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Home / Penda Tours / Leopards of Luangwa Photo Safari, Zambia

Enter the land of leopards.

Vying with the Greater Kruger for the highest leopard densities on the continent, South Luangwa National Park is a haven for these elegant cats. Unlike the busier reserves of Kruger, South Luangwa offers a more exclusive and intimate wildlife experience, with fewer vehicles and less crowded sightings. The verdant floodplains, oxbow lakes, and riverine forests along the Luangwa River offer prime leopard territory, making this one of the best places in Africa to observe and photograph these elusive predators. September and October, the peak of the dry season, bring wildlife closer to the river, providing unparalleled opportunities to capture stunning images. Msandile Lodge is perfectly positioned in the heart of leopard country, and its expert local guides, intimately familiar with the land and its resident leopards, track their movements to ensure unforgettable sightings.

Beyond leopards, the dry season sets the stage for dramatic predator-prey interactions. Lions thrive around dwindling waterholes, weakened buffalo become prime targets, and hippos battle for dominance in the golden light of sunrise and sunset. Wild dogs hunt along the riverbanks, and the hazy, golden light enhances the breathtaking landscapes. This exclusive tour combines expert guidance, extraordinary wildlife encounters, and the perfect conditions for photographers seeking to capture Africa’s most enigmatic predator and much more.

Quick Facts

Zambia
Sep 25 - Oct 2, 2025
Wildlife Photography
Photography guide: Alan Hewitt
Group Size: Max. 6
All photography levels

Tour & Destination Highlights

  • Leopard Photography: The park is renowned for providing outstanding opportunities to capture these stunning cats. 
  • Incredible Wildlife: In addition to leopards, you can expect to photograph a wealth of other wildlife, such as lions, wild dogs, elephants, buffalos, and a rich variety of bird species. 
  • Expert Guidance: Led by experienced wildlife photographer Alan Hewitt, this photo safari will provide you with the expertise you need to get the best possible shots. 
  • Small Group: With a maximum of 6 guests, we’ll ensure an exclusive experience and plenty of private tutoring. 
  • Private Safari Vehicles: With exclusive access to private safari vehicles, we’ll venture deep into the park to find the best locations for wildlife photography.

Quick Facts

Zambia
Sep 25 - Oct 2, 2025
Wildlife Photography
Photography guide: Alan Hewitt
Group Size: Max. 6

PRICING OVERVIEW

USD $6495GBP £EUR â‚ĴZAR RAUD $
USDGBPEURZARAUD

At the current exchange rate. Please note final quote might vary slightly


per person sharing

INCLUDING

  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • Game Drives with expert guides 
  • Photography guidance by Alan Hewitt
  • Internal flights from Lusaka to Mfuwe
  • Transfers to and from the airport

EXCLUDING

  • International Flights
  • Optional village tours or additional excursions
  • Travel Insurance
EXPLORE

Photography in Zambia

Embark on an exclusive wilderness experience.

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What to expect for a photo safari in Zambia

Your Photographic Experience

South Luangwa National Park offers a unique blend of landscapes and wildlife, providing an extraordinary opportunity to photograph both expansive vistas and intimate animal moments. From the shimmering riverbanks, floodplains and riverine forests, each game drive will present new photographic challenges and rewards. Leopard Photography in Action: South Luangwa is widely regarded as one of the best places in Africa to photograph leopards. Over several days of game drives, you’ll have the opportunity to capture these magnificent big cats in various settings, whether they’re perched in trees, moving stealthily through the grass, or resting in the shade. Alan’s guidance will help you improve your technique, ensuring you get the most from every opportunity. Diverse Wildlife: The park’s wide variety of species means you’ll also be photographing lions, wild dogs, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, and more. Whether it’s the drama of a hunt or the tranquility of a family of elephants bathing in the river, the diversity of wildlife will make every moment worth capturing. Golden Hour Photography: South Luangwa light is renowned for its beauty, especially during the early mornings and late afternoons when the golden hues cast a magical glow over the landscape. We’ll maximize these perfect conditions to photograph animals and their surroundings, ensuring you leave with a stunning collection and portfolio of images.
Msandile River Lodge

Your Accommodation

Msandile lodge

We'll have the pleasure of staying at the eco-friendly Msandile River Lodge. This intimate lodge offers comfortable rooms and excellent service. Located in a prime area for wildlife viewing, the lodge allows for quick access to the park’s best photographic locations. After a full day of safari drives, you can unwind and reflect on your experiences, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful location. The lodge is set on the banks of the Luangwa River, and you might even be able to enjoy some game viewing right from your room, or from the lodge's riverside garden. Apart from the garden, the lodge has a shared lounge, a bar, and a pool. Three gorgeous meals a day will be served, all freshly prepared from local produce. 

WORKSHOP LEADER

Alan Hewitt

Alan Hewitt

WORKSHOP LEADER

Alan Hewitt

Alan Hewitt is a wildlife and conservation photographer, writer, and workshop leader. Mainly driven by his appreciation for and fascination of wildlife, Alan’s aim with his photography is to document our natural world and use this as a tool for conservation. His work has been used to support wildlife conservation organisations in Kenya, as well as ones closer to his home in the UK, including campaigns to save nature reserves that are home to iconic and endangered species. Alan is an official UK ambassador for FUJIFILM.

EXPERIENCE

Your Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Lusaka
Arrival at Lusaka International Airport and Transfer to Wild Dogs Lodge in Lusaka for an evening meal and overnight stay. Relax and enjoy your first evening in Zambia, preparing for the adventure ahead.
Day 2Arrival at Msandile River Lodge
After breakfast, transfer back to Lusaka international airport for your short flight to Mfuwe Airport, the gateway to South Luangwa.  Upon arrival at Mfuwe airport you will be greeted by your safari guide and transferred to Msandile River Lodge to enjoy your first game drive.
Day 3 - 7Game Drives and Photography Sessions
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of leopards, lions, and other wildlife. Alan will provide expert guidance on both the technical aspects of photography and the best approaches for capturing animals in their natural habitat.
Day 8Last game drive & departure
Choose between a final morning game drive, before heading to Mfuwe Airport for your short flight back to Lusaka and onward travel.

Leopards of Luangwa Photo Safari, Zambia

Tour Enquiry

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At Penda, we're all about creating incredible photographic opportunities.

Our photo tours and safaris will take you to the right place, at the right time, to get that epic shot. You'll be guided by a professional photographer, who will help you take your photography to the next level, and we keep our trips exclusive by traveling in small groups. Whether it's in Kenya's sprawling savannahs, Yellowstone's snowy interior, or the jungles of India, your journey will be filled with photography magic.

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