North and South Luangwa national parks are part of the same rift valley, sharing the same geology, soil types, vegetation and landscapes.

The ecosystems and the game in the two parks are virtually identical, though North Luangwa is slightly better for seeing eland and, especially, Cookson's wildebeest. Endemic to the Valley, these particular animals are abundant in the North park yet rarely seen in South Luangwa.

The 'north park' is partly a wilderness area, set aside for walkers. It has few access tracks and no game-drive loops. The few bushcamps here are set along the perennial but shallow Mwaleshi River and getting to them is an adventure in itself, requiring a six-hour drive across rough terrain or (more usually) a small hop by plane.

Of the few camps there, we generally recommend one of the two best. Both are Mwaleshi and Kutandala are tiny camps, each taking just six people, set beside the clear Mwaleshi River.


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