Post Last updated on January 7, 2026
Big news from the BBC – and even bigger news for Zambia.
Kingdom, the landmark new wildlife series narrated by Sir David Attenborough, has officially launched on BBC platforms in the UK and is already making waves across the global wildlife community. Filmed entirely in South Luangwa National Park over five years, this epic production is one of the most ambitious natural-history projects ever attempted. And at its heart lies a place many safari lovers have yet to discover:
Nsefu, a fertile stretch of the Luangwa River where lions, leopards, wild dogs and hyenas compete for survival in a real-life wilderness kingdom.
Leopards. Lions. Hyenas. Wild dogs.
Four dynasties. One shared paradise.
Some will rise. Others will fall.
Who will rule this kingdom?
The real magic? You don’t have to simply watch this world. You can go there.
South Luangwa is one of Africa’s most exciting, soulful safari destinations.
Where Was Kingdom Filmed – and Where Did the BBC Crew Stay?
As audiences marvel at the intimate moments of Olimba the leopard, Storm’s formidable wild dog pack, Rita’s lion pride and Tenta’s hyena clan, few realise what it took to capture these stories. Filming across five years meant the BBC Studios Natural History Unit required a remote base that matched their commitment to sustainability, immersion, and resilience in the field.
They found it at Olimba Camp, a bespoke, light-footprint camp built exclusively for the Kingdom team by Remote Africa Safaris.
Powered entirely by solar energy, warmed with gas geysers and cared for by Remote Africa’s loving and dedicated staff, Olimba Camp became the BBC crew’s home away from home. It allowed them the freedom to set up their way – charging banks of camera batteries, reviewing footage late into the night, organising thermal and infrared rigs, and preparing for long days tracking predators through the Nsefu Sector.
Remote Africa’s guides worked with the BBC team throughout the production, offering unmatched insight into animal behaviour, tracking individual characters, and navigating the ever-shifting dynamics of this predator-rich landscape.
So when you visit Remote Africa’s camps, you’re not just exploring the real Kingdom, you’re speaking to the very people who helped bring it to life.
Welcome to Nsefu: A Real-Life Kingdom
The BBC follows four rival families who all claim this corner of South Luangwa as home:
- Olimba, one of the most successful leopard mothers ever recorded
- Storm, the formidable alpha wild dog leading a rapidly growing pack
- Rita, the experienced lioness guiding her pride through changing fortunes
- Tenta, the matriarch of a resilient hyena clan
It’s a story of survival, power, motherhood, shifting alliances, and the constant dance of predator and prey, set in a landscape ruled not by humans, but by nature.
Across 1,400 days in the field, using drones, camera traps, thermal imaging, helicopters, and long-lens cinematography, the BBC team captured behaviours never seen before on film.
And it all unfolded in one of Africa’s most spectacular, yet surprisingly uncrowded, national parks.
Why South Luangwa Is About to Become the Safari Destination of 2026
With Kingdom now shining an international spotlight on Nsefu, travellers are about to discover what seasoned safari lovers have known for years:
South Luangwa is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries.
This is the birthplace of the walking safari.
The land of enormous elephant herds.
A leopard stronghold unlike anywhere else.
And one of the few places you can reliably see wild dogs.
The Luangwa River shapes everything here, carving oxbow lagoons, lush floodplains, and dense woodland that support incredible densities of wildlife. Predators thrive. Prey flourishes. And the drama never stops. It’s wild, emotional Africa, exactly as you see it in Kingdom.
For more information on why Lower Zambezi is the best kept secret for luxury safaris in Zambia, read our blog.
Planning Your Own ‘Kingdom’ Safari
A visit to South Luangwa means stepping into the exact landscapes where the documentary was filmed: leopard territories, wild dog hunting grounds, lion crossings, and hyena clan hideouts.
Below are safari styles and lodges that pair beautifully with a Kingdom-inspired trip.
Where to Stay in South Luangwa
We recommend combining two or three camps to maximise habitats and wildlife sightings. A few favourites:
Nsefu Camp (Robin Pope Safaris)
One of the oldest and most atmospheric camps in the valley. Nsefu Camp is beautifully positioned in the heart of the Nsefu Sector where Kingdom was filmed.
Tena Tena (Robin Pope Safaris)
Tena Tena Camp, known for its intimate tents, rich leopard sightings, and superb guiding.
Lion Camp
A luxurious, contemporary lodge on a private concession, Lion Camp is perfect for big-cat photography.
Chinzombo (Time + Tide)
Ultra-luxury on the banks of the Luangwa, Chinzombo is ideal for honeymooners or anyone wanting safari indulgence.
Mfuwe Lodge
Mfuwe Lodge is world-famous for its elephants that walk through reception during mango season.
Sample Safari Itinerary Inspired by Kingdom
8 Days in South Luangwa – “Rise of the Predators”
Day 1–3: Nsefu Sector
Stay deep in predator territory. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal lions, wild dogs, hyenas, and leopards – plus the exact landscapes you’ll recognise from the documentary. A 10-night leopard lovers safari is the perfect getaway to satisfy your leopard addiction.
Day 4–6: Walking Safari in the Wilderness Area
Accompanied by an expert guide and scout, explore on foot – the best way to understand the intricate web of tracks, behaviour, and ecology that shapes this kingdom.
Day 7–8: Lower Luangwa Luxury
End with a stylish camp overlooking the river, sundowners, photographic hides, and long, lazy afternoons watching elephants cross the channels. Check out our 8-night Zambia safari.
Optional Add-On:
Fly onward to Liuwa Plains or the Lower Zambezi for an incredible combination of wilderness experiences.
Why Now Is the Time to Book Zambia
With Kingdom about to air, interest in South Luangwa is expected to soar – especially from travellers seeking something more authentic and less crowded than East Africa.
But the true beauty of Zambia is its soul:
- Guiding is among the best in Africa
- Safari experiences are intimate and uncrowded
- Conservation-led tourism supports real community impact
- Camps remain small, personal, and deeply connected to nature
South Luangwa is not just a place to watch wildlife. It’s a place to feel it.
And after five years of BBC cameras capturing the hidden lives of these animals, the world is finally about to see why. Read more about 10 reasons to travel to Zambia.
Ready to Step Into the Kingdom?
If Kingdom inspires you, the drama, the power struggles, the tenderness, and the ancient rhythms of predator life, imagine witnessing it with your own eyes.
We design tailor-made Zambia itineraries, from walking safaris to family-friendly trips and ultra-luxury lodge circuits.
Let SAFARI FRANK craft your perfect journey through South Luangwa – the real Kingdom.
