ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF

What are you looking for?

ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Zambia in December

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

View Photos

Zambia in December

Team Member Headshot

By Diane Du Plessis

Safari Travel Planner

Safari Enquiry

December is the start of Zambia’s rainy season – generally cooler than the previous few months, but nevertheless still hot and humid. Expect daytime averages of roughly 30°C and nights down to only around 20°C. Rainstorms can be fierce, with heavy downpours rapidly turning the dirt roads to mud. Camps and lodges without fly-in access close completely and many close anyway due to flooding. Few safari operators continue through the wet season, but those that do stay open usually offer lower rates. It can still be a rewarding time to visit, especially for bird lovers, as the migrant species return in full force and the breeding season begins in earnest across the dambos and swamps.

Lake Bangweulu is a haven for birdlife, credit: Wikipedia

Besides the excellent birdlife, December is a great month for grazers and their new-borns. The resurgent grasses provide much needed sustenance and the rapidly greening plains are covered with antelope. Elephant and buffalo, however, are harder to see as they disperse from the rivers into the scrubland and forest.

There’s a ban on all river fishing in Zambia from December to March, but this doesn’t apply on Lake Tanganyika or Lake Kariba where you can fish year-round. It can be a spectacular time to rent a houseboat on Lake Kariba – the still lake waters reflecting towering thunderheads while lighting flashes and the hippos grumble and moan.

In Victoria Falls, December is still great for white-water rafting as the water levels are low enough to run the full rapids from below the falls. The falls themselves, however, are at their lowest flow, and there may be no water at all on the Zambian side. Guided tours to Livingstone Island and the Devil’s Pool are open in December, but make sure you plan a trip across to Zimbabwe where there’s always some water cascading into the gorge.

How it Works

2

Contact us or fill out an enquiry form and one of our travel experts will help you tailor make your perfect safari

3

Enjoy an authentic African experience, with peace of mind

Travel with Confidence

With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you choose the perfect African safari for your adventure.
24/7 Support
Flexible
Authentic
Personalized

Why travel with us?

Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their Africa trips with Discover Africa Safaris
Our tour consultant Susan was fabulous - put together a great itinerary...

13 Day Victoria Falls & Botswana Safari Review

Peggy, United States
24 Aug 2023
Susan read our minds and gave us the best trip!!

8 Day Victoria Falls Holiday Review

Kelsey, United States
19 Jul 2023
A trip for enjoyment and experiencing Africa!

Leroo La Tau Review

YT, Hong Kong SAR China
29 Feb 2020
Excellent!

Sabi and Botswana Safari Review

Aly, United States
04 Jun 2017
Dream safari honeymoon!

Honeymoon Safari in Africa Review

Warwick, South Africa
09 Jun 2015
Creators of a dream holiday with adventure, mts, activities & unique wildlife...

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Review

Saldrix, South Africa
28 May 2015

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Alice Lombard, Destination Expert

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

HELP ME PLAN
Copyright © Discover Africa Safaris | Zambia in December | Last Updated: 29 September 2023