Getting to South Luangwa National Park

Located in eastern Zambia and spanning 9,050 km², South Luangwa National Park is quickly becoming one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations.

But how do you get here?

There are several international flights to Zambia (Lusaka) via Johannesburg, Addis Ababa and Dubai. We will concentrate on getting to South Luangwa once you are in Zambia or neighbouring Malawi.

Whether you are visiting the park from Malawi or elsewhere in Zambia, you will most likely arrive by car or plane.

By Air:

If you are wanting to reach South Luangwa National Park by air from Malawi, Fly Ulendo provide a daily service from Lilongwe to Mfuwe International Airport. The flight from Lilongwe to Mfuwe takes around 1 hour.

Upon arrival at Mfuwe Airport, you will be met by a representative of the lodge you are staying at and transferred to your accommodation by safari vehicle. Or – if you are travelling with us – your South Luangwa Safaris guide will meet you at the airport.

Mfuwe Airport is the nearest airport to the national park. The distance from Mfuwe to the camps varies as some are located just outside the park whereas others are located deep inside the park. The park entrance is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from the airport.

A return flight to Mfuwe International Airport from Lilongwe international Airport with Fly Ulendo will cost $600. $300 each way*.

By Road:

South Luangwa is 321 km from Lilongwe. To get to South Luangwa National Park by road it takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. The journey time can increase due to the border crossing.

It is possible to self-drive from Malawi to South Luangwa. We do have vehicles available for hire. However, car hire can be costly and crossing the border with a vehicle can be stressful. We strongly recommend you extend your stay in South Luangwa and visit other destinations in Zambia and Malawi. In doing so, you can join one of our tours and leave the driving and administration to our team. Take in the scenery as your South Luangwa Safaris guide transfers – and educates you – across Malawi and Zambia.

By Air:

If you are already in Zambia there are several internal flight options available to you through Proflight Zambia:

Proflight runs up to three scheduled flights a day from Lusaka to Mfuwe, throughout the year, as well as regular flights from Livingstone.

– Lusaka > Mfuwe

– Livingstone (via Lusaka) > Mfuwe

– Lower Zambezi (via Lusaka) > Mfuwe

The flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe usually takes 1 hour and 10 minutes or 2 hours and 50 minutes depending on the aeroplane you travel in.

By Road:

Driving to South Luangwa from Lusaka takes approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes, this will of course vary depending on what vehicle you are using and the route you take.

Livingstone to South Luangwa takes approximately 15 hours and 20 minutes.

Once again, we recommend leaving the driving to us and breaking up the trip from Livingstone to South Luangwa with a stay in Lusaka.

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Zambia. Visit Zambia Tourism to see whether you require a visa.

A single-entry visa allows you to enter Zambia only once during the validity of the visa, it costs US $50.

A double-entry visa allows you to enter Zambia twice during the validity of the visa, it costs US $80.

A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter Zambia multiple times during the validity of the visa. The fee is US $80. Multiple-entry visas shall only be issued by headquarters through the e-visa facility.

For more information visit Zambiaimmigration.gov.zm.

*All Prices & figures taken on 11^th October 2017. Subject to change.

If you don’t want to organise your travel to South Luangwa, let us organise a tour for you. We can collect you from Lilongwe International Airport and transfer you by road, alternatively, we can arrange your flights to South Luangwa, allowing you to focus on having an incredible safari holiday.

View our safari itineraries to inspire your trip.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.