North Luangwa launches national tourism campaign - the Amatololo Experience
Some secrets are too wild to keep, and North Luangwa, the Amatololo Experience, is one of them
The Amatololo Experience…meaning ‘wilderness experience’, is the description for a wild tourism offering in the North Luangwa landscape in northern Zambia and the focus of the newly launched national tourism campaign by North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP).
There are few places left in Africa that have the same allure as this landscape - a destination that is set to be featured not just for its beauty, but for its significant role in putting people at the heart of tourism and conservation under the NLCP Mission, “Linking Livelihoods and Landscape”.
Tucked away in Zambia’s breathtaking Luangwa Valley, the North Luangwa landscape is an untamed wilderness with a regenerative travel experience that connects people to place and purpose.
Set within the oldest section of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, sculpted over 20 million years by the Luangwa River, this vast 30,000 km² protected landscape includes North Luangwa National Park and its adjoining Game Management Areas (GMAs). It is a place of exceptional ecological value and was the first protected area in Zambia to be awarded IUCN Green List status in recognition of its effective and equitable conservation efforts.
The landscape has a wide diversity of fauna and flora, with the best example of undisturbed miombo forest in the valley, as well as beautiful Cathedral Mopane and waterfalls.
The 2025 season is officially open, and there’s never been a better time to escape the crowds and explore one of the most remote and unspoiled corners of Africa.
The park is home to Zambia’s largest elephant population with healthy populations of lion, leopard, buffalo, and Luangwa endemics like Cookson’s Wildebeest, with more recent and frequent sightings of Thornicroft’s Giraffe and regional endemics such as Crawshay’s Zebra. It has a high density of hippo and crocodile and over 416 recorded bird species.
“The Amatololo Experience is a great way to leave all the stress behind and reconnect with the quiet and nature. The loop offers something for everyone. You can get close to wildlife; guaranteed to spot hippos and elephants at Ituba’s Tented Camp or enjoy the serene flow of the Mwaleshi River at Samala. Mandalena Camp also offers a great family getaway for a day or a weekend. The best part is that the community-owned camps help communities benefit from the resources they have devoted to conserving.” Gilbert Mwale | Landscape Integration Manager, North Luangwa Conservation Programme.
Between the months of June to October, North Luangwa experiences its dry season, which is when accessibility and movement are possible, and the area welcomes visitors.
Five reasons why North Luangwa needs to be on your bucket list:
Escape the crowds
Due to its remoteness, North Luangwa is the perfect destination for travellers craving a true wilderness adventure.
The Amatololo loop
The Amatololo Loop is Zambia’s only self-drive camping offering. It allows you to explore on your terms, from wild riverside campsites to community-owned tented camps.
Wildlife
North Luangwa has a healthy density of elephant and buffalo, as well as being home to African wild dog, lion, Cookson’s wildebeest, Crawshay’s Zebra, and over 400 bird species.
Wilderness with Purpose
Every visit contributes to conservation and community development through the North Luangwa Conservation Programme’s mission of “Linking Livelihoods and Landscape”. This is regenerative tourism at its best, where your trip directly impacts the surrounding people and landscape.
A Season for Adventure
June to October, also known as the dry season, is the perfect time to visit North Luangwa: clear skies and sunny days, golden landscape and intimate wildlife encounters all make for a memorable Amatololo Experience. Accessibility periods vary depending on rainfall, and booking is essential.
More than a safari destination
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.
- Bwangweulu 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 a lodge and restaurant, ideal for a relaxing break on a long road trip
- Lake Tanganyika, which holds 3% of the world’s fresh water. This immense lake offers the closest thing to a Bali beach experience you’ll find in Zambia.
How to get to North Luangwa:
North Luangwa can be reached by road, either from Mpika via Mano Gate in the west, or from the east through Chifunda Chiefdom via Luambe and South Luangwa National Parks, Chama, or Lundazi, crossing the iconic Luangwa River by pontoon. A fully equipped 4x4 and confident off-road driving skills are essential for navigating the rugged terrain en route. Trailers are not recommended.
Where to Stay in North Luangwa:
North Luangwa, the Amatololo Experience, offers a range of unforgettable places to stay. Deep within the park, the Amatololo Loop features four remote, wild campsites. Lufila Falls, Nkholo, Muzungwe, and Mushika are designed for self-sufficient travellers seeking solitude and a raw, back-to-nature camping adventure.
In the adjoining Game Management Areas, three tented camps offer affordable, comfortable stays in scenic locations. Samala, Ituba, and Mandalena Camps allow travellers to connect with the land while directly supporting surrounding communities through regenerative, locally-run accommodation supported by NLCP.
The destination promises wild adventure, unspoiled scenery and rugged terrain, yet accessible accommodation options after a day of exploration.
The Amatololo Experience is calling, can you hear it? The whisper of the wind, the call of the wild… North Luangwa is waiting.
To find more on North Luangwa - the Amatololo Experience:
Website: northluangwa.org/tourism
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthLuangwaTourism/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northluangwatourism/
LinkedIN here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-luangwa-tourism/
