‘Amatololo’ means roughly ‘pristine wilderness’ and is thus the perfect name for the new self-driving option that has opened in North Luangwa National Park. Ideal for intrepid and experienced self-drivers, the Amatololo Loop is the only place in Zambia where self-drivers can stay in four community-owned campsites along the way as part of a strong push to ‘Link Livelihoods and Landscapes’ by the North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP). In essence, self-drivers can explore largely undisturbed miombo woodland, cathedral mopane and several waterfalls and the Luangwa and Mwaleshi rivers while supporting local communities.

The Amatololo Loop comprises four community-run campsites at Lufila Falls, Mushika, Nkholo and Muzungwe. Elsewhere in this vast park, independent visitors can stay at three traditional tented camps also overseen by the NLCP: Samala on the Mwaleshi River, Ituba and Mandalena.

The Chimana section of the Amatololo Loop in North Luangwa © Mana Meadows

Nature as it once was…

North Luangwa is one of Zambia’s remotest and underexplored parks, making it a magnet for those who truly want to get off the beaten track. It falls in the oldest section of the Great Rift Valley and comprises over three million hectares of varied landscape. It was the first place in the country to be awarded IUCN Green List status for respecting the community through fair and meaningful engagement, designing a plan to secure the area, effective management with successful conservation results, and a clear contribution to climate change, health and other challenges.

It is home to the largest elephant population in Zambia as well as good numbers of lion, leopard, hippo and crocodile while 416 bird species have been recorded. A major attraction for safari lovers is spotting endemics such as Cookson’s wildebeest, Luangwa (Thornicroft’s) giraffe and Crawshay’s zebra.

Scenes from Mushika Campsite on the Amatololo Circuit in North Luangwa National Park

Gateway to the Northern Circuit

North Luangwa is an excellent entrance to Zambia’s underrated ‘northern circuit’, which holds unique experiences such as:

The Ituba Tented Camp chalets are basic and comfortable

When to go

North Luangwa is most accessible during the July to October dry season.

How to get there

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 4×4 and confident off-road driving skills are essential for navigating the rugged terrain en route. Trailers are not recommended.