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