A Year in Zambia: Your Guide to the Best Time to Visit
Introduction
Exploring Zambia is an extraordinary adventure, offering unforgettable experiences throughout the year. The ideal time for your visit depends on the season, and we’re here to simplify your decision with a month-by-month guide. Rest assured, Zambia’s breathtaking wilderness and remarkable wildlife await you year-round.
JANUARY
January is not the best time for a land safari in Zambia, as it marks the peak of the summer rainy season. Widespread closures and challenging travel conditions prevail. However, you can seize the opportunity to enjoy a boat safari in the South Luangwa National Park. The high waters of the Luangwa River make it possible to explore the woodland groves, enhancing the experience. The rainfall also amplifies the grandeur of Victoria Falls, creating incredible photographic opportunities.
While wildlife sightings are more challenging, January is a heartwarming time to witness baby animals discovering the world, as many mammals give birth from December to March. Birdwatching is fantastic, although it may attract some bothersome insects.
FEBRUARY
February continues the rainy season, known as the “Emerald Season,” making road travel difficult due to frequent storms and washouts. Similar to January, this month offers a great chance to enjoy boat safaris in South Luangwa National Park. While herbivorous animals are abundant, predators are less visible during this time.
MARCH
March brings relief from the wet season, with fewer storms but still high water levels. Road exploration remains challenging, limiting access to parks. However, boat safaris are excellent, especially for photography enthusiasts capturing the captivating skies. Birdlife becomes even more fascinating as birds prepare for their annual winter migration.
Visiting Victoria Falls in March offers a unique experience as the high water levels create a dramatic spectacle. White-water rafting and swimming in Devil’s Pool are not recommended due to safety concerns, but helicopter rides offer breathtaking views.
APRIL
While not the prime season for game viewing, April’s drier, cooler, and clearer weather makes it an excellent time to visit. Lush green vegetation persists without heavy rains, but some flooding may affect park access. Predators remain elusive, but birdwatching opportunities abound.
April also hosts the Kuomboka ceremony in the Western Province, a cultural celebration where the Lozi people move from the Zambezi floodplain to higher ground. It’s a vibrant event with music, dance, and colorful festivities. Visitors are welcome but should respect local customs.
Visiting Victoria Falls in April requires rain gear due to increased water flow. White-water rafting is possible, but Devil’s Pool remains closed.
MAY
May in Zambia is captivating as the rains recede, revealing the country’s stunning landscapes. Southern parks, camps, and lodges reopen, with improved road access as dirt roads dry. Self-drivers can explore with ease in the south, but northern roads may still be impassable.
Although not the prime time for game viewing due to dense vegetation, May offers excellent chances to spot elusive leopards, best observed between May and August. South Luangwa National Park is particularly rewarding.
JUNE
June marks the beginning of Zambia’s prime safari season, with pleasant weather. It’s an ideal time for walking safaris, particularly in Luangwa Valley, known for experienced guides and incredible wildlife. The Bangweulu Wetlands are worth a visit, offering glimpses of the rare shoebill bird.
Elsewhere, the Busanga Plains start drying out, providing ample opportunities to see elephants, buffalo, leopards, and lions. While Victoria Falls still offers white-water rafting, Devil’s Pool remains closed, but guided walks to Livingstone Island are typically available by the end of the month.
JULY
July is peak safari season in Zambia. Thinning vegetation enhances game viewing, although it’s also the coldest month, so packing warm clothing is advisable. Dry conditions make travel easy, whether by flying in or self-driving.
For a dose of local culture, consider attending the annual Mutomboko Ceremony, a two-day music and dance extravaganza hosted by the Lunda people. Victoria Falls offers awe-inspiring views with reduced spray, making it an excellent time for white-water rafting. Devil’s Pool access is on the horizon, typically reopening in August.
AUGUST
Peak safari season continues in August, offering spectacular wildlife encounters. Cool, dry weather and clear visibility create ideal conditions for observing animals in their natural habitats. South Luangwa National Park remains a great destination, especially for leopard enthusiasts and walking safaris.
August is also a fantastic time for fishing, and cultural enthusiasts can visit the Likumbi Lya Mize Ceremony near Zambezi, a vibrant celebration of young boys’ passage to manhood.
Victoria Falls boasts a strong water flow, making it an excellent time for white-water rafting. Devil’s Pool reopens in August, offering guided tours and the opportunity to swim right up to the edge.
SEPTEMBER
September brings intense heat, pressuring animals as water sources become scarce. Wildlife congregates near the remaining water, offering excellent viewing opportunities. Lions are frequently seen, and wildebeest herds are common.
Despite the heat, walking tours are still enjoyable, with vibrant colors and abundant wildlife to observe. September remains an exciting time at Victoria Falls, with white-water rafting and visits to Devil’s Pool.
OCTOBER
October maintains peak safari conditions but can be scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Many animals are thirsty, providing exceptional viewing opportunities, including herbivores, buffalo, elephants, and more. The Liuwa Plains witness the annual wildebeest migration, a remarkable sight at King Lewanika Camp.
Victoria Falls offers a refreshing respite from the heat, with a strong water flow. However, October marks the beginning of crocodile nesting season, making swimming with them inadvisable.
NOVEMBER
November signals the “shoulder” season, with unpredictable weather. Lodges may close as the rainy season approaches, and road conditions deteriorate with rainfall. Flying in is safer than self-driving.
While temperatures remain high, rain can provide relief. Newborn animals arrive, adding to the excitement. The wildebeest migration continues in Liuwa Plain National Park, and Kasanka National Park witnesses the mesmerizing fruit bat migration. Guided tours are recommended to avoid unexpected weather challenges.
Victoria Falls can be less impressive in November, with reduced water flow. However, white-water rafting and guided walks to Devil’s Pool are still available.
DECEMBER
December marks the return of the rainy season, with hot and humid weather and occasional downpours. Many lodges and camps close for the season, and flooding may occur. Safari opportunities are limited, but birdwatching thrives as the rains attract avian species. Additionally, December sees the birth of many mammals, completing the annual cycle.
Victoria Falls remains a destination for white-water rafting, but water levels on the Zambian side may be low. Devil’s Pool visits are possible, and exploring the Zimbabwean side offers the chance to witness another aspect of the Falls in full flow.