MAX
Group Size
MIN
Group Size
Days Away From Home
4
6
10
Why Travel With Us To
South Luangwa, Zambia?
Typical Operators | FOW's "Explore South Luangwa" |
8 to 12 guests per vehicle | Maximum 6 photographers |
Fighting for window seats, middle row compromises | Guaranteed window seat, space for long lenses |
Move on from sightings after 10-15 minutes, checklist mentality | Extended sessions, wait for behaviour and perfect light |
Rigid schedule, back by 10am regardless of activity | Flexible, adapt to wildlife and conditions |
General wildlife viewing, photos secondary | Every decision based on photographic opportunity |
Out during standard hours | Out before sunrise, after sunset for golden hour |
General safari guiding | Real-time photography instruction and settings advice |
Tourist lodges, convenience focus rather than wildlife | Flatdogs Camp, 5 minutes from park gate, wildlife walks through camp daily |
Peak season crowds (August-October) | June, fewer tourists, excellent value, still outstanding leopard viewing |
The Differentiating Factor:
Photography-led approach to the "Explore South Luangwa," not generic game viewing. Small groups of just six photographers ensure everyone gets prime positions and personalised instruction. We stay with leopards for hours, not minutes, working the light and anticipating behaviour. Flatdogs Camp's location means elephants wander through while you're having breakfast and you're in the park within minutes, maximising photographic time. Expert local guides who've tracked the same individual leopards for years position you perfectly. Extended sessions, flexible schedules, and included night drives deliver the quality encounters and compelling images that South Luangwa's famous for, without the peak season crowds.
Basic Itinerary
Day 1: Depart UK
Day 2: Arrive in Zambia & first impressions
Day 3: First full day – finding your rhythm
Day 4: Deeper into the park
Day 5: Walking safari & flexibility
Day 6: Prime leopard focus
Day 7: Your choice day
Day 8: Final full day
Day 9: Departure day
Day 10: Arrive back home
Want a more detailed itinerary?
What's Included
7 nights accommodation
All game drives
All meals
Small, photography-focused safari vehicles
Services of experienced local guides and trackers
Full photographic hosting and guidance throughout
Park and concession fees, safari permits, and conservation levies
What's Not Included
Any flights - regional or long-haul (although we'll help you book the correct flights)
Drinks (soft and alcoholic)
Gratuity for local guides and staff
Travel insurance (required)
Equipment insurance (strongly recommended)
Recommended Gear
Telephoto lens 200-600mm
Wide-angle lens for landscapes and astronomy
Monopod or beanbag
Weatherproof clothing appropriate for June conditions (cool weather)
Expected Weather
Daytime temperatures: Around 24–27°C, warm but comfortable
Night temperatures: Around 10–14°C, cool mornings and evenings
Rainfall: Very low to none as the dry season begins
Humidity: Moderate in late May, becoming drier into early June
Overall, conditions are ideal for safaris and wildlife photography, with comfortable temperatures and clear light.
Insurance Requirements
All participants must have their own travel insurance covering the full duration of the tour. This is for your own protection and peace of mind while travelling and photographing in the field. Arranging suitable insurance is the responsibility of each participant and must be done before departure, as Focused On Wildlife does not provide personal travel insurance.
Focused On Wildlife is, however, fully compliant with the UK Package Travel Regulations and protected against financial failure. This means your booking is financially protected, giving you added reassurance when booking your trip.
What Makes This Place Wonderful
Legendary Leopard Territory
South Luangwa is Africa's premier destination for leopard sightings. Patient tracking and expert knowledge put you in position for intimate encounters with these elusive cats.
Endemic Species
Photograph Thornicroft's giraffe, Crawshay's zebra, and puku, species found nowhere else on Earth. The park's unique wildlife makes every sighting special.
Night Drive Adventures
Experience a completely different world after dark. African civets, genets, bushbabies, and hunting predators emerge as daylight fades, offering rare photographic opportunities.
Walking Safaris
Step out of the vehicle and into the wilderness. Walking safaris reveal tracks, behaviours, and perspectives impossible to see from a Land Cruiser.
Comfortable Base Camp
Stay at Flatdogs Camp on the Luangwa River's banks, where elephants wander through camp and wildlife viewing continues between drives.
Expert Local Guides
Our guides have spent decades in South Luangwa. Their knowledge of animal behaviour, seasonal patterns, and the park's hidden corners is unmatched.
Where You Will Stay
Flatdogs Camp is something special – a proper classic safari camp right in the heart of South Luangwa. It’s relaxed but full of character, with comfy tents, great meals, and that unbeatable riverside vibe. You’re never far from the action, and the guides know every corner of the park. Whether you’re out on morning drives, chilling in camp, or heading back out at night, there’s a real sense of being in the wild without ever feeling rushed or uncomfortable. It’s what a safari should feel like.
Wildlife You're Likely To Encounter
During this time of year, South Luangwa is alive with wildlife as the dry season begins. Expect regular sightings of leopards, lions and spotted hyena, with wild dogs often active at this time of year. Large elephant herds move through the valley, while buffalo gather along the river. The Luangwa River draws hippos and crocodiles in huge numbers, and plains game such as puku, impala, zebra and giraffe are widespread. Birdlife is excellent too, with resident species and early dry-season activity making this a rich time for wildlife encounters.
Your Typical Day
Days at Flatdogs have a good, easy rhythm to them. We’re up early for morning game drives when wildlife is most active, then head back for breakfast and a proper break. The middle of the day is relaxed – time to rest, go through photos, or just enjoy being in camp by the river. Later in the afternoon we head out again, often staying out after dark to see what comes alive at night. It’s a great balance of time in the field and downtime, so it never feels rushed or hard work.
Who This Tour Is for
This tour is for anyone keen to explore South Luangwa’s incredible wildlife up close, from prowling leopards and massive elephant herds to hippos and crocodiles along the Luangwa River. Perfect for photographers who want hands-on guidance on morning, afternoon, and night drives, and for nature lovers who enjoy the rhythm of Flatdogs Camp – riverside tents, camp life, and being right in the heart of one of Africa’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. Patience and curiosity make every moment count.
Journey into Zambia’s South Luangwa, a private haven for wildlife. Every game drive focuses on photographers seeking optimal light, animal behaviour, and engagement. From leopards to elephants, the valley’s diverse wildlife provides countless opportunities to photograph Africa’s iconic species in their untouched, natural environment.