South Luangwa National Park is acknowledged as one of the best parks in Zambia. Impalas, puku, giraffe, buffalo and prides of lions wander on the wide-open plains; leopards hunt in the dense woodlands; herds of elephants are seen wading through the marshes and hippos munch serenely on Nile cabbage in the Luangwa River. The bird life is also incredible: about 400 species have been recorded – large birds like snake eagles, bateleurs and ground hornbills are easy to spot.