Best Time to Visit Zambia

Summer: September–May
Winter: June–August

 

Zambia’s location on a plateau gives it a moderate to tropical climate, with three distinct seasons: cool and dry (May to August), hot and dry (September to October), and warm and wet (November to April). Average temperatures range from 23°C in winter to 35°C in summer, when humidity can be high. In the Zambezi and Luangwa river valleys, October brings intense heat. During the winter months, particularly in Livingstone, evenings and early mornings can be very cold, occasionally dropping to freezing.

South Luangwa National Park is a remote and wild destination offering a superb safari experience. It boasts diverse habitats, numerous animals, rare species, and magnificent lodges. With over 1000 mammal species, 420 bird species, and various reptiles, insects, amphibians, and plants, South Luangwa provides a traditional African adventure in one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries.

 

The Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia is relatively undeveloped, showcasing its natural wilderness. Visitors can get close to wildlife along the Zambezi channels. The park, opposite Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe, forms a large wildlife sanctuary on both sides of the river. The river's edge has a thick riverine fringe with diasporus, ficus, and other species. Inland, there's a floodplain with mopane forest and winterthorn trees. Hills with broadleaf woodland form the park's backdrop. Covering 4092 square kilometers, most game is found on the valley floor. The northern escarpment acts as a barrier for many animal species. Large herds of elephants, sometimes 100 strong, are common at the river's edge.

 

Livingstone - Victoria Falls
Livingstone, also called Maramba, is a historic city and the Southern Province capital of Zambia. It is a tourism hub for Victoria Falls, located 10 km north of the Zambezi River and bordering Zimbabwe with road and rail links. Victoria Falls, known locally as 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' or 'the Smoke that Thunders,' is the largest curtain of falling water in the world, offering breathtaking views. Opposite the Falls is a basalt wall with a mist-soaked rainforest. A path along the forest edge provides unique views of the Falls. The Knife Edge Bridge offers the best views of the Eastern Cataract, Main Falls, and the Boiling Pot. Other great vantage points include the Falls Bridge and the Lookout Tree for panoramic views of the Main Fall

 

Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park, Zambia's largest park, boasts diverse environments on an undulating plateau with rivers. Unlike the more popular South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi, Kafue offers unique safari experiences. It possibly holds the greatest wildlife diversity of any African park. Recently, safari camps and lodges have grown, attracting more visitors and investment. This has led to increased wildlife protection by Zambian authorities.