The Luangwa valley is one of Africa s prime wildlife sanctuaries, with concentrations and varieties of game and birdlife that have made it world famous. As the Luangwa valley forms part of the Great Rift Valley, its scenery is varied and dramatic. The valley floor drops down some 800m below the surrounding plateau, with the Luangwa river carving its tortuous course through the centre. Vegetation ranges from dense woodland to open grassy plains, and oxbow lagoons act as natural water holes. The valley is home to huge herds of elephant, large numbers of antelope, most notably impala, puku, kudu, bushbuck and waterbuck.
Lion are common and the park is also famous for leopard.
Night drives are fascinating as one has the opportunity to view genets, civets, servals, hyenas and bush babies. Bird-watching is superb in the valley as there are over 400 different bird species. Towards the end of the dry season, when the river and oxbow lagoons begin to recede, hundreds of large water birds can be seen wading through the shallows. Souvenirs Back Local crafts, including wooden and soapstone carvings can be purchased from markets and at roadside stalls along major tourist routes. Areas along the borders may be unsafe, particularly the Great East road along the Mo ambique border, the northern border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the border with Angola.