A visit to Project Luangwaoffers guests the opportunity to experience the community side of South Luangwa and see how tourism can make a positive difference beyond the national park. Based in Mfuwe, Project Luangwa works with local communities to improve education, gender equality and opportunities for young people, supporting rural schools, student sponsorships, digital learning, youth programmes, menstrual health initiatives and local artisans. Visitors can learn about these projects, meet some of the people involved and gain a deeper understanding of everyday life in the Luangwa Valley. It is a rewarding addition to a safari, particularly for travellers interested in responsible tourism and seeing how their visit can help support the communities living alongside Zambia’s wildlife.
CHIPEMBELE
A visit to Chipembele Wildlife Education Trustoffers guests a meaningful insight into grassroots conservation in the South Luangwa Valley. Established in 1998, Chipembele works with local schools and communities surrounding South Luangwa National Park, inspiring young Zambians to understand, value and protect their wildlife and natural environment. During the visit, guests can learn about the organisation’s conservation education programmes, meet some of the people behind its work and discover how Chipembele is helping to develop Zambia’s next generation of conservationists, researchers and safari guides. It is a rewarding addition to a South Luangwa safari and a wonderful opportunity to see how tourism and conservation can support local communities and protect Zambia’s wildlife for the future.
TRIBAL TEXTILES
A visit to Tribal Textilesin Mfuwe offers a colourful and creative break from traditional safari activities and a chance to meet some of the talented artisans of the South Luangwa Valley. Guests can visit the workshop to see how distinctive hand-painted textiles and home décor are created, using techniques developed locally over more than three decades, and can also take part in a hands-on batik painting workshopto create their own piece. Tribal Textiles provides local employment and supports community and wildlife-conservation initiatives, making a visit both enjoyable and meaningful. There is also time to browse the flagship shop for authentic, locally made gifts and beautiful reminders of Zambia to take home.
MWEZI BLU
A visit to Mwezi Bluin Mfuwe offers guests a fascinating introduction to contemporary Zambian jewellery-making in the heart of the South Luangwa Valley. At their workshop and showroom, visitors can meet the team of young local jewellers, learn how ethically sourced Zambian gemstones are selected, cut and transformed by hand into beautiful fine jewellery, and browse collections inspired by Zambia’s landscapes, wildlife and stories. For those looking for something especially personal, Mwezi Blu also creates bespoke pieces using locally sourced gemstones. Conveniently located between Mfuwe Airport and the entrance to South Luangwa National Park, it is an enjoyable and stylish addition to a safari itinerary while also supporting local skills development and education initiatives
MULBERRY MONGOOSE
A visit to Mulberry Mongooseoffers guests a wonderfully different South Luangwa experience, combining creativity, conservation and local empowerment. At their workshop near the South Luangwa National Park, visitors can meet the Zambian team and see how confiscated poachers’ snare wire is transformed into distinctive handcrafted jewellery, often combined with locally sourced materials. Guests can learn about the conservation story behind the brand, try the popular snare-coiling challenge, take part in a jewellery-making activity and browse the workshop shop for meaningful gifts. Each purchase contributes to wildlife conservation, making this a memorable activity that connects visitors directly with both the people and conservation efforts of the Luangwa Valley.
CONSERVATION SOUTH LUANGWA
A visit to Conservation South Luangwa (CSL)gives guests a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the work being done to protect the wildlife and habitats of the South Luangwa ecosystem. Working in partnership with Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife and local communities, CSL supports anti-poaching patrols, Zambia’s first conservation K9 Unit, aerial surveillance, wildlife rescue and veterinary work, as well as programmes that help communities live more safely alongside elephants and other wildlife. A visit offers valuable insight into the challenges of conservation beyond the safari experience and shows how protecting South Luangwa depends on both wildlife protection and strong community involvement.
