The North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) has launched a national tourism campaign to promote the Amatololo Experience – a self-drive, community-based tourism offering in Zambia’s North Luangwa landscape.
The Amatololo Experience, meaning “wilderness experience”, aims to attract travellers seeking remote adventure while supporting local conservation and livelihoods. The 2025 season officially opened in June and will run until the end of October during the dry season and the period of highest accessibility.
Located in northern Zambia, North Luangwa is part of a three million-hectare protected area comprising North Luangwa National Park and adjoining game management areas. It was the first protected area in Zambia to be awarded International Union for Conservation of Nature Green List status in recognition of its conservation efforts.
Wildlife in the area includes Zambia’s largest elephant population, lion, leopard, buffalo, African wild dog, Cookson’s wildebeest, Crawshay’s zebra, Thornicroft’s giraffe and over 400 bird species. The region is also known for miombo and cathedral mopane forest, waterfalls and the Luangwa River.
The Amatololo Loop is the country’s only self-drive camping route with four remote campsites (Lufila Falls, Nkholo, Muzungwe and Mushika). In the adjacent game management areas, three tented camps (Samala, Ituba and Mandalena) offer basic accommodation with proceeds supporting local communities.
“The Amatololo Experience is a great way to leave all the stress behind and reconnect with the quiet and nature. The loop offers something for everyone. You can get close to wildlife, guaranteed to spot hippos and elephants at Ituba’s Tented Camp or enjoy the serene flow of the Mwaleshi River at Samala,” said Gilbert Mwale, Landscape Integration Manager at NLCP.
Access to North Luangwa is by road either from Mpika via Mano Gate in the west or through the east via Chifunda Chiefdom and the Luangwa River. A 4x4 vehicle and off-road driving skills are required.
Watch the campaign video, by Conservation Connect Films, below:
