Zambia Safaris

Although February is a wet season, that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do or see.

The rainy season gives way to the calving season, which means you can see newborn animals and other big-game animals, such as elephants.

This month, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is still one of the best places to go on a safari at this time of year, and Victoria Falls is considered best seen between January and February since the waterfall is at its most dramatic.

Indulge in a birding safari and capture some unique species of birds as migratory birds are present, and this means you get to see abundant birds in the park.

Since the scenery is lush and green, it is the best time to go on a photographic safari and capture exceptional images!

Weather in February

February mirrors January in terms of weather. Expect hot conditions during showers of rain.

The scenery is lush and green, often serving as a gateway for fantastic photography.

Although the rains are prominent, temperatures reach at least 27 degrees this month.

Highlight Park to Visit

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 rainbow often appears at the location to signal that the rain has passed.

Here, you get to see fascinating wildlife, and although it’s not a Big Five, there are animals worth seeing.

During the wet season, a unique bird population is present. Migratory birds often appear from other places, while others migrate within Africa.

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

Activities to do in February

• Spa treatments
• Yoga treatments
• Walking safari
• Game drives
• Photographic safari

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

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

Visit Kafue National Park this month. Although it is in the wet season, there are always things to do.

Yoga classes and spa treatments can be activities to fill some of the time on your holiday.

Regarding birding, there are plenty of birds to see here, including the African finfoot, African fish eagle, rosy-throated longclaw, schalow’s turaco, and wattled crane.

Weather in March

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

Great moments can be captured in the wet season since migratory birds are common in the park.

The temperatures slightly increased this month, with a high of at least 28 degrees Celsius.

Highlight Park to Visit

Kafue National Park

May is generally exceptional for birding as migratory birds are present at this time of year.

Lots of newborn animals can be seen this month.

The scenery is often fresh and green, and with thicker vegetation, it is 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.

Activities to do in March

• Photographic safari
• Birding
• Yoga classes
• Spa treatments

April marks the last month of rain, and wildlife viewing slowly improves from this month onward.

Birding remains an excellent activity to do this time around, as migratory birds are still present.

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

Kasanka National Park is a good place to visit this month. It isn’t a Big Five destination and only has elephants and buffaloes. Hippos are also notable, but they are most common in the park.

Zebras, leopards, and hyenas also occur here but are extremely rare. If you do, make sure to see your trip highlights!

As birding is a great activity this time, some birds you can expect to see here are Bohm’s bee-eater, crowned eagle, Pel’s fishing owl, Ross’s turaco and the spur-winged goose.

Weather in April

April is the last of the rains before the dry season begins.

Although rain is still present, the density thereof starts to decrease.

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

Highlight Park to Visit

Kasanka National Park

The wet season is still common here but this doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do.

With migratory birds present, you get to take advantage of the fantastic photographic opportunities.

Kasanka National Park offers a variety of habitats, including a great mosaic of grassland, miombo woodland, evergreen thickets, and Rivers decorated by forests.

Activities to do in April

• Birding
• Game drives
• Photographic safari
• Spa treatments
• Yoga classes

May marks the start of the dry season and an excellent time for game viewing.

As the rain decreases, vegetation begins to dry out and watering holes dry up, making animals far easier to find while on game drives.

Weather in May

There is often little to no chance of rain in May, and wildlife viewing improves significantly.

The sun is out, and game drives are much better.

Morning game drives are pretty chilly, so remember to dress warm.

Highlight Park to Visit

Kasanka National Park

May is an exciting time to visit Kasanka National Park.

The landscape is drier, which means wildlife is more prominent. Although the park houses a small number of animals, it still provides a great safari experience.

See animals like otters, crocodiles, and the sitatunga with the addition of kind baboons and puku.

Activities to do in May

• Game drives
• Birding
• Spa treatments
• Yoga classes

This month, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is a fantastic place to visit. Here, you get to see one of Africa’s biggest attractions, which is Victoria Falls.

There are many activities to do at this time of year, which include canoe safaris, walking safaris, and photographic safaris.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park currently houses four Big Five, namely the white rhino, buffalo, and elephant.

Other animals you can expect to see are giraffes, hippos, zebra, and wildebeests.

While the park may lack traditional predators, it teems with fascinating wildlife. Here, you can spot graceful antelope species, including the elegant common waterbuck, agile impala, and charming bushbuck.

Each animal adds a unique charm to the landscape, making it a vibrant haven for nature enthusiasts.

Weather in June

Very little rain is expected at this time of year.

Game drives are excellent as waterholes have dried out, and animals search for water.

The atmosphere tends to be hazy during this time of year, which may limit photography opportunities.

Highlight Park to Visit

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

The dry season often means fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Here, you can see rhinos on foot as well as the three Big Five: elephants, buffaloes, and white rhinos.

Other notable animals to see here are giraffes, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, and, on rare occasions, hyenas.

Activities to do in June

• Game drives
• Birding
• Walking safari
• Spa treatments
• Yoga classes

Lower Zambezi National Park is an exciting park to visit at this time of year.

Four of the Big Five call this park their home, with the rhino being absent.

Here, you get to see Nile crocodiles and elephants on the Zambezi River.

In July, you can go on a canoe safari, a walking safari, and a photographic safari, in addition to having spa treatments and taking yoga classes.

The chances of seeing lions and leopards here are highly likely if you’re keen on seeing predator species. On the other hand, wild dogs and hyenas occur occasionally in the park, so it may be a little harder to spot them.

Weather in July

The weather is best in July, and the dry season is at its peak.

Victoria Falls is an excellent location around this time of year, and wildlife is easier to see.

There is generally no rain by this time of year, and it is usually sunny. Opportunities for photography aren’t viable this month since the environment gets dusty and hazy.

Highlight Park to Visit

Lower Zambezi National Park

Four Big Five are present here.

This park is excellent for walking safaris and seeing animals up close.

The bush is dry, and it is not an ideal time for a photographic safari since the environment tends to get hazy.

Activities to do in July

• Game drives
• Birding
• Yoga classes
• Spa treatments
• Canoe safaris

If you’re keen on seeing the Big Five, North Luangwa National Park houses all of them!

Although animals are a bit skittish here compared to other parks, there is still the opportunity to get quality sightings on a walking safari.

Vegetation is thinner this time of year, making wildlife easier to spot.

The park presents exciting opportunities to see big herds of buffalo roaming the plains and the possibility of seeing wild dogs. Unfortunately, though, giraffes aren’t common here.

North Luangwa National Park is typically impossible to visit in the wet season, so this month marks one of the best times to experience a fantastic safari.

Weather in August

By this time of year, rain has been non-existent for three months. Parks are relatively dry, and wildlife viewing is excellent.

Game drives can be chilly in the morning, so you should dress warm on a safari at this time of day.

As the day progresses, the weather is generally sunny and pleasant for outdoor activities.

Highlight Park to Visit

North Luangwa National Park

All of the Big Five occur here, although leopards are rare and lions occur occasionally.

Prepare for a productive safari as you see elephants, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, black rhinos, hyenas, and occasionally, wild dogs.

Elephants tend to be skittish here, so spotting them may take some time, but they are common nonetheless.

Activities to do in August

• Birding
• Game drives
• Yoga classes
• Spa treatments

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

This month, South Luangwa National Park is a fantastic place to visit since the park houses four Big Five. Although the rhino is absent, the rest of the Big Five are easily spotted.

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

Expect to experience birding, walking, and migration safaris while you’re here.

Weather in September

Temperatures tend to reach 30 degrees Celsius by September, and your safari experience will be highly productive.

There is no rain in sight, and days are generally sunny.

Highlight Park to Visit

South Luangwa National Park

One of Zambia’s most popular parks, South Luangwa National Park, houses four Big Five.

Walking safaris are fascinating here as you see big game life and other notable animals.

Photographic safaris aren’t very common here at this time of year, but game drives are productive.

See buffaloes kick up dust or watch elephants bathe or drink water in the river!

Activities to do in September

• Game drives
• Birding
• Walking safaris
• Spa treatments
• Yoga classes

October is one of the best wildlife-viewing months.

As the plains become drier, opportunities for photographic safaris diminish due to the hazy environment.

However, this isn’t all bad, as an eventful and exciting safari awaits. Birding, walking, and game drives.

An interesting park to visit this month is Liuwa Plain National Park. Although not a Big Five destination, the park showcases an environment other parks don’t.

During the dry season, the park is covered in wildflowers, which can be a fantastic photographic opportunity to capture wildlife among the flowers.

You can expect to see lions, zebras, wildebeests, and hyenas here. Wild dogs are also common, but they are rare.

Weather in October

The dry season peaks in October, and wildlife viewing remains excellent.

Photography is tricky this time of year as the environment gets hazy. The grassland is parched, but game drive experiences are excellent.

Your days will generally be sunny with very little chance of rain.

Highlight Park to Visit

Liuwa Plain National Park

Liuwa Plain National Park is unlike many other parks.

Driving conditions are excellent at this time of year, and resident wildlife is roaming around the park.

Prepare to see buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, hyenas, as well as cheetahs and wild dogs, although its a little more challenging to see them.

Activities to do in October

• Game drives
• Spa treatments
• Birding
• Yoga classes

This is an excellent month for wildlife viewing.

If you’re excited to check off some Big Five from your list, Kafue National Park houses four of them, with the rhino absent.

Other notable animals here include different species of antelope, which can be seen up close on a walking or canoe safari, generally called a mokoro safari. The park has a significant population of antelopes, so expect to see them roaming all around it.

The skies can get hazy this time of year, making it unsuitable for a photographic safari.

One of the only things to note here is that elephants tend to be shy, so it may be challenging to see them.

Weather in November

The wet season occurs in November and birding becomes a prime activity at this time of year.

Temperatures are still pretty high so although it rains, it actually serves as a cool of period.

Highlight Park to Visit

Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park is one of the largest parks in Africa.

Animals you can expect to see here are elephants, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, and cheetahs, although it’s a lot rare to see them.

November is still a great time to visit since animals can be seen here in small concentrations.

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

Activities to do in November

• Game drives
• Birding
• Yoga classes
• Spa treatments

Most parks tend to close in December during the wet season, but this is not the case for Kafue National Park.

If you’re interested in seeing the bat migration, December is one of the best times to see them. This month, you get to see up to 12 million fruit bats, which generally start appearing during the first rains.

This time around, mokoro or canoe safaris aren’t available, but birding safaris are at their prime.

Zambia is home to more than 782 species of birds, and some of them include the African fish eagle, Lilian’s lovebird, Schalow’s turaco, Southern carmine bee-eater, and the Southern ground hornbill.

Weather in December

Migratory birds arrive in December, and birding is an excellent activity.

Rain is much more common, but this makes it a perfect time to go on a photographic safari, take yoga classes, or receive spa treatments.

Highlight Park to Visit

Kafue National Park

Although it is a lot more common, temperatures are still pretty high here.

Many more newborn animals can be seen at this time of year, and lush green scenery is present now, which can be incredibly scenic.

Activities to do in December

• Spa treatments
• Game drives
• Yoga classes
• Birding