The Late President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda’s Influence on Wildlife Conservation and Tourism in South Luangwa National Park of Zambia

Wildlife in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley has fascinated tourists from the pre-colonial era to date. Writings on the prolific beauty of the region describe the abundance of species and beautiful scenery of the valley. The late President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda declared South Luangwa a National Park in 1971. He further facilitated the Luangwa Integrated Rural Development Project (LIRDP) funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) to support the management of the Park and engage local communities in conservation efforts and livelihood development. The South Luangwa National Park and adjacent Game Management Areas were Dr. Kaunda’s preferred destination for work and holidays. Dr. Kaunda was enthusiastic about wildlife conservation, National Park management, and the sustainable use of natural resources to improve local livelihoods. This paper reviews Dr. Kaunda’s significant role in promoting tourism and wildlife conservation in the South Luangwa National Park. Attention was focused on reviewing his words and influence on the Park’s sustainable development and growth. The methodology used included interview findings from ten (10) key informants associated with the Park’s development during the period of Dr. Kaunda’s presidency. The paper demonstrates that Dr. Kaunda’s love for South Luangwa National Park contributed to its present reputation and international recognition as a premier tourist destination.