Lusaka National Park

The newest national park in Zambia, located just outside the capital city, Lusaka National Park offers a convenient wildlife experience for those with...

Lusaka National Park at a Glance

Location
Greater Kafue & Central Plains, Zambia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-15.540082, 28.389143
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
June to October (dry season) for walking safaris and game viewing. February to April for Victoria Falls at full flow.

Getting to Lusaka National Park

Nearest airport: Namwala Airport (FLNL), 211 km away.

Nearest international airport: Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), 373 km away.

Weather & Climate in Lusaka National Park

The warmest temperatures in Lusaka National Park occur in October, averaging 25.1°C (up to 31.6°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 16.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 0.4mm. Average humidity: 36.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 20.8°C (rainfall: 333.9mm)
  • February: 21.4°C (rainfall: 145.3mm)
  • March: 21.0°C (rainfall: 70.1mm)
  • April: 20.2°C (rainfall: 22.3mm)
  • May: 18.5°C (rainfall: 3.9mm)
  • June: 16.7°C (rainfall: 2.3mm)
  • July: 16.5°C (rainfall: 0.8mm)
  • August: 19.6°C (rainfall: 0.6mm)
  • September: 23.1°C (rainfall: 0.4mm)
  • October: 25.1°C (rainfall: 21.1mm)
  • November: 24.5°C (rainfall: 83.2mm)
  • December: 23.1°C (rainfall: 161.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Lusaka National Park

The best months to visit Lusaka National Park are September, October, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 20.77°C, rainfall 333.9mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 84.3%
  • February: Good, temperature 21.44°C, rainfall 145.3mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 79.7%
  • March: Great, temperature 21.02°C, rainfall 70.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 76.6%
  • April: Great, temperature 20.19°C, rainfall 22.3mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 67.5%
  • May: Great, temperature 18.46°C, rainfall 3.9mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 55.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 16.7°C, rainfall 2.3mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 55%
  • July: Great, temperature 16.5°C, rainfall 0.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 49.5%
  • August: Great, temperature 19.57°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 41.5%
  • September: Great, temperature 23.15°C, rainfall 0.4mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 36%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.15°C, rainfall 21.1mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 39.4%
  • November: Great, temperature 24.53°C, rainfall 83.2mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 54.6%
  • December: Good, temperature 23.12°C, rainfall 161.4mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 67.2%

Wildlife in Lusaka National Park

Home to 89 recorded species including 43 iconic birds, 24 birds of prey, 10 waterbirds, 5 tropical birds, 3 reptiles, 2 antelope & gazelle.

Recommended Packing List for Lusaka National Park

Based on average temperature of 20.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 59%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 21°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Lusaka National Park

50 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

ultra-luxury

Similar Parks in Greater Kafue & Central Plains

Visitor Tips - Lusaka National Park

Lusaka National Park, an IUCN Category II protected area, offers a surprisingly intimate safari experience just outside the capital. We love its accessibility and the unique opportunity for walking safaris, especially during the dry season from June to October, where you can truly connect with the bush. The park's successful white rhino reintroduction program makes it a truly special place to visit, offering close-up encounters that feel both luxurious and timeless.

Gate Times

The gates to Lusaka National Park typically open at 06:00 and close at 18:00. We always recommend arriving early for the best morning game viewing. Permits are required and can be purchased at the gate, but for peace of mind, especially during peak dry season (June to October), pre-booking through your lodge or a tour operator is advisable to ensure smooth entry.

Tipping

Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for excellent service in Zambia. For your safari guide, we suggest around $10-20 per person per day, depending on the quality of their guiding and knowledge. Camp staff can be tipped collectively in a communal box, usually $5-10 per person per day. Rangers accompanying walking safaris might receive a separate tip of $5-10 per person. Always tip in local currency (Zambian Kwacha) or US dollars, and do so discreetly at the end of your stay or activity.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zambia

Travel advisory for Zambia

Lusaka National Park FAQs

How easy is it to visit Lusaka National Park for a day trip from the city, and what can I expect from a short visit?

Lusaka National Park is exceptionally convenient for a day trip, being just a short drive from Zambia's capital. You can easily arrange transport or self-drive, making it perfect for those with limited time to experience Zambian wildlife. Expect to see a good variety of animals like white rhinos, giraffes, and zebras within a few hours, offering an accessible introduction to safari.

What are my chances of seeing white rhinos in Lusaka National Park, and is it a reliable place for this sighting?

Lusaka National Park is one of the most reliable places in Zambia to see white rhinos, as they are a key conservation species here. While no wildlife sighting is ever guaranteed, the park's smaller size and dedicated conservation efforts significantly increase your likelihood of encountering these magnificent animals. Many visitors specifically come for the opportunity to see them.

When is the best time of year to visit Lusaka National Park for optimal wildlife viewing?

The dry season, from May to October, is generally the best time to visit Lusaka National Park. During these months, vegetation is sparser, and animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. The weather is also more pleasant for game drives, offering clearer views and better photographic opportunities.

Given its proximity to Lusaka, what specific malaria precautions should I take when visiting Lusaka National Park?

Despite its urban proximity, Lusaka National Park is in a high malaria risk area, so robust precautions are essential. Consult your doctor about antimalarial medication well before your trip, and always use insect repellent containing DEET. Wear long sleeves and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk, even for a short visit.

What kind of safari experience does Lusaka National Park offer compared to Zambia's larger, more remote national parks?

Lusaka National Park provides a unique, highly accessible safari experience, ideal for an introductory or short visit rather than a multi-day wilderness immersion. While it offers excellent sightings of specific species like white rhinos and giraffes in a contained environment, it lacks the vast, wild expanses and predator diversity found in parks like South Luangwa or Kafue. It's perfect for a convenient taste of Zambian wildlife.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Bradt Guide: Zambia by Chris McIntyre - The definitive Zambia guide - South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue, and Victoria Falls in unmatched detail. Essential for self-drive and walking safari planning.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.