Lower Zambezi National Park

Best Time to Visit

36 Lower Zambezi Safaris

Expert

By Alan Murphy

Alan has authored the Lonely Planet guide to Zambia.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

July to October is the ideal time to visit Lower Zambezi NP, although October can be extremely hot. These months represent the end of the Dry season, and they are the best time for wildlife viewing. This is due to water sources in the bush drying out, leaving animals with no choice but to congregate around the river, making them relatively easy to spot.

Best Time July to October (The bush is dry, and animals are easy to find)

High Season July to October (The park can become busy and high-season rates apply)

Low Season Mid-November to May (Many lodges close during part of the Wet season, low season rates apply)

Best Weather April to August (It is cooler and it hardly ever rains)

Worst Weather October to March (Hot and wet weather)

May to October –Dry Season

Best time for wildlife viewing
It rarely rains, and it is usually sunny
Fewer mosquitoes buzzing around makes malaria less of a risk
The park gets quite busy
High-season rates apply from July to October
Haze in the sky interrupts views, and the bush looks parched
October is unbearably hot
Mornings are cold from May to August – warm clothing is recommended

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (15)

+13 Photos

November to April –Wet Season

The scenery is green and fresh – this is called the ‘emerald season’
There are very few tourists, and rates are lower
The presence of migrants makes it the best time for birding
There are many newborn animals
Wildlife viewing is superior in the Dry season
It is very hot and humid
Many lodges are closed
Malaria is more of a concern than in the Dry season
The roads become bad and sometimes impassable