during their agonizing wait for the fresh rains. It is a time of plenty for the carnivores and the concentration of game around the river makes for particularly good game viewing.
All our camps are open during the Dry Season.
Tafika Camp (1st May to Mid Nov)
Chikoko Trails: comprising Crocodile River Camp and Chikoko Tree Camp (June - Oct)
Mwaleshi Camp (Mid June - Oct)
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Emerald Season:
The build up of huge banks of cumulus clouds brings an atmosphere of excitement and promise to the valley. When these life-giving clouds break the tension by spilling their bounty over the parched landscape, the relief is vibrantly tangible. Almost overnight the valley is transformed into fresh green parkland and there is an overwhelming sense of regeneration. Temperatures fall away from their October peaks.
By March, the entire valley has been completely transformed. The meagre stream has become a brown, surging torrent 200 metres wide, the deciduous woodland is luxuriantly green, the grassland is almost impenetrably dense and the impressive concentrations of elephant, buffalo and hippo disperse over a large area.
Most of the valley becomes waterlogged and inaccessible. The spectrum of bird life also changes. In October and November a number of migrants arrive, contributing new colour and sound to their summer haven. Heronries abound and the yellow billed storks form a spectacular breeding colony of several hundred nests.
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