Grakas Lodge - Lusaka National Park

Grakas Lodge is a guesthouse near Lusaka National Park.

Location
Lusaka National Park, Greater Kafue & Central Plains, Zambia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-15.325392, 28.682240
Activities
guesthouse

Wildlife Near This Lodge

59 species observed within 20 km, 3 mammals, 10 birds.

  • Red-billed Firefinch (Aves, 2 observations)
  • Straw-coloured Fruit Bat (Mammalia, 2 observations)
  • Speke's Hinge-back Tortoise (Reptilia, 2 observations)
  • African ansellia (Plantae, 2 observations)
  • Anthia cinctipennis (Insecta, 2 observations)
  • Striped leaf-nosed bat (Mammalia, 2 observations)
  • Wahlberg’s Striped Skink (Reptilia, 2 observations)
  • Black-winged Kite (Aves, 1 observations)
  • Pied Crow (Aves, 1 observations)
  • Northern Grey-headed Sparrow (Aves, 1 observations)

Best Time to Visit Grakas Lodge

The best months to visit Grakas Lodge 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%

Frequently Asked Questions

We're flying into Lusaka and want a convenient start to our Zambian adventure. How does Grakas Lodge fit into that plan?

Grakas Lodge is our top pick for a seamless arrival. It's incredibly close to Lusaka National Park, making it the perfect base for your first safari drives without a long transfer. We love how it offers a comfortable, familiar environment after a long flight, allowing you to relax and prepare for the wilder experiences ahead.

What kind of wildlife can we realistically expect to see on a game drive from Grakas Lodge within Lusaka National Park?

While Lusaka National Park might not boast the Big Five in abundance, we've always been impressed by the healthy population of white rhinos here, which is a real highlight. You'll also find plenty of plains game like zebras, wildebeest, and various antelope species, plus a good variety of birdlife. It's an excellent introduction to Zambian fauna, and we find the rhino sightings particularly rewarding.

We're looking for a comfortable, non-camping experience near Lusaka. What's the accommodation like at Grakas Lodge?

Grakas Lodge offers a charming guesthouse experience that feels both welcoming and well-appointed. The rooms are comfortable and clean, providing a peaceful retreat after your park excursions. It's not a rustic tented camp, but rather a solid, reliable base where we always feel well looked after.

When is the best time of year to visit Grakas Lodge and Lusaka National Park for optimal game viewing and weather?

We generally recommend the dry season, from May to October, for the best game viewing. The vegetation thins out, making animals easier to spot, and the weather is pleasantly cool and sunny. Outside of this peak, the park is still accessible, but the experience is a bit different with greener landscapes.

Beyond game drives, are there other activities or experiences we should know about when staying at Grakas Lodge?

Grakas Lodge itself functions as a comfortable guesthouse, so the primary focus is on its proximity to Lusaka National Park for your safari activities. We suggest using it as your convenient launchpad for morning and afternoon drives. The lodge provides a relaxed atmosphere to unwind in the evenings, perhaps with a sundowner, before heading out again the next day.

Other Safari Lodges in Lusaka National Park

Parks in Greater Kafue & Central Plains

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zambia

Travel advisory for Zambia