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The landlocked country of Zambiain southern Africa is bordered by an impressive eight countries – Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia and Botswana. The majority of Zambia is covered by plateau, which tempers the temperatures throughout the country.
During the wet summer season (November to April), the weather can be muggy and hot, and in some remote areas, the rainfall can make travelling difficult. Ideally, to get the best out of your wildlife safari, May to October is the best time to travel to Zambia, during the dry months when the temperatures are pleasant and access is good. At the end of the dry season, the temperatures increase and it can be very hot in October in some places, before the rains arrive.
In order to plan a trip to Zambia, you need to know the best time to visit the specific safari destinations spread throughout the country. We’ll start by sharing the best time to visit Zambia’s five popular safari destinations.
Best Time To Visit Zambia: National Parks And Game Reserves
The table below denotes the best months to visit some of Zambia’s popular safari spots.
| National Park/Game Reserve | Best time to visit Zambia |
|---|---|
| Blue Lagoon National Park | November to April |
| Kafue National Park | July to October |
| Kasanka National Park | July to October |
| Lower Zambezi National Park | May to November |
| South Luangwa National Park | July to October |
Zambia Through The Months
April to October (Dry Winter Season)
April to May is the end of the rainy season and these months offer visitors a chance to explore Zambia’s verdant vegetation which is lush after the rains. The thicker vegetation and replenished water sources does lessen the chances of spotting wildlife, so it’s not ideal month for avid wildlife spotters but it’s the very best time for birders as well as the most scenically beautiful time of year. Head to Blue Lagoon National Park, a birding paradise.
April to May is the flood season for the Zambezi river and therefore a great time to visit Victoria Falls, which has the highest volume of water after the rainy season. Visitors should be cautious walking along the slippery pathways and you will get wet on the walk from all the spray! The view is of the Victoria Falls plunging into the gorge is magnificent, with huge amounts of spray creating rainbows when the sun is shining.
June and August are also great times to see the Victoria Falls as there is less spray but it’s still an awesome sight. From September to November the falls are at their lowest level and can be completely dry in some parts on the Zambian side, leaving behind dry rock walls. September to November is a good time for white-water rafting, which takes place on the rapids below the Victoria Falls, during these low water months.
From June to August, the vegetation starts drying out, making it the best time to view Zambia’s wildlife. During these months, visitors can plan a trip to the South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park or Kafue National Park, which all offer excellent game viewing experiences. In addition, South Luangwa National Park is known for its walking safaris, while Lower Zambezi National Park offers fishing experiences, canoe trips and river cruises along the Zambezi River.
September and October also offer good wildlife viewing opportunities. In September, birdwatchers can head over to the banks of the Zambezi River to spot the colourful conflagration of carmine bee-eaters that arrive and nest on the river banks. The temperatures spike in October, so the ideal time for game viewing is either early morning or late in the evenings.
November to March (Wet Summer Season)
November to March is the rainy summer season throughout Zambia. The rainfall replenishes the park’s water sources, which makes the animals spread out to the far corner of the national parks. They are also hidden by the growing vegetation, making them harder to spot. The rains can make roads impassable in remote areas and some safari camps are closed during these months.
October to December offers visitors one of the world’s greatest spectacles in Zambia, the Great Bat Migration – the world’s largest mammal migration. Around eight million straw-coloured fruit bats arrive at Zambia’s Kasanka National Park from the Congo.
November to April are the best months for birdwatching and to experience both Zambia’s resident birdlife and migratory species. During these months, migratory birds fly to Zambia’s renowned birding destinations such as Bangweulu Wetlands, Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, Ishiba Ng’andu Nature Reserve, Lochinvar National Park, Nkanga River Conservation Area, Nyika National Park, and South Luangwa National Park.
Zambia Safaris
Leopard Luxury Mobile Safari
- 17 Days
On this amazing adventure gain a fascinating insight into the life of the Kalahari Bushman, explore the...
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Country:Zambia, Botswana,
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Departures:Array
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Length:17 Days
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Start/end:Start in Maun, end in Livingstone or Victoria Falls
6 Days Bat Migration Safari in Kasanka National Park
- 6 Days
They're coming in their millions... Are you ready? Between October and December each year, about 10 million...
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Country:Zambia,
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Departures:Array
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Length:6 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Lusaka
7-Day Gwisho Health Retreat
- 7 Days
Enjoy a peaceful, healing break at Gwisho Hotsprings Crystal Palace, a wellness retreat located near...
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Country:Zambia,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:7 Days
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Start/end:Start in Livingstone, end in Lochinvar National Park (Monze)
Lion Mobile Safari
- 15 Days
On this safari enjoy a wonderful combination of teaming safari areas and spectacular landscapes. Explore...
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Country:Zambia, Botswana,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:15 Days
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Start/end:Start in Maun, end in Livingstone or Victoria Falls
Elephant Mobile Safari
- 15 Days
Camp in some stunning wilderness areas on this safari adventure, including scenic spots on the Chobe...
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Country:Zambia, Botswana, Namibia,
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Departures:Array
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Length:15 Days
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Start/end:Start in Kasane, end in Livingstone or Victoria Falls
Fish Eagle Safari
- 11 Days
Enjoy a fantastic mix of game drives, mokoro trips and guided walks in the wildlife-rich areas and stunning...
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Country:Zambia, Botswana,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:11 Days
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Start/end:Start in Maun, end in Livingstone or Victoria Falls
13-Day South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Victoria Falls
- 13 Days
Enjoy this safari of wild valleys and the mighty Victoria Falls. The ancient valleys of South Luangwa...
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Country:Zambia,
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Departures:Array
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Length:13 Days
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Start/end:Start in Lusaka, end in Livingstone
8-Day Lower Zambezi and Mana Pools National Parks Safari
- 8 Days
Spoil yourself with a memorable visit to the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia, an undiscovered wildlife...
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Country:Zambia, Zimbabwe,
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Departures:Array
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Length:8 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Lusaka, Zambia
Livingstone Birding Trail
- 17 Days
The Livingstone Birding Trail is our most popular birding safari and with good reason - it visits some...
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Country:Botswana, Zambia, Namibia,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:17 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Maun
10-Day Best of Botswana and Zambia Wildlife Safari
- 10 Days
This is a truly authentic wildlife-focused, value for money safari experiences specifically tailored...
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Country:Botswana, Zambia,
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Departures:Array
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Length:10 Days
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Start/end:Start in Maun, Botswana, end in Lusaka, Zambia