When to Visit

We are often asked when is the best time to visit South Luangwa. The truth is, every season offers something special.In the dry season, animals leave the hot bush and gather along the Luangwa River, making it easier to see large herds.

In the emerald season (rainy season), the park comes alive with lush greenery and full lagoons. Migratory birds arrive, many animals give birth, and wild dogs can often be seen. With fewer visitors, it is also called the “secret season.”

PEAK RAINS

rain with prolonged periods of sunshine most days with temperatures around 30°C/86°F
abundance of grasses grow into a thick forest and the park is alive with the sounds of life. This is the bush at its most prolific
predators such as hyaenas and leopards are still found throughout the rains. In fact, with long, wet grass all over the place, they often can be seen using the roads
this is the low tourist season where you can escape the crowds and find unparalleled experiences on the road less travelled
best time of year to see endangered wild dogs
birdwatching is at its peak as many birds nest at this time and put their mating dances on display
river will reach its highest point for the year, and elephants take the opportunity to swim in the river

COOL DRY

rains move away from Zambia and the maximum temperature is 30°C/86°F dropping dramatically at sunset
as the green wonderland turns into a golden sea this seasons offers a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography
light begins to change and offer spectacular African sunsets
predators such as leopards and lions are often hunting later into the day than in the hotter months offering more opportunities for viewing
safari days are longer extending late into the morning and the early afternoon allowing nice photographs from 3pm onwards
river level begin to drop and reveal large sandbanks and along the river myriad waterbirds, including Goliath heron and Saddle-billed storks, catch fish in the diminishing flow

HOT DRY

increasingly hot and sunny days (from mid-30°C/86°F in August to mid-40°C/104°F by late October) with very little humidity
peak tourist season
the thick bush dries out and thins making wildlife sightings fantastic at this time of year
animals will gather around the river in high concentrations and close proximity making it an opportune time to spot the more elusive species on your list
large quantities of dust blown into the atmosphere filter the bright sunlight and give stunning soft lighting in the morning and evening
small buffalo herds throng together forming super-herds in numbers of over 500

EARLY RAINS

rain begins and humidity increases with temperatures around 40°C/104°F
grasses begin to grow like a well-maintained lawn giving the benefits both of visibility and a beautiful environment
thunderheads build up every afternoon, the opportunities for photography against the steel-blue skies should not be missed
many animal babies are born during this season
the Wild Mango trees' fruit ripens bringing elephants, monkeys, baboons, parrots, louries, barbets, pigeons and many more species to enjoy the rich crop
expect plenty of activity, especially as hungry elephants with new-born calves wade in to take their shares

WHEN TO VISIT

PEAK RAINS

rain with prolonged periods of sunshine most days with temperatures around 30°C/86°F

abundance of grasses grow into a thick forest and the park is alive with the sounds of life. This is the bush at its most prolific

predators such as hyaenas and leopards are still found throughout the rains. In fact, with long, wet grass all over the place, they often can be seen using the roads

this is the low tourist season where you can escape the crowds and find unparalleled experiences on the road less travelled

best time of year to see endangered wild dogs

birdwatching is at its peak as many birds nest at this time and put their mating dances on display

river will reach its highest point for the year, and elephants take the opportunity to swim in the river

COOL DRY

rains move away from Zambia and the maximum temperature is 30°C/86°F dropping dramatically at sunset

as the green wonderland turns into a golden sea this seasons offers a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography

light begins to change and offer spectacular African sunsets

predators such as leopards and lions are often hunting later into the day than in the hotter months offering more opportunities for viewing

safari days are longer extending late into the morning and the early afternoon allowing nice photographs from 3pm onwards

river level begin to drop and reveal large sandbanks and along the river myriad waterbirds, including Goliath heron and Saddle-billed storks, catch fish in the diminishing flow

HOT DRY

increasingly hot and sunny days (from mid-30°C/86°F in August to mid-40°C/104°F by late October) with very little humidity

peak tourist season

the thick bush dries out and thins making wildlife sightings fantastic at this time of year

animals will gather around the river in high concentrations and close proximity making it an opportune time to spot the more elusive species on your list

large quantities of dust blown into the atmosphere filter the bright sunlight and give stunning soft lighting in the morning and evening

small buffalo herds throng together forming super-herds in numbers of over 500

EARLY RAINS

rain begins and humidity increases with temperatures around 40°C/104°F

grasses begin to grow like a well-maintained lawn giving the benefits both of visibility and a beautiful environment

thunderheads build up every afternoon, the opportunities for photography against the steel-blue skies should not be missed

many animal babies are born during this season

the Wild Mango trees' fruit ripens bringing elephants, monkeys, baboons, parrots, louries, barbets, pigeons and many more species to enjoy the rich crop

expect plenty of activity, especially as hungry elephants with new-born calves wade in to take their shares

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