Zambia in August

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

Game drive in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia | Photo credit: Tena Tena

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.

Average Weather in August

Temperature	Celsius	Fahrenheit	Rainfall
Min	9℃	48℉	0 inches
Max	27℃	81℉	0.01 inches

Scroll >

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.