Zambia Parks
By Alan Murphy
Alan is a renowned Africa expert and has authored many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Zambia.
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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 mosquitos 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
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
Wildlife Photos
Best Time to Go to Zambia by Major Park
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Lower Zambezi NPJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
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