As a proud Africa’s Eden Community & Conservation Partner, Project Luangwa is a powerful example of how travel can directly support education, livelihoods and long-term opportunity.
In Mfuwe, daily life unfolds to a soundtrack unlike anywhere else. Just five minutes from the entrance to South Luangwa National Park, the rhythm of village life blends with the wild — children playing in the yard, the hum of sewing machines, and, occasionally, the deep, unmistakable roar of a lion drifting in from the bush.
It is here, on the edge of one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations, that Project Luangwa Zambia is quietly reshaping the relationship between tourism and community. Its impact is strengthened through long-standing collaboration with tourism partners in the region, including Flatdogs Camp, Shenton Safaris, Kafunta Safaris and Robin Pope Safaris, among others. Together, these partnerships help ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt beyond the park gates, creating meaningful connections between visitors and the communities that call Mfuwe home.
At its heart, Project Luangwa is driven by two clear aims: improving access to education and creating a more equal future for girls and young women.
In 2010, the organisation introduced washable menstrual hygiene products, known locally as “Ufulu” pads. What began as a practical solution quickly revealed a deeper impact. Limited access to safe hygiene supplies had long been a barrier to school attendance, and by addressing this, girls are now able to gain valuable additional days in the classroom each year. In 2024 alone, Project Luangwa delivered 6930 washable sanitary pads to 1386 girls.
It is a simple intervention with far-reaching consequences, helping to keep girls in school and supporting long-term independence.
The production of reusable pads created an unexpected ripple effect: skills development.
Local men and women were trained in sewing, opening the door to a broader range of income-generating opportunities. Today, that same workshop produces a vibrant collection of handcrafted items, from bags and clothing to textiles that reflect the creativity and resourcefulness of the region.
At the same time, local artisans have found a platform to showcase their work. Visitors will find everything from intricate wickerwork and hand-carved wooden bowls to playful “junk art” creations made from recycled materials. Each piece carries a story, rooted in place and shaped by the people who make it.
For travellers visiting South Luangwa, a stop at the Project Luangwa craft shop offers something different from the usual safari experience.
It is not just a place to browse; it is a space to connect. To meet the people behind the products. To understand how tourism, when thoughtfully linked to local initiatives, can support real and lasting change.
Purchases here go beyond souvenirs. They contribute directly to livelihoods and help sustain the wider work being done in schools and communities across Mfuwe.
Projects like this are increasingly shaping the future of travel in Southern Africa. Visitors are no longer just passing through; they are looking for ways to engage more deeply, to understand the places they visit, and to ensure their presence has a positive impact.
Project Luangwa offers exactly that. A tangible link between safari tourism and community empowerment, grounded in craft, culture and opportunity.
If you are travelling through Mfuwe or heading into South Luangwa National Park, make time to visit the Project Luangwa craft shop. It is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to support local artisans and see community-led tourism in action.
