South Luangwa National Park - A wildlife photographer's guide

Charl and Sabine travelled to South Luangwa National Park recently to discover why it has such an awesome reputation among the wildlife photography community. It is certainly a very different park from the others in Southern Africa, so should it be on your list of next-photo safari destinations?
Visit www.pangolinph... to find out why South Luangwa National Park is the perfect location for an unforgettable photo safari experience.
Join Charl and Sabine on a Photo Safari to South Luangwa National Park Today!Experience a once-in-a-lifetime chance to capture amazing photos by visiting our photo safari here: www.pangolinph...
Timeline:
00:45 Introduction to South Luangwa
01:25 Getting to South Luangwa
02:40 About South Luangwa Park
03:32 When to visit South Luangwa
05:06 The wildlife
06:16 Birding
07:08 Where to stay?
07:58 Night drives - something unique
08:38 The verdict
We are Pangolin Wildlife Photography based in the Chobe, Northern Botswana. When we are not making videos for our channel we host our guests and clients from all over the world on our Wildlife Photography safaris throughout Botswana and the rest of Africa..and beyond sometimes too!
If you are interested in joining us on safari then please have a look at our photo safari packages: www.pangolinph...
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#wildlifephotography #naturephotography #travel

[@PangolinWildlife]

Have you ever been to South Luangwa? If not is it now on your photo safari list?

[@lisaschwerdt6447]

Hi Sabine and Charl. I actually have time booked at Puku Ridge next year. Maybe i'll run into you again!

[@nsbhagwat]

Thanks for the video. Can you please also share the costs involved at the entry gates, and the camps you folks stayed at?

[@JaeJae877]

Hi Sabine and Charl. So great to see your trip video. We met you at Pangolin Chobe in April this year, and you mentioned your upcoming trip. Of all the places we visited in southern Africa, Chobe (with you guys) and South Luangwa NP were our highlights! (to jog your memory, I was shooting the OM1 (pro capture made everyone jealous) and hubby was shooting Nikon D850.

[@miguelsoto2594]

Hi, I can contract to you to see the Striped weasel ?

[@simonartley1645]

Yes a most fabulous and exciting environment with its camps night drives woodlands.....and thosd walking safaris...hope to return..for a 4th time.

[@petergardner1358]

I went on a walking safari in South Luangwa in 1975, it was fantastic then and looks like it still is.

[@mrheh]

So so good!! I'm definitely planning a safari when I retire in the not too distant future 😃

[@Wallacenawa]

I was here last week, incredible...... Beautiful Zambia..

[@juliemitchell1127]

Hi Sabine. I had a terrific time in South Luangwa after leaving you at Pangolin. The Hollywood pride was a bit elusive but turned up on our last day. The highlight was an abundance of leopards, including the famous Chip.. we stayed at Lion Camp which was sensational, though high end. I definitely agree about staying within the park so you can get out early. The gates open at 6a.m and then you need to drive to the area you want to explore. The ebony forest was a real treat too, that’s where we encountered giraffe.Your video is excellent and represents the park really well. So, I went in July when there is still some green, but it’s drying out quite quickly. All the best for the season as it unfolds for you at Pangolin. I’ll send you a few of my favourite images when I get around to editing them. Can I say that we really enjoyed Busanga in Kafue - incredible lion sightings and such a different environment. Warm regards to all at Pangolin, Julie Mitchell

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Hello Julie. Great to hear that you had an amazing time and agree with our opinion. I hope we get a chance to check out Busanga Plains too in the near future. Looking forward to your images!

[@metlhangubevana6112]

Thanks so much Charls and Sabine. Have to join you for the next photo safari to South Luangwa National Park.

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Please do! Details are in the comments and our website for June 2024!

[@wilduntamedphotography1260]

Very cool, right video at the right time ;-) We have booked 11 nights in South Luangwa for the two of us for end of September with a private guide and vehicle just for us 😎 Can't wait to be back in the bush again and I am very glad seeing that the two of you enjoyed it so much, makes us even more excited 😜 All the best, greetings from Switzerland ... Marco & Melanie

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

How lovely! It really is magical. Have the best time.

[@wilduntamedphotography1260]

@@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232 Thanks Sabine, we will do our very best

[@PangolinWildlife]

Have fun!

[@wilduntamedphotography1260]

@@PangolinWildlife Thanks 😜

[@andresalgadomarques]

Beautiful! Would love to visit this park and go on a photo safari with you again 🙏 Great memories from Chobe... ❤️

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Hopefully soon!

[@andresalgadomarques]

@@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232 hopefully!

[@springbankscrapper]

I think might have to be on my next trip.

[@RVNmedic]

I have visited South Luangwa and it is spectacular. We did see a family of White Rhinos there. The park rangers radioed our guide and we met them at the location. They walked us in for an unbelievable experience. I would recommend it to anyone. The photography was out of this world.

[@sunitaverma7931]

Amazing video Charls and Sabine... would love to join your trip if the dates work for us. It would be epic to learn from you in such a beautiful part of the world.

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Hi Sunita. We would love to have you with us on the trip. Let's hope the dates work out. You can read here for more info: www.pangolinphoto.com/safaris/south-luangwa-photo-safari

[@raylander6329]

Sabine, Charl this is a great video; I see all of you at Pangolin looking for new places

[@PangolinWildlife]

Always looking to grow!

[@evsbichon]

Terrific. I've had birding/wildlife photo safaris in Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, The Gambia, Ethiopia - goosebumps thinking about the experiences. Just the other day a friend asked if I would be returning to Africa. Replied no, now that I'm "older" and unable to hike or walk long distances I require tours where you primarily ride in safari or other vehicles - never did Zambia cross my mind. Thanks to you it looks like I may have a new destination! And my nemisis mammal, Wild Dogs - looks like a good opportunity in South Luangwa! Perfect.

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Great to hear we could inspire you to do another African safari. I am sure you will love it!

[@evsbichon]

@@frankfurter7260 perhaps I didn't write clear - sorry. Because I've been to Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia, S. Africa in particular; tours that like you pointed out don't require walking I didn't know there were any other African countries that would have non-walking photo safaris. Zambia had never crossed my mind as a possible non-walking destination. A gem I wasn't aware of.

[@dimitarnedelchev27]

We are there on safari this August.

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

That‘s great! Have the best time

[@dimitarnedelchev27]

@@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232 Thank you 🙏

[@iantroup]

Thanks for such a terrific video, the quality of your photography is just epic

[@PangolinWildlife]

Wow, thank you!

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Thank you very much!

[@mazuba10]

Hi guys, I'm glad you enjoyed your time in my homeland 🇿🇲🇿🇲. I've been to South Luangwa National Park and I absolutely love it!❤❤❤

[@ncsudat]

Great video! We literally just returned from visiting the park on safari this past week. Your video was very representative of the wuldlife within the park. We stayed in the park at Mfuwe Lodge, which I highly recommend. Was a trip of a lifetime.

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

How awesome! Glad you enjoyed it so much.

[@joncothranphotography9375]

That looks so wonderful! That would be such a fun safari! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks for watching!

[@kapilkantoo]

Amazing location,

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

It really is. Thanks for watching!

[@PangolinWildlife]

It really is!

[@skipsaunders5974]

We are starting to recognize Sabine's photographic style. We learned so much from her on our Pangolin Safari this past Spring; and we are enjoying some of the new ways of taking/processing pictures she taught us. In this video several of the techniques she suggested appear, and you've knitted the video, music, Foley sounds, and images into a really coherent package that shows off South Luangwa very well..... Perhaps Pangolin should open a campsite there? (especially one which offers night drives!!!) (We are still in the search to find/photograph a Pangolin ... :-) ) Thanks

[@cindymumba.6481]

Thankyou for visiting our country Zambia ❤️ much love guys

[@weast5912]

Looks super and yes I definitely would/will be interested in coming there especially with Pangolin…

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thank you

[@pierrebuerki2722]

congratulations on the very nice film with a lot of informations

[@Pranavvikas-r6c]

Appreciate the work 👏

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thank you so much 😀

[@nsoltz]

Lovely video. I have been in SLP once staying first around Mfuwe gate, then further north at a walking camp and finally in Nsefu sector. It is everything you say-- and more. Emphasize walking safaris to your clients! I went in late August to ensure seeing the Carmine Bee Eaters and also because the northern walking camp as well as Nsefu camp only opened from July 1. The dogs were definitely my highlight and hope to see more wild dogs when I join you in November for Chobe, Okavango and Kalahari trip!

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Thank you and happy to hear you agree! Looking forward to meet you soon

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks for the tips!

[@nsoltz]

@@B-kl8vj don't think it right to speak of other camps/companies on Pangolin's site. Perhaps your Pangolin safari booking agent has the ability to book you into walking camps. I will say that they tend to open around July 1 in the northern sectors and Nsefu sector of Zambia, which coincides nicely with the end of the Pangolin safari. And then you will have learned so many skills from Charl and Sabine that your images will be even more amazing.

[@lengt001]

Great video and Park. Looks amazing.

[@cinziareichhart643]

Hi Sabine… I will put these on my wish list 😂😂😂

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Hey Cinzia. Who knows, I might just see you on one of these 😉

[@timdriman4253]

Hi Guys... So you eventually found our special hideway..... 😜 Your trip looked awesome, and especially to see that there was still so much water around in the Jackal-berry forests, which are usually all dry when we usually visit. Your video got my blood pumping, and is enough to drag any wildlife photographer/lover into that pristine area.... Not they they would put up any fight to escape 😊 Great job guys, and it is guaranteed to become very popular with your overseas guests. Unfortunately Zambian travel, parks and pristine areas can be pricey, but it's a fact of life about any Zambian trip. We have been visiting that area for the past 6 years, but we always choose to camp using our own equipment, and self-drive on our own, as we know that area really well. We love the north eastern Nsefu sector for it's low human footprint, but the central region also has it's great attractions which we manage to cohabit with as we have got to know a lot of the guides, and their operating practices. I told Toby why we had to pull the plug on this year's trip, but we will certainly be back again when Von has fully recovered her strength. Wishing you all the very best in your Zambian trips, and know that they will become a big draw-card. Warm regards Tim, Yvonne, and Shirley

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thank you guys. Hope to see you again soon.

[@thinblueline4447]

That is a beautiful looking park. Thank you for including logistical and lodging information. I’m planning to head to Victoria Falls next year and now Luangwa National Park is on my radar as well.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mattd9732]

I either have to stop watching these videos or hide my cheque book. 😂😂 I would definitely love to visit beautiful park.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Come!!!

[@markdennison9968]

Been there around 15 years ago. Would be great to go back!

[@gilleslast3561]

Kind of a dream to be there one day

[@PangolinWildlife]

It can be a reality

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks so much for sharing such a wonderful video, keep up with the awesome content 👍👌🤗

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thank you, we will

[@glennalexon1530]

Great content. I'd watch you travel the world, taking pictures. Thailand? Alaska? Costa Rica?

[@simon_dentremont]

That looked amazing! If you add that to your offerings, I may have to organize a workshop there!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Please do! Lets chat!!

[@AjaySingh-228]

Woe amazing...I watching your video after a long days back🖤

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thank you so much 😀

[@AjaySingh-228]

@@PangolinWildlife you are welcome

[@feline319]

I would like to go on safari to South Luangwa.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Great. Do it!

[@VABrowneMDPhD]

What a beautiful place! Your videos are always so inspiring, educational, and beautifully and creatively produced. I look forward to an opportunity to join you one day for a Pangolin Safari!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thank you very much!

[@johnweehuizn8615]

Looks beautiful.

[@PangolinWildlife]

It was!

[@explorevanisle2924]

Awesome video - what settings are you using when taking images on night drives to get such tack sharp images?

[@rrrosecarbinela]

That looks awesome!

[@PangolinWildlife]

It is!

[@dilanjayawickrama2469]

Wow that’s awesome….. what r the gears you guys used ?

[@adw2010able]

Would love to go on Safari there

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

We would love to host you there!

[@adw2010able]

If only I could afford to

[@mirkoputignano7734]

Hi, how did you manage to transport your photography equipment with the restrictions of proflight zambia?

[@hilarie4]

Would certainly be a wonderful option for next safaris. Is pangolin planning to include it?

[@PangolinWildlife]

Details in the comments and on the website. June 24!!!

[@jabbafatt]

For trips to South Luangwa, what sorts of focal lengths would you recommend in lenses? My reading suggests that there are a bit more wooded areas than in other popular safari destinations in Africa, but I wasn't sure if that would affect the best lens choices.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

How were the Tse-tse falls?

[@littleman787]

Would love more photography tutorials

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Sure, they will come up soon!

[@mimiknight-8851]

how many days to stay at the park/visit?

[@SKgeostrat]

I would love to bring groups from Europe there. It is not so well known here. It would depend on the price levels, of course.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Check out this package. Would it work? www.pangolinphoto.com/safaris/south-luangwa-photo-safari

[@garyshawnahart6655]

would love to join a safari

[@PangolinWildlife]

Have a look here for details. www.pangolinphoto.com/photo-safaris

[@mikecardan]

excellent Video. I'm planning to visit "not sure when yet" is there a need to take vaccines when traveling to Africa? A friend of mine advised me to ask.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Most counties in Africa no longer require vaccines...covid or otherwise. Its very much depends on where you want to go to and what do you want to see. Have a look at our website www.pangolinphoto.com and lets start from there.

[@mikecardan]

@@PangolinWildlife I'll check it out. Thank you.

[@user-yy2yp9xt4s]

I come here because google map 😂