South Luangwa National Park, Zambia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for South Luangwa National Park, Zambia? If you're planning to go to South Luangwa National Park, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Based on the climate and weather in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in South Luangwa National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for South Luangwa National Park, Zambia by month

January

January here is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in South Luangwa National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in South Luangwa National Park is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in South Luangwa National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to find the right type. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

March

Traveling to South Luangwa National Park in March, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in South Luangwa National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to get the right type. Many adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

April

April in this region is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in South Luangwa National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Ensure that you find the right type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you vacation in South Luangwa National Park during May, you might notice that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in South Luangwa National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be careful to get the necessary type. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

June

June for South Luangwa National Park is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in South Luangwa National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. It's important that you get the correct type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

If you visit South Luangwa National Park during July, you will probably find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in South Luangwa National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Check that you find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

August

August for South Luangwa National Park is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in South Luangwa National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be careful to get the right type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

September

September in this region is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in South Luangwa National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

October

October in this region is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in South Luangwa National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be careful to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

If you visit South Luangwa National Park during November, you may see that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in South Luangwa National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Check that you choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December in South Luangwa National Park is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in South Luangwa National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be careful to get the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

What to do in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is a true gem when it comes to African wildlife destinations. It is rated as one of the top safari destinations in the world, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience. The national park is home to a vast range of wildlife, including big five animals, over 400 bird species, and various other unique mammals. Here are the top tourist attractions you can't miss when visiting South Luangwa National Park.

1. Game Drives

Game drives in South Luangwa National Park are an experience of a lifetime. The park's thick woodlands and lowlands provide excellent game viewing opportunities, especially during the peak season from June to October. Make sure to book a guided game drive, preferably during the early morning or late afternoon, when the animals are most active. You can expect to see lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and many more.

2. Walking Safaris

Walking safaris in the national park are a thrilling way of experiencing the African wilderness. The guided tours take you through the forests and plains, allowing you to encounter wildlife up-close while learning about African fauna and flora from the experienced guides. During the walking safaris, you may see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.

3. Night Drives

Night drives in South Luangwa National Park are an excellent way of exploring the nocturnal wildlife species. During the night safari, you can spot predators such as lions, hyenas, and leopards on the prowl. Additionally, you may also come across bush babies, genets, and other nocturnal creatures that are hard to spot during the day.

4. The Luangwa River

The Luangwa River, which runs through the park, is an excellent spot for river safaris. The river safaris offer tourists a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species such as African fish eagles and kingfishers. Additionally, during the dry season, the river attracts various mammal species, such as elephants and buffaloes, that come to drink water from the river.

5. The Tribal Textile

The Tribal Textile is a community organisation located near the park, dedicated to producing unique and vibrant textiles. The community members make the textiles using traditional methods such as patchwork and hand-painting. The items include bags, cushion covers, wall hangings, and other souvenirs. Visitors can take a guided tour at Tribal Textile to learn about the various production processes.

Conclusion

South Luangwa National Park offers its visitors various tours and safaris, including game drives, walking safaris, night drives, river safaris, and cultural tours. The national park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, and one can experience its beauty all year round. If you're planning to visit Zambia anytime soon, South Luangwa National Park should be at the top of your list of destinations.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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