Best time to visit Zambia

February continues the wet season rhythm, but it introduces a special highlight: the calving season. Across the plains, many antelope species give birth, providing heartwarming sightings – though these nursery herds often attract the attention of resident predators.

Traditional driving tracks in the national parks remain difficult to navigate, meaning many remote bush camps are closed. However, for those seeking solitude, this is a magnificent time to visit. The Smoke that Thunders (Victoria Falls) is gaining power, and the sheer volume of water creates a mist that can be seen from miles away.

Since the scenery is lush and green, it’s an opportune time to go on a photographic safari and capture mesmerising images!

Weather in February

February mirrors January in terms of weather. Expect hot, humid conditions as well as rain showers. Temperatures can reach a high of 27 °C/81 °F and a low of 17 °C/63 °F.

Heavy downpours often appear in the afternoon, so bring a good rain jacket with you, and protect your photographic gear with waterproof accessories.

National Park to Visit in Zambia During February

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Victoria Falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park’s most famous attraction. It can be stunning during the rainy season, as the mist and spray can be heavy, creating a spectacular stage for the rainbows to appear upon.

Here, you get to see fascinating wildlife, including white rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and elephants.

During the wet season, a unique bird population is present, including migratory birds – look out for their breeding plumage.

To make the most of your safari, pack your binoculars for an up-close view of them!

Activities to Do in Zambia in February

• Photographic safaris
• Water activities
• Victoria Falls tours

The wet season continues in March, but this is the best time of year for birding safaris in Zambia, as migratory birds are abundant.

Newborn animals are commonly seen around this time, and the scenery is often green and lush, which makes it a perfect time for a photographic safari.

Kafue National Park, one of the largest parks in Africa, is one destination to visit this month, especially for birding enthusiasts.

Weather in March

The rains give way to gorgeous, lush green scenery and a fantastic opportunity for photographic safaris. The transformation of the landscape during this season is breathtaking.

Temperatures can reach a high of 28 °C/82 °F, and rainfall begins to drop this month – there are a lot fewer thunderstorms in March compared to January and February, making Zambia wildlife safaris more accessible.

National Parks to Visit in Zambia During March

Kafue National Park

March transforms Kafue National Park into a lush, green paradise. This is a spectacular time for birdlife as the park teems with migratory species like the broad-billed roller and vocal woodland kingfishers. You may also spot flocks of Abdim’s storks following the rains across the plains.

Lots of newborn animals can also be seen during this month.

The scenery is often fresh and green, and with thicker vegetation, it’s often harder to spot wildlife, as water sources are abundant.

Take advantage of the photographic opportunities here, as the rainy season often brings the opportunity for dramatic photography.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park may be famous as the home of the Victoria Falls, but that’s not all you can see here. Over 350 bird species have been sighted here, making this park a fantastic birdwatching destination.

The white-fronted bee-eater, trumpeter hornbill, and Livingstone’s flycatcher are just a few species to keep your binoculars poised for.

White rhinos also call this park home. When on a Zambia safari here, you have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to track these incredible animals on foot.

Activities to Do in Zambia in March

• Photographic safaris
• Birdwatching safaris
• Victoria Falls tours

April marks the end of the rainy season, and wildlife viewing slowly starts to improve from this month onwards. The lack of rain makes game drives more pleasant, and the lush landscapes are still incredible to behold.

This month is the final call for emerald season birding, as many migratory species begin their flights back to Europe and Asia as the rains patter out. Some birds you have the chance to see here are Bohm’s bee-eater, the crowned eagle, Pel’s fishing owl, Ross’s turaco, and the spur-winged goose.

Animals are around with their young, and photographic safaris are at their best, given the clear atmosphere.

Weather in April

As the rains decrease, so does the humidity. Temperatures can reach a high of 27 °C/81 °F and a low of 14 °C/57 °F, so it’s best to bring along a jacket for morning and evening game drives.

Although rain is still present, the density thereof starts to decrease, with average rainfall hovering around 1.4 inches.

Green and fresh scenery is still present before vegetation and waterholes start drying out.

National Parks to Visit in Zambia During April

South Luangwa National Park

This park is home to four of the Big Five, with only rhinos being absent. With the decrease in rain, South Luangwa National Park once again becomes one of the best places for a Zambia safari. With very few travellers here at the end of the wet season, you can enjoy a more serene safari experience.

Lower Zambezi National Park

Along the banks of the Zambezi River lies Lower Zambezi National Park, a haven for wildlife, including buffaloes, elephants, lions, and leopards. With over 350 species of birds here, birdwatching safaris are spectacular. Keep an eye out for waders along the riverbanks.

Activities to Do in Zambia in April

• Birdwatching safaris
• Game drives
• Photographic safaris
• Walking safaris
• Victoria Falls tours

May is considered a shoulder season month, as the rains fade away to pave the way for the dry season beginning in June. During a Zambia safari at this time of the year, you’ll witness the magical transition between the emerald season and the peak safari season.

As the weather becomes drier, vegetation loses its lustre, making wildlife easier to spot through the bush. Water sources also dry up, causing animals to be less dispersed.

The air is crisp and cooler thanks to lower humidity levels, making walking safaris and game drives far more comfortable.

Weather in May

By May, the rains have cleared, leaving behind bright, sunny days and a landscape that is beginning to dry. This transition significantly improves wildlife viewing as animals begin to congregate around more permanent water sources.

While daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm and ideal for long game drives, the early mornings carry a crisp, refreshing chill; we recommend layering up with warm clothing to stay comfortable during those first few hours on the game vehicle.

National Parks to Visit in Zambia During May

Sioma Ngwezi National Park

A remote safari destination within Zambia, Sioma Ngwezi National Park is known for the impressive Ngonye Falls. This park is part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, an initiative between countries that allows for the free movement of animals across borders.

Safari-goers in this off-the-beaten-track destination can see vast herds of elephants, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species. Predator numbers are growing, so there are opportunities to see lions, hyenas, and wild dogs.

Liuwa Plain National Park

May to June is one of the best times of the year to visit Liuwa Plain National Park. The region dries up after the rainy season – the park is located in the floodplains of the upper Zambezi Basin – and sunny conditions create fantastic safari opportunities.

Lions and wild dogs have been reintroduced to the park, so you have the opportunity to spot these predators prowling around the herbivores found here. Vast herds of zebras and wildebeest can be seen across the grasslands.

Activities to Do in Zambia in May

• Game drives
• Walking safaris
• Victoria Falls tours

June ushers in the peak safari season, making this month the best time to visit Zambia. There is little to no rainfall, making it prime time for walking safaris and game drives in parks like South Luangwa Park and Sioma Ngwezi.

This is also the ultimate month to pair your safari with a visit to Victoria Falls. By June, the Zambezi River is in full flood, sending a thunderous volume of water over the precipice. This creates the world’s largest curtain of falling water, draped in a constant, shimmering mist that catches the sunlight to produce brilliant rainbows.

The sheer power of the Smoke that Thunders is at its most majestic, offering a breathtaking contrast to the golden hues of the dry bush.

Weather in June

There’s very little rain at this time of year, and temperatures drop. During a Zambia safari in June, you can expect days reaching a high of 24℃/75℉. Lows can reach 8℃/46℉, so you’ll need to dress warmly for morning and evening game drives.

National Parks to Visit in Zambia During June

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

The views of Victoria Falls are excellent during June. While still mighty, you won’t experience as much spray as earlier in the year, as the water level in the Zambezi has decreased.

There are other reasons to visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park besides Victoria Falls, including its population of white rhinos. This is the only park in Zambia to see white rhinos, and you have the opportunity to track these incredible animals on foot.

South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park is best visited during the dry season in Zambia. In June, there is virtually zero rainfall and the vegetation begins to dry out. Even though June is part of the winter season, the sun is still shining.

You have the opportunity to see four of the Big Five here, with the park being particularly well-known for its population of leopards.

Sioma Ngwezi National Park

A remote safari destination within Zambia, Sioma Ngwezi National Park is known for the impressive Ngonye Falls. This park is part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, an initiative between countries that allows for the free movement of animals across borders.

This park is ideally visited just after the rainy season, while there are still some water sources in the area. Animals – such as elephants, giraffes, and different antelope species – can be seen around watering holes.

Activities to Do in Zambia in June

• Game drives
• Walking safari
• Remote safaris
• Victoria Falls tours

July is our recommended month to go on a safari in Zambia. All the safari camps are open, and the opportunity for remote walking in places such as North Luangwa National Park becomes available once again with the decrease in rainfall.

Game viewing at this time of the year is superb! The warm, dry weather (which began to kick in during May) has had time to thin out the vegetation and dry up watering holes.

July is the ideal time to pair a premier Zambian safari with the majesty of Victoria Falls. As the peak dry season takes hold, this period is highly sought after, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred lodges.

While July is a popular month, Zambia remains a sanctuary for those seeking a more exclusive experience; its vast, remote wilderness areas ensure that even during the high season, your safari retains an intimate and unhurried feel far from the reach of mass tourism.

Weather in July

The weather is best in July, with the dry season at its peak. You can expect temperature highs of around 24℃/75℉.

Victoria Falls is an excellent location around this time of year, as water flow is still impressive. This offers a clearer view of the falls’ geological majesty and the sheer scale of the gorge, as the dense mist thins just enough to reveal the dramatic rock faces and shimmering rainbows that define this world wonder. There is generally no rain this month and it’s usually sunny.

National Parks to Visit in Zambia During July

North Luangwa National Park

Safari season in North Luangwa National Park really hits its stride in July. With walking safaris being the main way you explore this park, it’s best enjoyed in the dry season when paths are easier to navigate. This park is for safari-goers who are looking for a true immersion in the wilderness.

South Luangwa National Park

Known as the “valley of the leopard”, South Luangwa is one of the best parks to catch a sighting of this elusive big cat. And, with drier conditions, you’ll have an even better chance of seeing them while on game drives.

Kafue National Park

July is a sublime time to visit Kafue National Park, one of the largest parks in Africa. The dry season has had time to settle in, so paths are clear, and it’s easier to spot wildlife. Here, massive herds of elephants roam and rivers teem with hippos. This is also one of the best places to see wild dogs.

Activities to Do in Zambia in July

• Game drives
• Walking safaris
• Remote safaris
• Victoria Falls tours

August is one of the best months to go on a Zambia safari. Still in the high season and dry winter, you have the opportunity for incredible wildlife sightings.

The dry weather has had a chance to impact the land from May to July, so by August, the vegetation is far less likely to negatively impact your safari experience.

From walking safaris in North Luangwa National Park and game drives in South Luangwa to sunset boat cruises in Kafue, there is a wealth of habitats to explore now that the dry season has fully sunk in.

Weather in August

As the rain has held back over the last three months, Zambia’s national parks are relatively dry, and wildlife viewing is excellent. Game drives can be chilly in the morning with temperature lows hovering around 9℃/48℉, so you should bring some warm layers for your Zambia safari.

As the day progresses, the weather is generally sunny and pleasant for outdoor activities like bush walks and game drives.

National Parks to Visit in Zambia During August

North Luangwa National Park

August is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the pure wilderness of North Luangwa National Park, home to over 400 bird species as well as a wealth of larger mammals, including elephants, buffaloes, and zebras.

Black rhinos have been reintroduced to the region, so you have the opportunity to see these endangered creatures.

On the predator front, hyenas and lions can be spotted, and wild dogs and leopards tend to be more elusive sightings.

South Luangwa National Park

During the dry season, you have a better chance of spotting the four members of the Big Five that call South Luangwa National Park home. As this is where walking safaris first began, don’t miss out on exploring the wilderness on foot for a more immersive experience in nature.

Kafue National Park

For a diverse wildlife safari in Zambia, head to Kafue National Park during the dry season. The diversity of animals here – all the more visible thanks to the thin vegetation and fewer watering holes – is incredible.

Game drives here can certainly be exciting, featuring a wide variety of antelope species traversing the plains, along with lions, leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs hot on their trails, and herds of elephants.

Activities to Do in Zambia in August

• Remote safaris
• Game drives
• Walking safaris
• Whitewater rafting

September is considered an excellent month to visit Zambia. This month, the dry season peaks, and animal sightings are impressive.

South Luangwa National Park is a fantastic place for a Zambia safari since it houses four of the Big Five, with just the rhino being absent.

Here, you can also see waterbirds filling up the Luangwa River. With yellow-billed storks hunting fish in the river, pelicans flying over, and hippos lazing around in the water, there are endless wildlife opportunities to see.

Weather in September

Temperatures in Zambia during September can reach a high of around 30℃/86℉. By this time, the lack of rain has made a significant impact on the land, which can be seen in the dry environments

National Parks to Visit in Zambia During September

South Luangwa National Park

One of Zambia’s most popular parks, South Luangwa National Park, houses four of the Big Five as well as a variety of bird species that will excite many twitchers.

In September, the Luangwa River, which flows through the national park, becomes a hub of activity, with thousands of southern carmine bee-eaters migrating here to breed along the banks. The swathe of red and blue hues is incredible to see and a highlight of a Zambia birding safari.

North Luangwa National Park

September is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the pure wilderness of North Luangwa National Park before the rain and high temperatures set in the following month.

The bush is well and truly parched by now, so wildlife is far easier to spot, including the black rhinos that call this region home.

On the predator front, hyenas and lions can be spotted, and wild dogs and leopards tend to be more challenging sightings, but all the more easy to achieve in the dry season.

Kafue National Park

Temperatures begin to warm up in Kafue National Park as Zambia starts heading towards the hot, humid, and wet summer season, with rain beginning to fall once again in October.

Animals are concentrated around the few remaining water sources that didn’t dry up over the last few dry months, so spotting the diversity of wildlife at Kafue is easier during a Zambia safari in September.

Activities to Do in Zambia in September

• Game drives
• Birdwatching safaris
• Walking safaris
• Remote safaris
• Whitewater rafting

In October, the largest mammal migration in the world begins to take flight. Millions of straw-coloured bats arrive in Kasanka National Park as the first rains fall. A migration safari in Zambia gives you the opportunity to see this incredible natural phenomenon firsthand.

Traditional wildlife safaris are still possible at this time of the year, with Kafue National Park offering the opportunity to see a diverse range of species, from elephant and buffalo herds to lions and wild dogs.

Along the Zambezi River lies Lower Zambezi National Park, another ideal park to visit in the dry season for a Zambia wildlife safari.

Weather in October

October marks the dramatic finale of Zambia’s dry season. While the first refreshing rains may begin to tease the parched earth, the landscape remains dominated by a profound, golden heat. With an average rainfall of just 0.7 inches, the days are characterised by brilliant sunshine and cloudless skies.

As the warmest month on the Zambian calendar, temperatures frequently climb to 32℃/90℉. To ensure a comfortable and rewarding experience, safari schedules shift to the rhythm of the wild; game drives are set for the cool clarity of the early morning and the golden glow of the late afternoon.

This timing avoids the midday sun and aligns perfectly with the hours when wildlife is most active, congregating in impressive numbers around the few remaining water sources.

National Parks to Visit in Zambia During October

Kasanka National Park

As the rains begin, millions of bats make their way to Kasanka National Park. Despite the massive number of bats, the migration occurs in a small area – just two hectares of Kasanka’s swamp forest. The long-distance migration takes place from late October every year until early December.

Kafue National Park

From lions prowling at dusk to rare antelope grazing in golden light, the wonders of Kafue unfold at every turn. The Busanga Plains, a jewel in the crown of Kafue National Park, are a vast mosaic of floodplains and grasslands teeming with life.

Lower Zambezi National Park

Wildlife is abundant in Lower Zambezi Park and October is one of the best months to see it. As the dry season has had time to make its mark on the land, animals congregate around one of the last remaining places where they can quench their thirst: the Zambezi.

This is a fantastic destination for canoeing safaris – glide down the river to see an amazing array of wildlife along the shore.

Activities to Do in Zambia in October

• Game drives
• Walking safaris
• Whitewater rafting
• Water safaris
• Bat migration safaris

The wet season begins in November, shifting what a Zambia safari looks like. Thanks to the rain, the landscape transforms with swathes of green and wild flowers, creating incredible ecosystems that inspire awe.

Migratory fruit bats are still seen in their massive colonies roosting in the trees of Kasanka National Park, while in Liuwa Plain, a different type of migration begins.

For traditional safari adventures, other parks – like Kafue National Park – can still be explored during game drives before the torrential downpours of December take hold, making roads unnavigable.

Weather in November

Rainfall increases dramatically in November, with the average being 3.5 inches. Temperatures do decrease slightly from October, with highs this month reaching around 30℃/86℉. Rainfall can sometimes be a welcome respite from the heat.

Game drives are still possible at this time of the year, as the rain hasn’t diminished the roads yet.

Destinations to Visit in Zambia During November

Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park is one of the largest parks in Africa and is home to elephants, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, lions, leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs.

November is the beginning of the wet season in the park, but game drives can still be eventful.

With the rain present, birding also becomes a great activity to do. Remember to bring along your binoculars to see them up close.

Liuwa Plain National Park

November is one of the best months to visit Liuwa Plain National Park. The end of the year sees wildlife migrate to this region, creating an incredible spectacle for safari-goers. This is the home of the second-largest wildebeest migration in the world.

Rainfall has yet to hamper driving routes, and birders will adore the influx of migrant bird species in the park.

Kasanka National Park

Starting in October, millions of fruit bats travel to Kasanka National Park to roost and feast on the abundance of fruit. Bats aren’t the only residents of this park – this month also sees an increase in migratory bird species, making it a fantastic time for birdwatching safaris.

Activities to Do in November

• Game drives
• Birdwatching safaris
• Bat migration safaris
• Wildebeest migration safaris
• Whitewater rafting

December reveals a hidden, vibrant side of the Zambia wilderness, offering a unique perspective for the seasoned traveller. In Liuwa Plain National Park, the world’s second-largest wildebeest migration continues its steady journey across the vast horizon, providing a dramatic wildlife spectacle amidst the burgeoning greenery.

This is also a pinnacle month for birding enthusiasts, as a kaleidoscope of migratory species fills the skies, joining the resident birds in their peak breeding plumage.

For those seeking the truly extraordinary, the great fruit bat migration, the largest mammal migration on earth, continues to darken the skies of Kasanka, offering a mesmerising alternative to a traditional safari.

Photographers will find endless inspiration in the emerald season, where the dryness is replaced by vivid landscapes, electric-blue skies, and the soft, ethereal light that follows a summer rain.

While the deepening rains mean some remote bush camps close their doors as roads become impossible, several premier lodges remain open. These permanent camps offer a sophisticated retreat from which to experience the power and beauty of the Zambian summer in total comfort.

Weather in December

December is one of the wettest months of the year in Zambia, with heavy downpours nourishing the land and creating more watering holes. The temperature isn’t as hot as what you’d experience in October – December sees highs of 28℃/82℉.

Destinations to Visit in Zambia During December

Liuwa Plain National Park

December is one of the best months to go to Liuwa Plain. This is where much of Zambia’s wildlife migrates to during the wet season, creating an incredible environment for safari adventures. The lush green grass also becomes home to newborns, as the wildebeest calving season occurs in November.

Kasanka National Park

In December, you can still see the millions of roosting bats in the forest in Kasanka National Park. Besides going on a bat migration safari here, birdwatchers will adore the abundance of birds to spot at this time of the year – there are over 470 birds in this park, making for an extraordinary birding adventure.

Activities to Do in Zambia in December

• Game drives
• Birdwatching safaris
• Migration safaris
• Whitewater rafting