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When to go

Best time to visit Lower Zambezi

Excellent
Good
Mixed
Best months: June–September · Wet season: January–April, November–December · Dry season: May–October

Lower Zambezi National Park in January

Wet Season — a quieter time to visit

  • Temperatures are hot but comfortable, humidity varies throughout the month and there is a 1 in 2 chance of rain, although it usually falls at night.

  • Wildlife has spread out during this time of plenty, making game viewing a little more challenging.

  • There are many young animals around, providing high excitement amongst the predators.

  • Foliage is dense, green and in bloom drawing in droves of colourful butterflies.

  • Birding is at its peak with migrant species present and in breeding plumage.

  • Few camps are open over the wet season period.

Lower Zambezi National Park in February

Wet Season — a quieter time to visit

  • Temperatures are hot but comfortable, humidity is unpredictable and rain falls regularly but usually at night.

  • Wildlife numbers have dropped, animals are spread over a larger area, enjoying a time of plenty.

  • The recent birthing season has left plenty of young animals for the predators to chase.

  • Foliage is dense, green and in bloom drawing in droves of colourful butterflies.

  • Birding is at its peak with migrant species present and in breeding plumage.

  • Few camps are open over the wet season period.

Lower Zambezi National Park in March

Wet Season — a quieter time to visit

  • Temperatures are hot but comfortable, humidity has dropped and rain is falling only a couple of afternoons a week.

  • Wildlife has spread out during this time of plenty, making game viewing a little more challenging.

  • The birthing season is now over, although the large number of young antelope causes a stir amongst the predators.

  • Foliage is dense, green and in bloom drawing in droves of colourful butterflies.

  • High quality birding is still to be enjoyed with the foreign migrants still present.

  • Few camps are open over the wet season period.

Lower Zambezi National Park in April

Wet Season — a good time to visit

  • Temperatures are high but comfortable, with little to no humidity, cloudy skies and rain is still a possibility.

  • The wet season is coming to an end, with wildlife still spread out and enjoying the numerous water sources.

  • The vegetation is lush and green with wildlife in its peak condition.

  • Birds migrate during this month, leaving the dry season behind them.

  • Few camps are open over the wet season period.

Lower Zambezi National Park in May

Dry Season — a good time to visit

  • Day temperatures begin to cool with the onset of the dry season, rain is unlikely.

  • The wet season has come to an end, animals begin the localised migration back to the last trusted water source, the Zambezi River.

  • A great month for photography, with high sunshine hours, pristine wildlife and vegetation lush and green.

  • A great month to visit the Lower Zambezi with ideal condition and an intimate safari.

  • There is the potential for cold mornings, so have some warm clothing at the ready, just in case.

Lower Zambezi National Park in June

Dry Season — one of the best times to visit

  • Day temperatures are warm and comfortable with little to no chance of rain, potential for morning frosts.

  • Animals begin to congregate in dense numbers along the Zambezi River in late June, ushering in the peak game viewing period.

  • Many plant species begin a seasonal hibernation, improving your chances of spotting wildlife.

  • A great month for photography, with good hours of light and wildlife in pristine condition.

  • The ideal time of year for canoe safari, with moderate weather and game starting to congregate along the river.

  • Be sure to pack a warm winter jacket for the chill of early morning game drive.

Lower Zambezi National Park in July

Dry Season — one of the best times to visit

  • Day temperatures are warm and comfortable with little to no chance of rain, potential for morning frosts.

  • The trees loose their leaves and the Zambezi River becomes the last reliable water source drawing animals in from a large area, especially massive herds of buffalo.

  • This is peak game viewing season, with long hours of sunshine and good air clarity.

  • A great month for photography, with good hours of light and wildlife in pristine condition.

  • The ideal time of year for canoe safari, with moderate weather and game starting to congregate along the river.

  • Be sure to pack a warm winter jacket for the chill of early morning game drive.

Lower Zambezi National Park in August

Dry Season — one of the best times to visit

  • Day temperatures begin to heat up but are still comfortable with little to no chance of rain.

  • The trees have lost their leaves and waterholes are dry, leaving the Zambezi River as the last water source drawing animals in from far and wide.

  • This is peak game viewing season, with long hours of sunshine and good air clarity.

  • The flame creeper is in bloom, bringing life to the acacia canopy.

  • The tiger fishing season kicks off although fish can be a little sluggish.

  • Be sure to pack a warm winter jacket for the chill of early morning game drive.

Lower Zambezi National Park in September

Dry Season — one of the best times to visit

  • Temperatures are high with relative humidity, there is little chance of rain.

  • The trees have lost their leaves and waterholes are dry, leaving the Zambezi River as the last water source drawing animals in from far and wide.

  • This is peak game viewing season, with long hours of sunshine and good air clarity.

  • The Carmine bee eaters start nesting in the river banks, providing a wonderful splash of colour.

  • Tiger fishing is a highlight, keeping even the most experienced angler on the edge of their seat.

  • There is the potential for cold mornings, so have some warm clothing at the ready, just in case.

Lower Zambezi National Park in October

Dry Season — a good time to visit

  • Temperatures are at their hottest, with humidity reaching an all year high before the fall of the first rains, usually towards the end of the month.

  • The warthogs giving birth leading to high predator activities and exceptional game viewing until the rains break towards the end of the month.

  • If you don't mind the heat, a great time to visit with tourist numbers dropping and often interesting sightings.

  • For all those birders, the Carmine bee eaters are nesting and best viewed at this time.

  • Tiger fishing reaches its peak, providing endless hours of angling excitement.

Lower Zambezi National Park in November

Wet Season — a quieter time to visit

  • Temperatures are hot and humid for the first half of November, becoming less intense with the increase of rain throughout the month.

  • The impala give birth, providing high excitement amongst the predators, however wildlife densities drop as water sources are replenished elsewhere.

  • Vegetation and trees begin to bud with the canopies playing home to the returning migrant bird species.

  • Tiger fishing remains good until the true rains arrive towards the end of the month.

  • Many of the camps close from mid November for the emerald season.

Lower Zambezi National Park in December

Wet Season — a quieter time to visit

  • Temperatures are hot with unpredictable humidity levels and high evening rainfall is to be expected.

  • Grasses begin to lengthen, foliage thickens and animals are a little more spread out, making game viewing tricky at times.

  • This is prime birding season, with migrants present and in breeding plumage.

  • Insect numbers increase with the rain, so have that repellent at the ready.

  • Few camps are open over the wet season period.

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