South Luangwa: Valley of the Leopards

Join me in one of Africa’s wildest and most captivating wildlife destinations:

South Luangwa National Park.

Known as the Valley of the Leopard, this region boasts some of the highest predator densities in Africa, with incredible opportunities to photograph lions, leopards, wild dogs, and hyenas thriving along the Luangwa River. Staying at a top luxury lodge with a private photographic vehicle, you’ll experience exceptional comfort while being immersed in one of the continent’s most untamed ecosystems. With small groups and hands-on guidance, this workshop is designed to help you capture powerful, authentic moments in the true heart of Africa’s predator country.

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THE IMPORTANT STUFF

Trip Summary

DATES: 22 - 29 November 2026 (8 days)

Join me for an unforgettable South Luangwa photographic trip from 22–29 November 2026, designed to place us in the very best locations for exceptional wildlife photography. We will spend six nights at Flatdogs Camp on the banks of the Luangwa River, enjoying twice daily game drives in a private photographic vehicle with an experienced private field guide who understands both animal behaviour and the needs of photographers. Late November delivers dramatic skies, lush green landscapes and beautiful light, with opportunities to photograph leopards, lions, elephants, wild dogs and prolific birdlife. The trip concludes in Livingstone with one night close to the iconic Victoria Falls, where the journey officially ends. Guests will fly into Lusaka and depart from Livingstone, with all internal flights included from Lusaka to Mfuwe and from Mfuwe to Livingstone for a smooth and perfectly timed photographic adventure.

PRICE: $6400 pps

The cost of this photographic experience is $6400 per person sharing. This price includes luxury tented accommodation, all meals and selected drinks, as well as all transfers to and from the lodges. Also included are the two internal flights from Lusaka to Mfuwe and from Mfuwe to Livingstone, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey throughout the trip. For guests preferring their own room, the single supplement is $1100 per person.

LOCATION: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

South Luangwa National Park is located in eastern Zambia and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations, celebrated for its unspoilt wilderness, rich biodiversity and the life-giving Luangwa River that draws animals from far and wide. Our base, Flatdogs Camp, sits on the edge of the park overlooking the river, offering a comfortable yet authentic safari experience with easy access to some of the most productive game viewing areas in the region. After our time immersed in this remarkable landscape, the journey concludes in Livingstone, situated in southern Zambia and home to the world-famous Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders on the planet.

PAX: 6 GUESTS

This trip is limited to just 6 photographers, ensuring an intimate experience and plenty of personal space with two photographers per row, giving plenty of space for cameras and gear, without missing a photographic opportunity.

INCLUDES

Airport transfers · All meals · Luxury Accommodation · twice daily photo excursions (12 in total) · transfers between lodges · Photographic instruction & Editing Sessions · Two internal flights

EXCLUDES

Flights to Lusaka Airport and returning flights from Livingstone airport · Drinks · Gratuities · Travel insurance · Personal expenses · Visas

South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park has quickly become one of those places that stays with me long after I have left. It is raw, untamed and feels deeply authentic in a way that is becoming harder to find. Tucked into the Luangwa Valley in eastern Zambia, this park is often referred to as the birthplace of the walking safari and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations.

It is also famously known as the Valley of Leopards, and after spending time here, it is easy to understand why. South Luangwa holds one of the highest densities of leopards on the continent. These elusive cats feel almost woven into the fabric of the park. Whether draped over a leadwood branch, moving silently along the riverbanks or emerging from the shadows as evening settles in, leopard sightings here feel both frequent and incredibly special.

November is a fascinating time to visit. It marks the end of the long dry season and the very beginning of the rains. The heat is intense, the dust hangs in the air, but there is a quiet anticipation in the landscape. Then the first rains arrive and everything begins to shift. Watching this environment transform from dry, muted browns into flowing rivers and fresh green shoots is nothing short of incredible. Within days, the park feels rejuvenated, as though the land itself is taking a deep breath after months of stillness.

This time of year also brings new life. Many animals have their young in November, and seeing the bush dotted with tiny impala, puku and other fragile newborns adds a beautiful layer of tenderness to the experience. There is a strong sense of rhythm here, of life continuing and evolving, even in the harshest conditions.

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Victoria Falls

The final day of the journey is spent at the Royal Livingstone, where we slow the pace and soak in the magic of Victoria Falls, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. With private access from our hotel, you will have the opportunity to view and photograph the falls at your own leisure, capturing the immense power, mist and atmosphere of this breathtaking landscape. This day is all about relaxation and reflection, taking time to process the incredible week in the wild while enjoying some gentle image reviewing and editing support from Kyle Goetsch as you refine your favourite moments from the trip.

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Daily Program

Day 1 – Arrival and first safari experience
Guests will arrive early into Lusaka and connect with a midday flight to Mfuwe Airport. On arrival, we transfer to Flatdogs Camp where you can settle in, freshen up and get acquainted with your surroundings before heading straight out on our first afternoon game drive along the Luangwa River, setting the tone for an exciting photographic adventure.

Days 2–6
Each full day follows a rewarding safari rhythm. We depart on early morning game drives in our private photographic vehicle, making the most of the soft golden light and peak wildlife activity. After returning to camp for breakfast, the late morning and midday are reserved for relaxing, swimming, image editing and one-on-one guidance, with time to download, review and refine your photographs. In the afternoon, we head out again for another game drive, capturing wildlife against dramatic skies and warm evening light before returning to camp for dinner and relaxation.

Final Day – Livingstone and Victoria Falls
On our last morning at Flatdogs Camp, we enjoy one final game drive before transferring to Mfuwe Airport for our flight to Livingstone. Here we spend the night near Victoria Falls, with private access to view the falls from the hotel. This final day is designed for you to unwind, absorb the experience and reflect on the journey, with relaxed editing assistance and photographic feedback from Kyle Goetsch to help you make the most of the images captured during the trip.

Testimonials

I think this trip has spoilt me for all future trips.  I was sorting the images yesterday and it brought back all the wonderful memories, which are even more special seeing that I don't have to concentrate on camera settings. Your advice has already made a difference to my images, can't wait to process some of them.

I recently joined Kyle on an unforgettable photographic trip to Southern Luangwa.  From arrival to departure, we were taken care of by the friendly and efficient staff in splendid accommodation with sumptuous meals. Most memorable though were the game drives which provided opportunities for stunning photography.  The experienced guides went out of their way to ensure that we had the best sightings. Under Kyle’s guidance we were able to capture high quality images of leopards in trees, at a kill and best of all two young males playing with their mother stalking impalas nearby.  We followed a pack of adult and young wild dogs on a hunt and afterwards watched them having a rest in the riverbed in the golden light of the sunset. Other game also did not disappoint, and we were treated to impalas' only a few hours old, tiny elephant calves, giraffes and numerous bird species.  Puku and elephant grazed on our doorstep while we cooled down in the swimming pool. On our last morning, we were fortunate to see a bushbuck mother and her brand-new calf at the lodge, the perfect ending to an amazing time.I can wholeheartedly recommend this trip for the photography, as well as spending time in nature in exceptional surroundings. - Ingrid Orrock

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