By Alan Murphy
Alan is a renowned Africa expert and has authored many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Zambia.
Zambia is an excellent safari destination, and most of the high-profile animals are relatively easily seen. South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Kafue are particularly good for leopard sightings, but wild dog and cheetah are harder to spot. Black rhino is only present in North Luangwa and white rhino only in Mosi-oa-Tunya.
Wildlife Highlights
Zambia has several interesting, endemic sub-species including Thornicroft's giraffe, Cookson's wildebeest and Crawshay's zebra. The Kafue lechwe and the black lechwe are specials in specific swampy areas. Most lodges offer night safaris and Zambia is one of the best countries to see some of the nocturnal animals such as porcupine, genet and bushbaby.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The best wildlife viewing time coincides with the Dry season (May to October) when water is scarce, and animals congregate at waterholes and rivers. The bush is less lush at this time, and animals are easier to spot. From October until the rains, it can be unbearably hot. Some roads become impassable during the Wet season (November-April), and several parks and camps close at this time.
