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FOR NORTH LUANGWA TOURISM’S LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES, FOLLOW US HERE:

Visit North Luangwa

North Luangwa is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets: a pristine wilderness offering an exclusive wilderness experience far from the crowds.

With diverse habitats ranging from riparian woodland along the rivers with and cascading waterfalls in the escarpment through Miombo forests to Cathedral Mopane forest and river floodplains, the park provides a breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable vistas, view points and intimate wildlife encounters. Its rivers sustain a rich variety of species year-round, making it a vibrant ecosystem.

Home to a thriving population of lions, elephants, buffalo, and endemic species like Cookson’s wildebeest, North Luangwa is a haven for wildlife and bird lovers. Renowned for its self-drive option, walking safaris (if you book with a private operator) and low visitor numbers, it offers an intimate experience where one can get closer to nature in one of the continent’s last great wilderness areas.

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North Luangwa - The Amatololo Experience

The Amatololo Experience is a circuit of community-owned tented camps and campsites in the adjoining Game Management Areas (Samala, Ituba, Mandalena), as well as a self-drive loop within North Luangwa National Park with four campsites (Lufila, Nkholo, Muzingwe and Mushika), designed to provide affordable self-drive, self-catering access to North Luangwa Landscape and the National Park.

North Luangwa National Park campsites

The Amatololo Loop

Open July to Mid-November (rains dependent)
For those craving solitude, scenery, and a true off-the-grid experience, the Amatololo loop delivers wild Luangwa.The Loop is a unique 4×4 adventure within North Luangwa National Park, following the course of the Lufila and Luangwa Rivers. Along the route, four rustic campsites offer scenic and secluded stopovers:

Lufila Falls

Camp on the banks of the Lufila River near a spectacular waterfall. Lufila is in the escarpment and is not recommended if ticking off game sightings is your aim as a game drive location, but offers stunning rugged escarpment hills, cool waters and walking opportunities. The campsite is quite small and roughly 50m away from the nearest place to park a car, therefore this site is recommended for smaller groups.

Campsite Coordinates: S11°27’34.76” E32°16’40.89”

Nkholo

Enjoy deep shade under big Ebony trees throughout the season. Nkholo is near the Lufila-Luangwa confluence and is popular for campers with children. The site is in deep year-round shade and has a view over the large, sandy river bank of the majestic Luangwa in front of it.

Campsite Coordinates: S11°41’43.0” E32°34’58.2”

Muzungwe

Muzungwe campsite faces a lagoon near the Luangwa River. Shaded and lagoon-facing, Muzungwe is a birders paradise as the lagoon brings many aquatic birds right to the campsite.

Campsite Coordinates: S11°44’42.69”S, E32°32’28.19”

Mushika

Mushika is set on a large sweeping bend of the Luangwa River with majestic views over a wide vista.Tucked beneath cathedral mopane with views across a Faidherbia albida forest, it is very open and suitable for larger groups. Mushika is the only campsite along the Amatololo Loop with an insaka, erected due to fewer shady spots in the later dry season.

Campsite Coordinates: S11°46’55.65”S E32°30’15.26”

Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zVYqjHTBnr63Nvtw5

Campsite Facilities

  • Long-drop toilets 
  • Borehole water (or river water at Lufila Falls)
  • Bucket wash privacy enclosures
  • Insaka at Mushika Campsite where shade can sometimes be limited later in the season.

Campsite Capacity

Campsites can accommodate up to 15 people, although Lufila is better suited to smaller groups. We ensure exclusive use of campsites, so bookings are essential to avoid inconvenience.

Rates

  1. Amatololo Camping $10.00
  2. Pontoon Crossing $5.00
  3. Park fees –  Park entry fees and conservation levy fees are payable for every day (or part thereof) you intend to be in the National Park. View latest Park Fees here

Loop Access

Access the loop from the west via Samala Camp (Mano Gate) or from the east via Ituba Camp (Pontoon Gate). Note that trailers are not recommended for pontoon crossing. If you are travelling with a trailer, two winches are required to load and off load the trailer to and from the pontoon.

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The Amatololo Loop - Map

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Tented Camps

Located in adjoining Game Management Areas bordering the National Park.

Samala Camp

Proudly owned by the Mukungule community

Perched on the escarpment in the Miombo Woodland, just 10km from the Mano Gate North Luangwa National Park entrance. This camp’s four twin safari tents and campsite are situated along the banks of the Mwaleshi River – a perfect place to cool off after your adventures.

Rates

  • Safari tent (per person sharing)
    • Citizen – Adult K400.00 | Child K200.00
    • SADC /Resident – Adult $25.00 | Child $12.50
    • International – Adult $75.00 | Child $37.50
  • Samala Camping (per person) 
    • Adult $10.00 | Child $5.00

Getting there

  • Samala Camp is reached by turning east off the Great North Road (62km north of Mpika and 120km South of Chinsali) at Lwanya village (called Chitembo on Google Maps) signposted 42km to Samala Camp.
  • There is also a route from Mpika via Katibunga: Turn right 5km North of Mpika toward ZNS Milling and travel roughly 36km to Katibunga. Turn left in Katibunga village at the T-Junction and carry on straight for another 30km through Mukungule village until you see the Samala Camp signs before Mano Gate.
  • Samala Camp Coordinates: S11°37’7.39″ E032° 1’42.70″
  • https://maps.app.goo.gl/83tsinpoGNJFe7JD7

General camp information

Open and accessible all year round.

Samala Camp is located on the banks of the fast-flowing Mwaleshi river, whose headwaters are in the Mukungule Game Management Area bordering North Luangwa National Park. Surrounded by tall miombo woodland, forested hills and grassy dambos, visitors can relax on their private verandas overlooking the river, watching it eddy through boulders and craggy rocks and taking an opportunity for a dip in the refreshing waters.

While this camp is on the border of the National Park, please note that day trips into the park for game driving are not recommended from this location which is up in the escarpment and quite far from the Luangwa where the wildlife is concentrated.

En-suite Tents

  • 4 x twin walk-in safari tents, each with private outdoor bathrooms and a verandah with a river view.
  • Communal dining area with braai facilities and bonfire pit.
  • Communal self-catering kitchen equipped with a gas stove and solar-powered fridge/freezer.

Campsite

  • A riverside campsite nearby offers shaded plots for up to twelve people, complete with braai stands, showers, and toilets.

Activities

  • Bird watching along the Mwaleshi River
  • Catch-and-Release fishing from the banks of the Mwaleshi River – Yellowfish and bream in some deeper pools (fishing license required)
  • The Lufila River and falls (park entry fees apply and booking essential) – 32km drive along the escarpment (roughly 2 hours one-way)
  • The Kapamba Waterfalls S11°48’32.33” E031° 47’09.10” on the Munyamadzi River – 60 min drive and 15 minute walk one-way.
  • A great place to start or end your Amatololo self-drive camping experience.

Ituba Camp

Proudly owned by the Chifunda Community

Positioned along the Luangwa River, the only natural barrier separating the camp from North Luangwa National Park, with the adventurous Amatololo self-drive loops at your doorstep.

Rates

  • Safari tent (per person sharing)
  • Citizen – Adult K400.00 | Child K200.00
  • SADC /Resident – Adult $25.00 | Child $12.50
  • International – Adult $75.00 | Child $37.50
    • Ituba Camping (per person) 
  • Adult $10.00 | Child $5.00
  • Pontoon Crossing – $5.00

 

GETTING THERE

  • Ituba Camp is reached from Mfuwe by travelling 265km north out of South Luangwa National Park 32km from Chifunda.
    From the Great North Road, 62km north of Mpika or 120km south of Chinsali, turn toward North Luangwa National Park at Lwanya (called Chitembo on Google Maps), enter North Luangwa National Park at Mano Gate. Continue 72km across the park following directions to the Pontoon at Luangwa River.
  • There is also a route to Mano Gate from Mpika via Katibunga turning right 5km North of Mpika toward ZNS Milling and travelling roughly 36km to Katibunga. Turn left in Katibunga village at the T-Junction and carry on straight for another 30km through Mukungule village to Mano Gate.
    Note that toward the end of the season the Luangwa is crossed by vehicle as the pontoon comes out of the water depending on water levels. 4×4 vehicles only. Trailers are not recommended for Pontoon crossing. If you are travelling with a trailer, two winches are required to load and off load the trailer to and from the pontoon.
  • Ituba Camp Coordinates: S11°86’03.79″ E032° 43’41.40″
  • https://maps.app.goo.gl/FoW5NwuRNyihXmDH7

General camp information

Open June to Mid-November depending on rains

Located on the eastern frontier of North Luangwa National Park in Chifunda (Musulangu Game Management Area), Ituba Camp sits beneath cathedral mopane woodland on the banks of the Luangwa River. River-facing verandahs treat guests to spectacular sunsets, and sightings of impala, warthog, hippos and crocodiles.

En-suite Tents

  • 4 x twin walk-in safari tents, each with private outdoor bathrooms, mini-outdoor kitchens and a verandah with a river view.
  • Communal dining area with braai facilities and a solar-powered freezer.
  • Note that cooking is on wood fire only, there are no gas stoves at Ituba. Firewood is provided.

CAMPSITE

  • Three shaded riverside campsites lie adjacent to the tented camp, offering private and shared ablutions, clean borehole water, and braai stands.

ACTIVITIES

  • Self-Drive excursions into North Luangwa National Park (Park entry fees apply)
  • Explore Chifunda – cathedral mopane forests around the camp
  • Bird and game watching at inland lagoons. 
  • A great place to start or end your Amatololo self-drive camping experience.

Mandalena Camp

Proudly owned by the Nabwalya community

Hidden amongst the Riparian woodland along the Mutinondo River, this camp is the perfect stopover between South Luangwa and your next Northern Circuit destination or on to North Luangwa National Park via Mpika and Mano Gate.

Rates

  • Safari tent (per person sharing)
  • Citizen – Adult K400.00 | Child K200.00
  • SADC /Resident – Adult $25.00 | Child $12.50
  • International – Adult $75.00 | Child $37.50
  • Mandalena Camping (per person) 
    • Adult $10.00 | Child $5.00

Getting there

  • From Great North Road: Turn for Nabwalya onto the 05 Road between Mutinondo Wilderness and Mpika (GPS coordinate of the junction – 12°06’19.48”S, 31°15”46.44”E). Travel roughly 50km km toward Mfuwe.
    From Mfuwe: Take the 05 Road toward the Great North Road (Approximately 140 km)
    4×4 vehicles only. Please enquire about crossing the Mupamadzi River before embarking on this journey.
  • Mandalena Camp Coordinates: S12°22’20.57” E31°35’19.67”
  • https://maps.app.goo.gl/JUXgXoA93eCNLnn16

General camp information

Open year round

Situated in Nabwalya Chiefdom in the Munyamadzi Game Management Area along the scenic “05 road” between Mfuwe and the Great North Road, Mandalena Camp overlooks the Mutinondo River and is a lush haven for birdwatchers and 4×4 adventurers. 

This camp is an ideal waypoint for those traversing the escarpment to access the Northern Circuit from Mfuwe, South Luangwa. 

It is best to check if the Mupamadzi river is crossable before undertaking this journey. From Mandalena one can easily travel on to Mutinondo Wilderness, Kasanka National Park, Bangweulu Wetlands, Shiwa N’Gandu & Kapishya Hot Springs and/or further afield to Lake Tanganyika.

En-suite Tents

  • 2 x twin-bed safari tents with en-suite bathrooms
  • Communal kitchen and dining area with a solar-powered freezer
  • Note that cooking is on wood fire only, there are no gas stoves at Mandalena. Firewood is provided.
  • Fast Starlink internet.

CAMPSITE

  • A separate campsite features two shaded plots with ablution facilities.
  • Firewood is provided.

Activities

  • Mutinondo falls. Please inquire about the state of the road to the falls.
  • Bird watching – The camp is situated in a riverine forest with plenty of bird life
  • Catch-and-Release fishing from the banks of the Mutinondo River (fishing license required)

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Privately owned camps and lodges

Mwaleshi Camp and Takwela Camp

Mwaleshi Camp is located in the North Luangwa National Park and Takwela Camps Takwela Camp offers an intimate wilderness experience are exclusive safari camps located within North Luangwa’s most pristine areas. Offering expertly guided experiences, warm hospitality, and exceptional wildlife viewing, these intimate camps are perfect for travellers seeking comfort, seclusion, and a deeper connection to the wilderness.

Kutandala Camp

Kutandala Camp | Classic Zambia, is situated on the Mwaleshi River inside the Special Protection zone. The camp is operated by Classic Zambia, famed for their regenerative tourism model and excellent guiding. Classic Zambia provides low-impact comfort and exclusive experiences for their guests.

North Luangwa River Lodge

Operated by Luangwa Valley Safaris, North Luangwa River Lodge is situated on the banks of the Luangwa River, strategically located in the ‘wilderness’ sector of North Luangwa National Park, this camp invites you to immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty while enjoying unpretentious comfort supported by personalized service that defines their ethos.

North Luangwa Suggested Itineraries

Mfuwe (South Luangwa) to Northern Circuit via North Luangwa National Park

Day 1: Mfuwe to Ituba Camp

Take the D104 via Luambe National Park, then toward Ituba Camp on the banks of the the Luangwa near the North Luangwa Pontoon crossing.

Day 2: Amatololo Loop

Cross the North Luangwa Pontoon from Ituba Camp and proceed North East along the Luangwa and spend a night in one of the campsites along the Luangwa.

Day 3: Luangwa to Lufila or Mwaleshi

Continue toward the Luangwa/ Lufila Confluence, where the loop turns North West and heads along the Lufila River toward the escarpment. You can stay for Lufila Campsite or Samala Campsite.

Day 4: North Luangwa to Northern Circuit

From Lufila or Samala, you can easily reach the Great North Road. You can travel North to Shiwa N’Gandu and Kapishya or South to Mpika and onward to your next Northern Circuit destination.

Mfuwe (South Luangwa) to Northern Circuit via Mandalena and the 05 Road

Day 1: Mfuwe to Mandalena Camp

Head out of Mfuwe on the “05 road” through South Luangwa National Park, exiting the park at the Mupamadzi river crossing (open from June – November rains dependent) and taking a short drive to Mandalena Camp.

Day 2: Relax at Mandalena

Enjoy the birdlife and the deep shade of the Riparian woodland along the river bank. For the keen catch-and-release fly fisherman, Yellowfish can be caught in the Mutinondo river and are a fun fish to catch. With the Starlink connection at Mandalena, this might be a good day to also catch up on friends and family or plan your next steps.

Day 3: Mandalena to Great North Road and onward to your next Northern Circuit destination

From Mandalena, the 05 Road takes you to the Great North Road where you can travel South to Bangweulu Wetlands, Mutinondo Wilderness and Kasanka National Park.

Great North diversion through Amatololo Loop

Day 1: Mpika – Samala

Take the three hour journey from Mpika to Samala Camp.

Day 2: Samala – Luangwa

From Samala Camp, enter North Luangwa National Park at Mano Gate. Follow signs to Amatololo Loop, turning left off the main park road before you descend the Muchinga Escarpment. Choose any of the 3 campsites along the Luangwa for your first night.

Day 3: Amatololo Loop

Spend the day along the Amatololo Loop and then take the North Luangwa Pontoon, where you can cross the river and exit the National Park heading for Mfuwe.

Day 4: Main park road – Mano Gate and Great North Road

The Amatololo Loop joins the main park road near the pontoon crossing at this point. From here, you can use the transit road to reach Mano Gate more directly.

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Getting to North Luangwa National Park

Drive from Mpika via Mano Scout Post

  • From the Great North Road, turn east about 60 km north of Mpika (or 28 km south of Shiwa Ng’andu). The turn-off is well signposted. 
  • Follow the track for 32 km to Mukungule village, then turn left at the T-junction and continue 12 km to reach Mano Gate, the main entrance to North Luangwa National Park.
  • Here you can sign in, pay park fees, get the latest updates, and pick up a park map. 
  • The closest accommodation is Samala Camp, a self-catering riverside camp just outside the gate.

Drive from South Luangwa via Luambe National Park

  • Approaching North Luangwa from Luambe, you’ll follow a route along the eastern bank of the Luangwa River.
  • From Chipuka Scout Camp (at Luambe’s northern boundary), continue north through remote villages and woodland.
  • Look out for a sharp left turn about 9 km in. After 17 km, you’ll pass Zokwe Scout Camp and enter a scenic cathedral mopane forest.
  • Continue straight at Chiweza village school, and about 22 km later, turn left at the Luelo airstrip. 
    After 20 km, you’ll reach the pontoon crossing into the park.

Charter Flight

  • Transfers to and from North Luangwa are typically arranged as part of a safari package, using small 4 – 6 seater light aircraft. Flights from Mwanya or Mfuwe in South Luangwa take around 45 – 60 minutes. Charter flights can also be arranged directly from Lusaka for a quicker, more direct journey into the park.

    Charter Operators include:

Google Pin Links

Samala Camp

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Ituba Camp

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Mandalena Camp

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When to visit North Luangwa

North Luangwa experiences two main seasons: the dry season (June to October) and the emerald season (November to May). Ituba Camp and the Amatololo Loop are closed in the emerald season. Samala and Mandalena are open throughout the year.

Daytime temperatures are generally warm and sunny year-round, with lows of around 10°C in June and July, and highs reaching up to 40°C in October.

The late dry season offers the best game viewing, as wildlife concentrates around the last remaining water sources. The emerald season brings lush, green landscapes and up to 900 mm of rainfall with occasional showers lingering into April and May.

Exploring the Northern Circuit

  • The North Luangwa Landscape is at the heart of the Northern Circuit, offering a gateway to further exploration of Zambia and beyond. The Northern circuit connects a wide range of attractions including:
  •  Kasanka National Park, where one can see the incredible fruit bat migration, the largest migration of mammals in the world (Oct-Dec).
  • Mutinondo Wilderness, the premium hiking and mountain biking destination in Zambia.
  • Bangweulu Wetlands, a wetland of ecological importance and home to the elusive Shoebill and massive herds of black lechwe on the floodplains
  • An abundance of waterfalls
  • Shiwa N’gandu (Africa House), a historic house and National Heritage site.
  • Kapishya Hot springs, a beautiful natural spring with lodge and restaurant, ideal for a relaxing break on a long road trip
  • Lake Tanganyika, which holds more than 16% of the world’s fresh water. This immense lake offers the closest thing to a Bali beach experience you’ll find in Zambia

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CONTACTS

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POSTAL ADDRESS:
NLCP, PO BOX 450189
MUSAKANYA-KOMBE DRIVE, MPIKA
MUCHINGA, ZAMBIA 50100

NORTH LUANGWA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

A conservation partnership initiative between Zambia Department of National Parks and Wildlife and Frankfurt Zoological Society.

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