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
Average Weather in September
| Temperature | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 13℃ | 55℉ | 0.05 inches |
| Max | 30℃ | 86℉ | 0.4 inches |
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