South Luangwa National Park is a favourite of many safari veterans and the concentration of wildlife that lives around the Luangwa River is one of the highest in Africa. Numerous pods of hippos number in the hundreds and the park has a healthy lion, leopard, elephant and African wild dog population as well as over 400 species of birds. The ‘walking safari’ was pioneered in the Luangwa Valley and it is considered by many as the ultimate safari activity. Lasting from two hours to several days or more, walking safaris are not strenuous and can be custom-made to different fitness levels.