South Luangwa National Park

Best Time to Visit

80 South Luangwa Safaris

Expert

By Alan Murphy

Alan has authored the Lonely Planet guide to Zambia.

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July to November are the best wildlife-viewing months. This is the middle and end of the Dry season and water in the bush has dried up, so animals congregate around the rivers and watercourses. However, October and November are extremely hot, and some people may find conditions difficult to cope with in these months.

Best Time July to the middle of November (The bush is dry, and animals are easy to find)

High Season July to October (Mfuwe, South Luangwa’s main area, can become busy and high season rates apply)

Low Season Mid-November to May (Some 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

Animals gather around the river and vegetation thins, prime wildlife-viewing time
Lots of sunshine, rarely interrupted by rains
Fewer mosquitos means less risk of malaria
The Mfuwe area, where most lodges are situated, can become busy
High season rates apply from July to October
The sky is very hazy, and the bush looks parched
October is unbearably hot
Mornings are cold from June to August; pack warm clothing

Wildlife Photos

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+22 Photos

November to April –Wet Season

This is the ‘emerald season’ – the scenery is green and the air fresh
There are very few tourists, and rates are lower
Best time for birding enthusiasts with migrants present
There are many newborn animals
Wildlife viewing is superior in the Dry season
It is very hot and humid
Some lodges close from December to March
Malaria is a bigger concern than in the Dry season
Some dirt roads become difficult to drive and are even impassable