Mfuwe is the gateway to South Luangwa National Park and the main point of entry to the Luangwa Valley. Mfuwe International Airport serves as the primary hub, with Proflight Zambia operating flights from Lusaka year-round; the road route runs through Chipata, roughly 123km away.

The park covers 9,050km² along the Luangwa River — described as the most intact major river system in Africa — and the concentration of animals around the river and its ox-bow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa. The walking safari originated here, night drives bring out the nocturnal species, and game viewing is at its best through the dry months from April to October.