Best Time to Visit
Zambia
A wide expanse of plateau broken by scattered mountains and valleys, Zambia is drained by the Zambezi River in the west and south. Of Zambia’s 17 waterfalls the magnificent Victoria Falls are without doubt the most famous and form part of the border with Zimbabwe. Beyond game drives, Zambia is celebrated for pioneering the walking safari, and its guides are some of the most skilled in Africa. They will teach you animal tracking techniques, bird identification by call, and reveal the intricate world of insects during your bush walks.
Zambia's month-by-month visit guide
Visiting in January
January marks the wet season, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The landscape is lush and vibrant, making it a great time for bird watching and lush scenery.In Zambia, January brings the peak of the wet season, characterized by heavy showers and high humidity. Despite the lush green landscape, thick vegetation poses challenges for spotting animals. Limited game-viewing opportunities exist due to some inaccessible areas, while closed camps and flooded roads are common. The month offers intimate safari experiences with fewer travelers and lower rates. Amid frequent afternoon thunderstorms, January showcases vibrant scenery, ideal for bird-watching.
Visiting in February
February in Zambia offers a mixed experience. While the peak rainy season persists, resulting in widespread rain, it’s an excellent time for birdwatching with migrant species abound. The heavy rainfall creates dense bush, shifting the focus from game drives to boating and walking safaris. Camps, if open, provide exceptional value for money, and parks remain tranquil. Despite the hot and humid weather fostering bugs and mosquitoes, this period, akin to January, boasts sporadic thunderstorms, transforming landscapes into vibrant greens, offering a unique charm for bird enthusiasts.
Visiting in March
March offers a mixed experience in Zambia. It marks the end of the rainy season, resulting in lush landscapes and a majestic Victoria Falls. Many safari properties remain closed due to flooded roads. Despite limited availability, open camps offer low rates and a prime time for birdwatching. Calving season brings numerous newborn animals. While navigating roads can be challenging, March provides an excellent opportunity to witness Zambia’s vibrant birdlife and lush beauty.
Visiting in April
April in Zambia marks the onset of the shoulder season, blending the end of the wet season and the beginning of the dry season. Despite occasional showers, wildlife becomes more visible amidst lush landscapes. Safari areas, like Kafue and the Luangwa parks, start reopening, offering quieter experiences. Young herbivores against the vibrant backdrop make for captivating photography. Although rains diminish, the lush scenery persists, enhancing wildlife sightings near water sources during this transitional period.
Visiting in May
May is an ideal month to explore Zambia with its serene ambiance. Characterized by fewer park visitors, it offers a tranquil safari experience amid lush greenery. The reduced mosquito presence enhances comfort. Despite being a quieter period, accommodations are readily available at reasonable prices. However, wildlife visibility might be challenging due to high grass growth. As temperatures decrease, packing warm layers is advisable. While walking safaris are limited due to muddy conditions, May marks the end of the rainy season, providing clear skies for exceptional photography and game viewing.
Visiting in June
June is an optimal month for a cost-effective visit to Zambia. This marks the commencement of walking safari season with moderate to low water levels at Victoria Falls. Although nights can be chilly during game drives, the wildlife becomes more visible as the bush dries out. Victoria Falls is particularly splendid at this time, with reduced spray for unobstructed views. Many camps offer reasonable rates, and Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro present enticing special offers. As the dry season unfolds, wildlife congregates around water sources, providing superb safari conditions with sunny days and cool nights.
Visiting in July
July is the optimal month for a visit to Zambia, offering ideal conditions for safari and exploring Victoria Falls. The onset of the bustling tourist season means increased activity in parks and accommodations, emphasizing the importance of early bookings. South Luangwa National Park boasts prime game-viewing, especially during walking safaris with pleasant temperatures. River cruises and fishing thrive in the Lower Zambezi, while the lowered water levels at Victoria Falls permit activities like white-water rafting and visits to Devil’s Pool. Enjoy the peak of the dry season, ensuring exceptional wildlife viewing around waterholes, albeit with chilly mornings and evenings.
Visiting in August
August is the optimal time to explore Zambia, marked by the peak of the dry season. Ideal for game-viewing safaris, this month guarantees minimal rainfall, making it perfect for walking safaris. However, high demand may pose challenges in securing accommodations, and prices tend to be higher. Victoria Falls becomes more accessible, particularly Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool. The month boasts abundant big cat predator activity, excellent game viewing in national parks, and improved wildlife visibility due to reduced vegetation. With dry, sunny days and pleasant evenings, August promises outstanding game-viewing opportunities.
Visiting in September
September is the optimal month for a Zambia visit, offering exceptional wildlife viewing with big cats, significant game, and carmine bee-eaters along riverbanks. Despite being peak season, there’s limited property availability and elevated prices. Popular yet potentially crowded, the rising temperatures make walking safaris challenging. Ideal for witnessing large hippo herds in South Luangwa National Park, the dry weather and increasing temperatures create an excellent setting for safari adventures, as animals congregate at waterholes.
Visiting in October
October is Zambia’s prime time for a visit. It marks the hottest month, enhancing game-viewing around waterholes as water sources diminish. To beat the midday heat, game drives and walking safaris are best undertaken in the early morning or evening. This month is ideal for thrilling activities like white water rafting on the Zambezi and Devil’s Pool dips due to low water levels. While Victoria Falls on the Zambian side might have minimal water flow, venturing to the Zimbabwe side offers river activities. Towards month-end, some camps lower rates, providing added value. Increasing temperatures make October excellent for game viewing as the bush thins out, amplifying wildlife sightings.
Visiting in November
In November, Zambia experiences a transition from the dry to the rainy season, marked by unpredictable weather. Rainfall typically begins in the second half of the month, manifesting as brief, light showers in the late afternoon or early evening. This period sees a decrease in walking safaris, with some camps closing mid-month. Despite sporadic thunderstorms, the month offers a unique experience for bird enthusiasts with the return of migratory species. Few tourists visit during this time, resulting in quieter parks. Travelers can still access the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls with low water levels.
Visiting in December
December in Zambia marks the onset of the rainy season, transforming the landscape with lush greenery. It’s a prime time for birdwatching as migratory species abound, and herbivores welcome calving season. Despite some lodge closures, those remaining open offer excellent availability at comparatively lower prices. The high temperatures and humidity characterize the season, making it a unique experience with abundant natural beauty.
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Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team. More about Rachel
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or call +1-250-588-9112
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Brad Wierman
Brad Wierman
Hello there, I'm Brad, and my safari odyssey began with my first expedition to Kenya in 1984. Since then, I've had the privilege of guiding and exploring various African destinations, from Tanzania to Ethiopia, Rwanda to Zambia, and beyond. Yet, after 34 years, East Africa still captivates me like no other. My most recent adventure here was in June 2018. As an Environmental Conservation major in college, I found my perfect match in Gamewatchers and Porini Camps, whose groundbreaking conservation efforts in Kenya are unparalleled. The moment you witness an elephant in the wild for the first time, you're irrevocably hooked, just as I was. Whether you're embarking on your inaugural safari or your tenth, I'm here to curate the ideal experience tailored to your expertise level, accommodation preferences, and budget.
I'm based in Bend, Oregon, and you can reach me at brad@gamewatchers.com or by calling +1 224-558-1887. Let's make your safari dreams come true!
