Country: Zambia PHOTOTYPE: Wildlife LENGT: 8 days DATES: September 25/9 – October 2, 2025 NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 10-12
SOUTH LUANGWA – LAND OF LEOPARDS
WITH PHOTOGRAPHER TOM SVENSSON
When I arrived at South Luangwa, I was greeted by an incredible array of wildlife and unbelievable photo opportunities. On my very first safari, I was fortunate enough to photograph a leopard just a few meters from our jeep, and the best part was that we were the only jeep there, making it an unbeatable photography and nature experience. We will be staying in a part of the park where the number of jeeps is low, allowing us to position our vehicles for the best possible shots. I can’t wait to experience this magical place together with you.
Tom Svensson
Join us on a journey to South Luangwa National Park, located in the heart of eastern Zambia, where an extraordinary safari experience awaits. In this unspoiled wilderness, the landscape ranges from winding rivers and lush wetlands to dense forests, where the light filters through the tree canopies, giving the area an almost magical feel. The wildlife in South Luangwa is as diverse as its terrain, and the park is home to some of Africa’s most unique and fascinating species.
Among these unique inhabitants are the Thornicroft’s giraffe, which can only be found in this region, as well as Crawshay’s zebra and Cookson’s wildebeest, both endemic to the Luangwa Valley. The park also boasts Africa’s largest population of leopards, making it a haven for those dreaming of capturing these elusive big cats on camera. Wild dogs and lions also roam freely here, making the park a paradise for wildlife photographers and animal enthusiasts.
When visiting South Luangwa, it’s important to choose the right area to stay. The park is divided into two areas: Mfuwe and Nsefu. Mfuwe is the area with the most jeeps and tourists, which often results in many vehicles around the animals, making it difficult to capture the best photo opportunities. The other area, where we will stay throughout our trip, is Nsefu. In this more exclusive area, both the number of jeeps and lodges is much lower. This provides us with a unique opportunity to experience the wilderness in seclusion, without having to jostle with other vehicles. We can take our time to carefully position our jeeps to get the best angles and optimal photo opportunities, whether it’s capturing a leopard sneaking through the forest or a herd of elephants crossing the riverbanks.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- South Luangwa, a remarkable park in Africa.
- Home to one of Africa’s largest leopard populations.
- Renowned for its abundance of big cats.
- Pristine wilderness with incredible wildlife experiences.
- Stay in areas with few jeeps and tourists for a more intimate experience.
- Excellent opportunities to see and photograph wild dogs.
- Large population of elephants.
- Unique species like Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest, found only in this region.
- Rich birdlife throughout the park.
- Stay in the Nsefu region for a more exclusive experience with minimal jeep traffic.
- Photographer Tom Svensson will accompany the entire trip.
- Personal guidance and feedback on your photos from Tom Svensson during the journey
Country: Zambia PHOTOTYPE: Wildlife LENGT: 8 days DATES: September 25/9 – October 2, 2025 NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 10-12
When I arrived at South Luangwa, I was greeted by an incredible array of wildlife and unbelievable photo opportunities. On my very first safari, I was fortunate enough to photograph a leopard just a few meters from our jeep, and the best part was that we were the only jeep there, making it an unbeatable photography and nature experience. We will be staying in a part of the park where the number of jeeps is low, allowing us to position our vehicles for the best possible shots. I can’t wait to experience this magical place together with you.
Tom Svensson
Join us on a journey to South Luangwa National Park, located in the heart of eastern Zambia, where an extraordinary safari experience awaits. In this unspoiled wilderness, the landscape ranges from winding rivers and lush wetlands to dense forests, where the light filters through the tree canopies, giving the area an almost magical feel. The wildlife in South Luangwa is as diverse as its terrain, and the park is home to some of Africa’s most unique and fascinating species.
Among these unique inhabitants are the Thornicroft’s giraffe, which can only be found in this region, as well as Crawshay’s zebra and Cookson’s wildebeest, both endemic to the Luangwa Valley. The park also boasts Africa’s largest population of leopards, making it a haven for those dreaming of capturing these elusive big cats on camera. Wild dogs and lions also roam freely here, making the park a paradise for wildlife photographers and animal enthusiasts.
When visiting South Luangwa, it’s important to choose the right area to stay. The park is divided into two areas: Mfuwe and Nsefu. Mfuwe is the area with the most jeeps and tourists, which often results in many vehicles around the animals, making it difficult to capture the best photo opportunities. The other area, where we will stay throughout our trip, is Nsefu. In this more exclusive area, both the number of jeeps and lodges is much lower. This provides us with a unique opportunity to experience the wilderness in seclusion, without having to jostle with other vehicles. We can take our time to carefully position our jeeps to get the best angles and optimal photo opportunities, whether it’s capturing a leopard sneaking through the forest or a herd of elephants crossing the riverbanks.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- South Luangwa, a remarkable park in Africa.
- Home to one of Africa’s largest leopard populations.
- Renowned for its abundance of big cats.
- Pristine wilderness with incredible wildlife experiences.
- Stay in areas with few jeeps and tourists for a more intimate experience.
- Excellent opportunities to see and photograph wild dogs.
- Large population of elephants.
- Unique species like Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest, found only in this region.
- Rich birdlife throughout the park.
- Stay in the Nsefu region for a more exclusive experience with minimal jeep traffic.
- Photographer Tom Svensson will accompany the entire trip.
- Personal guidance and feedback on your photos from Tom Svensson during the journey
DESTINATION
SOUTH LUANGWA
South Luangwa National Park, located in the eastern part of Zambia, is an unforgettable place where the true essence of the wilderness comes to life. The park spans over 9,000 square kilometers and offers one of Africa’s most diverse and intense safari experiences. As you first enter the park, you are greeted by a mosaic of ecosystems—from the deep, lush forests along the banks of the Luangwa River to the open grasslands that stretch beyond the horizon. The river, the park’s lifeblood, winds through the landscape, creating a complex network of lagoons and ponds where elephants come to cool off and hippos seem to float effortlessly on the surface.
The wildlife in South Luangwa is exceptional. The park is renowned for its large leopard populations, often seen stealthily moving through the shadows of the dense mopane trees. Here, you can also witness the majestic African lions’ predatory behavior up close as they hunt across the open plains. At dusk, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes gather by the water sources, while the birdlife fills the air with color and sound. Over 400 bird species have been observed here, ranging from the elegant kingfisher to the impressive white-necked eagle.
NSEFU
South Luangwa National Park is divided into two sectors: Mfuwe and Nsefu. Mfuwe is the more commercial area, where most of the lodges and campsites are located, along with camping sites for overland truck tours. During the high season, this sector sees a lot of jeep activity.
The Nsefu sector, situated in the north along the Luangwa riverbed, is much more exclusive, with only a few lodges, including the Safari Explorers Camp where we will be staying. This sector is rich in wildlife, thanks to the fact that both riverbanks are part of the national park, a unique feature in the entire Luangwa Valley. Nsefu is home to hot springs, salt flats, a stork colony, and incredibly diverse fauna along the banks of the Luangwa River. The population of lions, leopards, and wild dogs is very high here, and you can also witness herds of thousands of buffalo, impalas, and pukus, elephants crossing the river, and the stunning Thornicroft’s giraffe.
MUMBULU
Mumbulu is a 6,000-hectare Private Game Reserve. This is the largest private reserve that has been granted within South Luangwa National Park, located in the northern parts of the National Park. The area includes a 10 km stretch of the Luangwa River on both banks. During our time here, we will be the only jeeps in the entire area.
We will visit the most exclusive part of South Luangwa, where the wildlife is extraordinary, and the number of jeeps is low.
READ MORE
SOUTH LUANGWA
South Luangwa National Park, located in the eastern part of Zambia, is an unforgettable place where the true essence of the wilderness comes to life. The park spans over 9,000 square kilometers and offers one of Africa’s most diverse and intense safari experiences. As you first enter the park, you are greeted by a mosaic of ecosystems—from the deep, lush forests along the banks of the Luangwa River to the open grasslands that stretch beyond the horizon. The river, the park’s lifeblood, winds through the landscape, creating a complex network of lagoons and ponds where elephants come to cool off and hippos seem to float effortlessly on the surface.
The wildlife in South Luangwa is exceptional. The park is renowned for its large leopard populations, often seen stealthily moving through the shadows of the dense mopane trees. Here, you can also witness the majestic African lions’ predatory behavior up close as they hunt across the open plains. At dusk, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes gather by the water sources, while the birdlife fills the air with color and sound. Over 400 bird species have been observed here, ranging from
NSEFU
outh Luangwa National Park is divided into two sectors: Mfuwe and Nsefu. Mfuwe is the more commercial area, where most of the lodges and campsites are located, along with camping sites for overland truck tours. During the high season, this sector sees a lot of jeep activity.
The Nsefu sector, situated in the north along the Luangwa riverbed, is much more exclusive, with only a few lodges, including the Safari Explorers Camp where we will be staying. This sector is rich in wildlife, thanks to the fact that both riverbanks are part of the national park, a unique feature in the entire Luangwa Valley. Nsefu is home to hot springs, salt flats, a stork colony, and incredibly diverse fauna along the banks of the Luangwa River. The population of lions, leopards, and wild dogs is very high here, and you can also witness herds of thousands of buffalo, impalas, and pukus, elephants crossing the river, and the stunning Thornicroft’s giraffe.
MUMBULU
Mumbulu is a 6,000-hectare Private Game Reserve. This is the largest private reserve that has been granted within South Luangwa National Park, located in the northern parts of the National Park. The area includes a 10 km stretch of the Luangwa River on both banks. During our time here, we will be the only jeeps in the entire area..
ITINEARY
ITINERARY
SEPTEMBER 25th – OCTOBER 2th
Throughout the trip, Tom Svensson will be available to provide photography advice and tips, as well as assist with image editing and critique. He will also give lectures and share his approach to photography. The exact timing of these sessions will be flexible, depending on the photo activities and the conditions in the parks. During all safaris, Tom will rotate between the jeeps, giving you the opportunity to receive personal guidance.
Day 1 (25/9) – ARRIVAL
In the morning, we will meet at the airport in Mfuwe or at the hotel if you arrive the day before. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by Tom Svensson, a host from Zoom Fotoresor, and one of our guides, who will escort us to our lodge in the exclusive Nsefu area. This area is known for having fewer jeeps and lodges, which allows us to position our vehicles more effectively for optimal angles and photo opportunities. After checking in and enjoying lunch, we will embark on our first safari of the trip. In the soft evening light, we’ll have our initial encounter with the rich wildlife, setting the stage for the amazing photographic opportunities ahead. As the sun sets over the African continent, we will return to the lodge for a welcome dinner and a chance to discuss the photo adventure that awaits us.
Days 2-7 (26/9-1/10) – SAFARI IN SOUTH LUANGWA
Over the next several days, we will thoroughly explore South Luangwa, offering numerous unforgettable encounters with wildlife, including lions, elephants, and endemic species such as Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest. With Tom’s unique knowledge of big cats and the expertise of our guides, we may have the chance to witness multiple leopard sightings, as South Luangwa is home to one of Africa’s largest populations of this magnificent predator. The Luangwa River is the lifeblood of the valley, winding through the landscape and attracting a variety of wildlife. Elephants come to drink, hippos cool off in the water, and lions can often be found quenching their thirst at the river’s edge. The Nsefu area is particularly unique because both sides of the river are part of the national park, resulting in an exceptionally rich wildlife presence, especially of lions, leopards, and wild dogs. During our safaris, Tom will rotate between the jeeps, offering personalized guidance, whether you’re composing shots using trees to frame your subjects or capturing an elephant silhouetted against the brilliant red sky at sunrise. When we’re not out photographing, we’ll work on our images with editing tips provided by Tom. After a day filled with unforgettable photo opportunities, we’ll have dinner and then retire, surrounded by the sounds and scents of the wilderness.
Day 8 (2/10) – DEPARTURE
After the final safari of the trip, we will check out and head to the airport in Mfuwe for your journey back to Sweden, traveling independently in the evening.
THE PHOTO OF THE TRIP
A few weeks after returning home, once you’ve had a chance to review your photos, you can submit your best images from the trip to Tom. He will select the “Trip’s Best Photo,” with the winner automatically advancing to the final round of the “Photo of the Year 2025” competition, where you’ll compete for exciting prizes.
8 days in South Luangwa – an incredible place with amazing photo opportunities, rich wildlife, and stunning natural beauty.
READ MORE
Throughout the trip, Tom Svensson will be available to provide photography advice and tips, as well as assist with image editing and critique. He will also give lectures and share his approach to photography. The exact timing of these sessions will be flexible, depending on the photo activities and the conditions in the parks. During all safaris, Tom will rotate between the jeeps, giving you the opportunity to receive personal guidance.
Day 1, (25/9)
ARRIVAL
In the morning, we will meet at the airport in Mfuwe or at the hotel if you arrive the day before. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by Tom Svensson, a host from Zoom Fotoresor, and one of our guides, who will escort us to our lodge in the exclusive Nsefu area. This area is known for having fewer jeeps and lodges, which allows us to position our vehicles more effectively for optimal angles and photo opportunities. After checking in and enjoying lunch, we will embark on our first safari of the trip. In the soft evening light, we’ll have our initial encounter with the rich wildlife, setting the stage for the amazing photographic opportunities ahead. As the sun sets over the African continent, we will return to the lodge for a welcome dinner and a chance to discuss the photo adventure that awaits us.
Days 2-7, (26/9-1/10)
SAFARI IN SOUTH LUANGWA
Over the next several days, we will thoroughly explore South Luangwa, offering numerous unforgettable encounters with wildlife, including lions, elephants, and endemic species such as Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest. With Tom’s unique knowledge of big cats and the expertise of our guides, we may have the chance to witness multiple leopard sightings, as South Luangwa is home to one of Africa’s largest populations of this magnificent predator. The Luangwa River is the lifeblood of the valley, winding through the landscape and attracting a variety of wildlife. Elephants come to drink, hippos cool off in the water, and lions can often be found quenching their thirst at the river’s edge.
The Nsefu area is particularly unique because both sides of the river are part of the national park, resulting in an exceptionally rich wildlife presence, especially of lions, leopards, and wild dogs. During our safaris, Tom will rotate between the jeeps, offering personalized guidance, whether you’re composing shots using trees to frame your subjects or capturing an elephant silhouetted against the brilliant red sky at sunrise.
When we’re not out photographing, we’ll work on our images with editing tips provided by Tom. After a day filled with unforgettable photo opportunities, we’ll have dinner and then retire, surrounded by the sounds and scents of the wilderness.
Day 8, (2/10)
DEPARTURE
After the final safari of the trip, we will check out and head to the airport in Mfuwe for your journey back to Sweden, traveling independently in the evening.
THE PHOTO OF THE TRIP
A few weeks after returning home, once you’ve had a chance to review your photos, you can submit your best images from the trip to Tom. He will select the “Trip’s Best Photo,” with the winner automatically advancing to the final round of the “Photo of the Year 2025” competition, where you’ll compete for exciting prizes.
PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTOGRAPHER
TOM SVENSSON • Wildlife photographer
Tom Svensson is a world known conservation photographer. Toms major driving force in life is conservation, and he travels regularly around the world to document endangered species, anti-poaching and illegal trading of animals. His skill as a photographer is to take pictures that touch people and makes a difference, here is seen as one of the best in the world. Tom is the only Swede elected into the IEPA, the International Environment Photographers Association. He is also a global Manfrotto ambassador and he is also in the Canon Nordic photographers program. Read more about Tom here
Tom Svensson is a world famous photographer.
Read more
TOM SVENSSON • Wildlife photographer
Tom Svensson is a world known conservation photographer. Toms major driving force in life is conservation, and he travels regularly around the world to document endangered species, anti-poaching and illegal trading of animals. His skill as a photographer is to take pictures that touch people and makes a difference, here is seen as one of the best in the world. Tom is the only Swede elected into the IEPA, the International Environment Photographers Association. He is also a global Manfrotto ambassador and he is also in the Canon Nordic photographers program. Read more about Tom here
LODGES
PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING
PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING
Price per person: £ 4 175 or USD 5 300
Price includes:
- All transportation as per the program.Accommodation in a shared double room.
- Meals as per the program (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Activities as outlined in the program.
- Safaris as per the program.
- Participation of Tom Svensson throughout the entire trip
- Guides in the parks.
- Tips, except for guides.
- Hotel and other taxes.
Price does not include:
- Flights to Mfuwe in Zambia.
- Single room supplement. £ 950 or USD 1200
- Personal expenses, such as drinks, phone calls, etc.
- Tips for local guide, approx. USD 10-15 per day.
- Cancellation protection and travel insurance. See our website under “Other.”
FLIGHT
Fly to Mfuwe in Zambia on your own. You should not arrive later than 12:00 PM on 25th September, and do not book your return flight earlier than 4:00 PM on 2nd October.
Considering the long flight and the possibility of delays, we recommend that you arrive the day before and stay overnight at a hotel in Mfuwe to ensure you are well-rested for the upcoming adventure. Therefore, we have reserved several rooms at a hotel. If you wish to arrive the day before, please inform us when you make your booking.
FACTS
Target Audience: Photographers interested in developing their skills in wildlife and nature photography
Minimum/Maximum Participants: 8/12.
Additional Information: For more details about Zoom Fotoresor, terms of service, etc., please visit our website under “Other.”
EQUPIMENT
- Your digital camera.
- Telephoto lens, preferably up to 500 mm.
- 70-200 mm lens.
- Wide-angle lens, such as 24-70 mm.
- A monopod.
- A computer with Photoshop or Lightroom.
- Extra batteries, chargers, etc.
- Cleaning equipment.
BOOKING
Use the online booking form below and you will receive a booking confirmation right away or you can give us a call on +46 70 180 90 99 or send an email to info@zoomphototours.com
NYHETSBREV
Bli först med att höra om nya resor, erbjudanden och reseinspiration från Zoom.
KONTAKTA OSS
E-post: info@zoomfotoresor.se
Telefon: +46 (0)470 – 466 40
Följ våra fotoäventyr på sociala medier!
Foto: Serkan Günes
NYHETSBREV
Bli först med att höra om nya resor, erbjudanden och reseinspiration från Zoom.
KONTAKTA OSS
E-post: info@zoomfotoresor.se
Telefon: +46(0) 470 – 466 40
Följ våra fotoäventyr på sociala medier!
Foto: Hans Strand