GETTING THERE & AROUND

There are no direct flights from the UK to the Zambian capital Lusaka. Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways and RwandAir fly via their respective hub cities. emirates.com ethiopianairlines.com kenya-airways.com qatarairways.com rwandair.com

Average flight time: 14h.

From Lusaka, it’s a short flight with domestic airline Proflight Zambia to Mfuwe airport, 15 miles from the south entrance to South Luangwa National Park. proflight-zambia.com

Average flight time: 1h10m.

WHEN TO GO

Walking safaris are offered between May and November, and many lodges within the park open only during those months, shutting for the wet season. The end of dry season, October to November, is prime time for wildlifespotting, with visibility improved by thinner vegetation and animals gathering around dwindling water sources. Boating safaris are available in February and March, when the river levels are at their highest. The destination is hot and sunny all year, with temperatures peaking in October and November (40C) and at their lowest in May (25C).

MORE INFO zambiatourism.com

Zambia Safari Guide, Bradt Guides. £19.99

HOW TO DO IT

Time + Tide has five camps in the park, including three — Mchenja, Kakuli and Chinzombo — along the Luangwa River in the south. Journeys by Design offers a six-night stay at the three camps from £6,379 per person, including accommodation, park and conservation fees, internal flights, transfers and all meals and activities, excluding international flights. timeandtideafrica.com journeysbydesign.com