There are 3 gorges along the river, all along the Lower
Luangwa: the first and most spectacular in Chief Luembe’s
country, the second just upstream of the confluence with the
Lunsemfwa River and lastly where it is constricted between
the Nyankongolo Hills, shortly before the confluence where
the Luangwa disperses into the Zambezi River.
The river flows entirely within Zambia although a small
section near the Zambezi confluence forms part of the
international boundary with Mozambique.
The gorge in Chief Luembe’s country, through the
Kampeketa range of hills, produces some of the most
beautiful, rugged country along the course of the river.
There are a number of rapids in the gorge, commencing
with the most impressive, Chipinda cha Nyanga (‘place of
bad spirits’), which acquired its name from the capsizing
of a cargo of ivory, transported by Portuguese traders in a
bygone era.
Thankfully, from an environmental and wildlife
conservation point of view, none of these gorges are suitable
for the development of hydro electrical projects.
The Middle Luangwa boasts heavy clay soils, which are
fertile and rich in nutrients, but the presence of tsetse flies
(which precludes the existence of domestic stock, vulnerable
to nagana – sleeping sickness), and prevalence of malaria
combined with an inhospitable environment has resulted
in little development and low human population densities.
Much of the area is inaccessible during every rainy season
as the floodplain becomes a quagmire and impossible to
traverse. Consequently the wildlife flourishes and nature
reigns supreme. There can be few places where nature is as
strong and each rainy season the rivers, dambos and lagoons
are replenished and support a wide array of animal and
birdlife.
Consequently tourism is the only significant industry
along the river.
The Luangwa Valley has been dubbed ‘The Valley of
Elephants’ and great concentrations of these animals can
still be seen in all 3 National Parks, despite a very disturbing
increase of poaching throughout the range of these
magnificent animals in Africa.
Leopards are abundant and the Parks provide what are
arguably the best places in Africa to see these beautiful
animals. Lions, too, are numerous although numbers are
reported to be declining and concern has been expressed
regarding the management of the hunting of these iconic big
cats.
The Luangwa River contains the highest density of
hippos in Africa and this feature alone justifies the existence
of the 3 National Parks. Hippos fertilize the water which
feeds the fish which in turn feeds the crocodiles. Some
stretches of river contain an incredible concentration of
these prehistoric reptiles. It should be noted that fish is a
very important source of protein for the people of the Valley
and the existence of hippo is key to the abundance of fish.
All these animals plus many more can be seen by tourists
who are fortunate to have a wide range of accommodation
to suit most budgets in South Luangwa National Park.
Due to the relative remoteness there is considerably less
development and choice in both North Luangwa and
Luambe National Parks.
TL
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