Safari in Zambia
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    Safari in Zambia

    Southern Africa
    8 regions
    49 parks

    Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari and offers some of Africa's most immersive bush experiences. South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks are renowned for close wildlife encounters and expert guiding traditions.

    Parks
    49
    Visa
    See details
    Malaria
    High risk

    Zambia Safari Regions Map

    Explore safari areas across Zambia

    Safari Regions

    Zambia Safari Regions

    Explore safari areas in Zambia

    For the ultimate Zambia safari, we recommend visiting during the dry season from May to October. This period offers the best game viewing as wildlife congregates around water sources and the...

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect hot and humid conditions with frequent, heavy afternoon thunderstorms. Roads can become impassable in some areas.

    The landscape is lush and vibrant, ideal for birding with many migratory species present. Calving season begins for many antelope species, attracting predators.

    We love the dramatic skies and the photographic opportunities this time of year, especially for keen birdwatchers.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Still very hot and wet, with heavy rainfall common. Access to some camps might be limited due to road conditions.

    Birding is at its absolute peak with resident and migratory birds in full breeding plumage. Predator sightings can be challenging due to thick vegetation.

    We recommend this month for dedicated bird photographers who don't mind the rain and want to experience the bush in its most verdant state.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Kafue National Park

    March

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though it can still be wet. Temperatures start to cool slightly, but remain warm.

    The vegetation is still dense, but game viewing improves as animals start to congregate around water sources. Birding remains excellent.

    We find the landscape incredibly beautiful and the feeling of having the parks almost to ourselves is unparalleled.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park

    April

    moderate

    Shoulder Season

    Rainfall tapers off significantly, leading to drying roads and clearer skies. Temperatures are pleasant, warm during the day and cooler at night.

    The bush begins to thin out, making game viewing easier. Predators are more visible, and the start of the dry season sees animals seeking out remaining waterholes.

    We think this is a fantastic month to visit as the parks transition to the dry season, offering good game viewing without peak season crowds.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather is typically beautiful with sunny days and cool nights. Roads are in excellent condition.

    The dry season is in full swing, concentrating wildlife around permanent water sources. Predator sightings become more frequent and reliable.

    We love the crisp air and the excellent game viewing that begins in earnest this month, making walking safaris particularly rewarding.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Expect cool to cold mornings and evenings, with warm, sunny days. It is generally dry and pleasant.

    Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to rivers and waterholes. This is a prime time for leopard sightings in South Luangwa.

    We recommend June for its comfortable temperatures and the start of prime game viewing season, especially for those who enjoy cooler mornings.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry conditions prevail, with very little rain. Days are sunny and warm, while nights can be quite cold.

    This is peak game viewing season. Animals are concentrated around water, and the vegetation is sparse, offering clear sightings.

    We consider July one of the best months for wildlife viewing, with consistently good sightings across all major parks.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    August

    peak

    Dry Season

    Similar to July, with cool, dry weather. Days are sunny and warm, and nights are cold. Water levels in rivers are low.

    Wildlife viewing remains exceptional. The dry conditions mean animals are highly visible, and predator activity is often high.

    We love August for the sheer abundance of wildlife and the dramatic scenes at waterholes, though it is the busiest month.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    September

    high

    Dry Season

    Still very dry and hot, with temperatures starting to climb. Nights remain cool.

    The dry season continues to concentrate wildlife. This is a great month for spotting predators and seeing large herds.

    We find September offers a fantastic combination of excellent game viewing and slightly fewer crowds than August, with the heat building.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    October

    moderate

    Shoulder Season

    This is the hottest month, with very dry conditions. The first rains may start towards the end of the month, bringing relief.

    Wildlife is still concentrated around permanent water, but the heat can make animals seek shade during the day. Birding starts to pick up.

    We recommend October for the dedicated safari enthusiast who can handle the heat, as game viewing remains strong and crowds thin.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Temperatures begin to cool as the first rains arrive, often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. The landscape starts to turn green.

    The rains bring fresh grass, dispersing animals. Birding improves significantly with the arrival of migratory species.

    We enjoy the dramatic weather and the fresh green shoots that signal the end of the dry season and the start of new life.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park

    December

    moderate

    Short Rains

    Hot and humid with regular afternoon showers. Roads can become muddy, but generally remain accessible.

    Calving season begins for many antelope species, leading to increased predator activity. Birding is excellent.

    We love the vibrant green scenery and the excitement of new life in the bush, making it a great time for photographers and birders.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect hot and humid conditions with frequent, heavy afternoon thunderstorms. Roads can become impassable in some areas.

    The landscape is lush and vibrant, ideal for birding with many migratory species present. Calving season begins for many antelope species, attracting predators.

    We love the dramatic skies and the photographic opportunities this time of year, especially for keen birdwatchers.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Still very hot and wet, with heavy rainfall common. Access to some camps might be limited due to road conditions.

    Birding is at its absolute peak with resident and migratory birds in full breeding plumage. Predator sightings can be challenging due to thick vegetation.

    We recommend this month for dedicated bird photographers who don't mind the rain and want to experience the bush in its most verdant state.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Kafue National Park

    March

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though it can still be wet. Temperatures start to cool slightly, but remain warm.

    The vegetation is still dense, but game viewing improves as animals start to congregate around water sources. Birding remains excellent.

    We find the landscape incredibly beautiful and the feeling of having the parks almost to ourselves is unparalleled.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park

    April

    moderate

    Shoulder Season

    Rainfall tapers off significantly, leading to drying roads and clearer skies. Temperatures are pleasant, warm during the day and cooler at night.

    The bush begins to thin out, making game viewing easier. Predators are more visible, and the start of the dry season sees animals seeking out remaining waterholes.

    We think this is a fantastic month to visit as the parks transition to the dry season, offering good game viewing without peak season crowds.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather is typically beautiful with sunny days and cool nights. Roads are in excellent condition.

    The dry season is in full swing, concentrating wildlife around permanent water sources. Predator sightings become more frequent and reliable.

    We love the crisp air and the excellent game viewing that begins in earnest this month, making walking safaris particularly rewarding.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Expect cool to cold mornings and evenings, with warm, sunny days. It is generally dry and pleasant.

    Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to rivers and waterholes. This is a prime time for leopard sightings in South Luangwa.

    We recommend June for its comfortable temperatures and the start of prime game viewing season, especially for those who enjoy cooler mornings.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry conditions prevail, with very little rain. Days are sunny and warm, while nights can be quite cold.

    This is peak game viewing season. Animals are concentrated around water, and the vegetation is sparse, offering clear sightings.

    We consider July one of the best months for wildlife viewing, with consistently good sightings across all major parks.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    August

    peak

    Dry Season

    Similar to July, with cool, dry weather. Days are sunny and warm, and nights are cold. Water levels in rivers are low.

    Wildlife viewing remains exceptional. The dry conditions mean animals are highly visible, and predator activity is often high.

    We love August for the sheer abundance of wildlife and the dramatic scenes at waterholes, though it is the busiest month.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    September

    high

    Dry Season

    Still very dry and hot, with temperatures starting to climb. Nights remain cool.

    The dry season continues to concentrate wildlife. This is a great month for spotting predators and seeing large herds.

    We find September offers a fantastic combination of excellent game viewing and slightly fewer crowds than August, with the heat building.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    October

    moderate

    Shoulder Season

    This is the hottest month, with very dry conditions. The first rains may start towards the end of the month, bringing relief.

    Wildlife is still concentrated around permanent water, but the heat can make animals seek shade during the day. Birding starts to pick up.

    We recommend October for the dedicated safari enthusiast who can handle the heat, as game viewing remains strong and crowds thin.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Temperatures begin to cool as the first rains arrive, often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. The landscape starts to turn green.

    The rains bring fresh grass, dispersing animals. Birding improves significantly with the arrival of migratory species.

    We enjoy the dramatic weather and the fresh green shoots that signal the end of the dry season and the start of new life.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park

    December

    moderate

    Short Rains

    Hot and humid with regular afternoon showers. Roads can become muddy, but generally remain accessible.

    Calving season begins for many antelope species, leading to increased predator activity. Birding is excellent.

    We love the vibrant green scenery and the excitement of new life in the bush, making it a great time for photographers and birders.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect hot and humid conditions with frequent, heavy afternoon thunderstorms. Roads can become impassable in some areas.

    The landscape is lush and vibrant, ideal for birding with many migratory species present. Calving season begins for many antelope species, attracting predators.

    We love the dramatic skies and the photographic opportunities this time of year, especially for keen birdwatchers.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Still very hot and wet, with heavy rainfall common. Access to some camps might be limited due to road conditions.

    Birding is at its absolute peak with resident and migratory birds in full breeding plumage. Predator sightings can be challenging due to thick vegetation.

    We recommend this month for dedicated bird photographers who don't mind the rain and want to experience the bush in its most verdant state.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Kafue National Park

    March

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though it can still be wet. Temperatures start to cool slightly, but remain warm.

    The vegetation is still dense, but game viewing improves as animals start to congregate around water sources. Birding remains excellent.

    We find the landscape incredibly beautiful and the feeling of having the parks almost to ourselves is unparalleled.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park

    April

    moderate

    Shoulder Season

    Rainfall tapers off significantly, leading to drying roads and clearer skies. Temperatures are pleasant, warm during the day and cooler at night.

    The bush begins to thin out, making game viewing easier. Predators are more visible, and the start of the dry season sees animals seeking out remaining waterholes.

    We think this is a fantastic month to visit as the parks transition to the dry season, offering good game viewing without peak season crowds.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather is typically beautiful with sunny days and cool nights. Roads are in excellent condition.

    The dry season is in full swing, concentrating wildlife around permanent water sources. Predator sightings become more frequent and reliable.

    We love the crisp air and the excellent game viewing that begins in earnest this month, making walking safaris particularly rewarding.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Expect cool to cold mornings and evenings, with warm, sunny days. It is generally dry and pleasant.

    Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to rivers and waterholes. This is a prime time for leopard sightings in South Luangwa.

    We recommend June for its comfortable temperatures and the start of prime game viewing season, especially for those who enjoy cooler mornings.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry conditions prevail, with very little rain. Days are sunny and warm, while nights can be quite cold.

    This is peak game viewing season. Animals are concentrated around water, and the vegetation is sparse, offering clear sightings.

    We consider July one of the best months for wildlife viewing, with consistently good sightings across all major parks.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    August

    peak

    Dry Season

    Similar to July, with cool, dry weather. Days are sunny and warm, and nights are cold. Water levels in rivers are low.

    Wildlife viewing remains exceptional. The dry conditions mean animals are highly visible, and predator activity is often high.

    We love August for the sheer abundance of wildlife and the dramatic scenes at waterholes, though it is the busiest month.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    September

    high

    Dry Season

    Still very dry and hot, with temperatures starting to climb. Nights remain cool.

    The dry season continues to concentrate wildlife. This is a great month for spotting predators and seeing large herds.

    We find September offers a fantastic combination of excellent game viewing and slightly fewer crowds than August, with the heat building.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    October

    moderate

    Shoulder Season

    This is the hottest month, with very dry conditions. The first rains may start towards the end of the month, bringing relief.

    Wildlife is still concentrated around permanent water, but the heat can make animals seek shade during the day. Birding starts to pick up.

    We recommend October for the dedicated safari enthusiast who can handle the heat, as game viewing remains strong and crowds thin.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Temperatures begin to cool as the first rains arrive, often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. The landscape starts to turn green.

    The rains bring fresh grass, dispersing animals. Birding improves significantly with the arrival of migratory species.

    We enjoy the dramatic weather and the fresh green shoots that signal the end of the dry season and the start of new life.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park

    December

    moderate

    Short Rains

    Hot and humid with regular afternoon showers. Roads can become muddy, but generally remain accessible.

    Calving season begins for many antelope species, leading to increased predator activity. Birding is excellent.

    We love the vibrant green scenery and the excitement of new life in the bush, making it a great time for photographers and birders.

    South Luangwa National Park
    Lower Zambezi National Park
    Kafue National Park

    229 species recorded in Zambia19 threatened

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    Visa Requirements for Zambia

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    Health & Vaccinations for Zambia

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    Zambia offers some of Africa's most immersive bush experiences, and while safety is always a priority, we find the country to be incredibly welcoming and secure for safari-goers. With expert guiding traditions and a focus on responsible tourism, you can confidently explore its wild heart, knowing you're in good hands.

    Vaccinations

    Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. We always carry our vaccination certificate.
    Routine Vaccinations - Ensure you are up-to-date on Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.
    Hepatitis A & Typhoid - Strongly recommended, especially given the varied food and water sources you might encounter.
    Rabies - Consider this if you plan extended stays in remote areas or will be in close contact with animals. While less common for typical safari-goers, it's a serious consideration.

    Visa Requirements

    For most nationalities, a visa is required to enter Zambia. We find it easiest to obtain one on arrival at major entry points, or apply for an e-visa beforehand. If you're planning to combine your Zambian safari with a visit to Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, we highly recommend the KAZA Uni-Visa, which covers both countries for a single fee.

    Malaria

    Zambia is considered a high-risk malaria zone, particularly in the prime safari areas like South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. We cannot stress enough the importance of taking anti-malarial prophylaxis. Consult your doctor well in advance to discuss the best option for you. Beyond medication, we always pack insect repellent with a high DEET concentration, wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers at dusk and dawn, and ensure our mosquito nets are properly used in camp. The lodges we love are meticulous about this, but personal vigilance is key.

    Travel Insurance

    Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely non-negotiable for a Zambian safari. We always ensure our policy includes robust emergency medical evacuation coverage. Given the remote nature of many of Zambia's incredible safari camps, particularly in South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi, having the ability to be airlifted in a medical emergency is paramount. Do not skimp on this-it's peace of mind we always invest in.

    Emergency Numbers

    police: 999
    ambulance: 112

    Travel Advisory

    From our extensive experience, Zambia is a generally safe country for travellers, especially within the well-managed safari camps and lodges. The greatest risks are often wildlife-related, which is why we always emphasize listening to your expert guides-they are truly exceptional here, particularly for walking safaris. In urban centers like Lusaka or Livingstone, petty crime can occur, so we advise against walking alone at night and keeping valuables out of sight. Trust your instincts, and you'll be fine.

    Planning & reference

    Other Safari Countries in Southern Africa