Explore the real-life set of the BBC’s Kingdom

If there is one voice that can instantly command our attention and transport us to the wildest corners of the Earth, it is Sir David Attenborough. Just when you thought the golden age of nature documentaries might be peaking, the BBC has dropped a new jewel that is captivating us all. It’s called “Kingdom”, and if you haven’t tuned in yet (or set your reminder for its US premiere), you are in for a wildlife feast.

The premise of BBC’s Kingdom South Luangwa: a real-life succession drama

Unlike traditional nature documentaries that hop from continent to continent, Kingdom was filmed over five years in a single, spectacular location – the Nsefu Sector in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. The sector is situated near the Luangwa River, creating an intense, predictable concentration of wildlife and high stakes hunting and territorial conflict. The series chronicles the intertwined lives of four rival families:

The lions: the traditional rulers, whose dominance is constantly tested.

The leopards: solitary and stealthy, fighting for their own pockets of territory.

The hyenas: often misunderstood, shown here as a complex, strategic clan.

The wild dogs: the underdogs (literally) whose chaotic energy and tight family bonds make them the scene-stealers of the series.

The location

South Luangwa is a true remote wilderness, and a favourite of the Aardvark Safaris team. Renowned for exceptional guiding and incredible wildlife viewing, it offers accommodation ranging from luxury bush camps to adventurous sleep-outs under the stars. Rightly nicknamed the ‘Valley of the Leopard,’ there is arguably no better place in Africa to spot these elusive cats.

Beyond the big cats, the park is defined by the mood of the Luangwa River. It supports one of Africa’s densest hippo populations and serves as the park’s lifeblood. The landscape is a place of dramatic contrasts: the green season allows for boating safaris through lush waterways, while the dry season shrinks the river to a trickle, drawing animals out of the bush in search of water. With night drives and walking safaris to complete the experience, this is a safari destination that delivers on every level.

The Nsefu Sector features two outstanding camps right on the Luangwa River. Nsefu Camp, Zambia’s oldest safari camp, offers a timeless and remote setting.

Nsefu Camp, South Luangwa

Its sister camp, Tena Tena, provides gorgeous river views from a comfortable viewing deck, the perfect spot for relaxation and wildlife viewing.

Walking safari, Nsefu Sector – South Luangwa

My pick of walking safaris and camps in South Luangwa

Jo at Puku Ridge, South Luangwa

While I didn’t stay in the Nsefu sector, my long-awaited return to Zambia included a wonderful visit to the remote northern part of the South Luangwa where I stayed at Tafika Camp. Aptly meaning “welcome home”, this is the Coppinger family’s home and happens to be a hotspot for leopard, lion and wild dog. This is a true owner-run camp in South Luangwa, and their hands-on approach makes them incredibly popular with returning guests. I recommend spending time at the elephant hide that overlooks the camp waterhole, often frequented by herds of elephant, bushbuck, puku, impala, mongoose, and a variety of bird species. It’s a great place to visit in between wildlife drives and gives you a totally different perspective of the remarkable wildlife in this area. The seasonal carmine bee-eater hide offers incredible photographic opportunities of the colourful breeding colony, in September and October.

Tafika Camp hide, South Luangwa

For a more adventurous safari, you should consider combining Tafika with Chikoko Tree Camp and Big Lagoon; they are the only genuine walking camps left in South Luangwa – everything is carried in on foot, and walking is the main activity. On my way to Chikoko Tree Camp, our coffee break was a lesson in making a fire using elephant dung and sticks – one of the most rewarding coffees I’ve ever had!

Chikoko Tree Camp, South Luangwa

The joy of walking through the bush is appreciating smells and sounds in their purest form. The pace is relaxed, and the walking guides are among the most highly experienced in the business. We tracked animals and learned about tiny insects like termites and dung beetles, and the important role they play in balancing the ecosystem. Spend a week in this region for an authentic, immersive back-to-nature experience – safari at its best.

Olimba Camp, Nsefu Sector – due to open the end of June 2026

The camp that was used as the base for filming BBC’s Kingdom is now being transformed into a brand new eight-bed camp: Olimba Camp, named in honour of the legendary leopardess Olimba.

If you’re ready to step beyond the screen and into your own ‘Kingdom’ adventure, get in touch – we’ll design a safari that’s perfect for you.

What next?

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