Palmwood Lodge - Lusaka National Park

Palmwood Lodge is a guesthouse near Lusaka National Park.

Location
Lusaka National Park, Greater Kafue & Central Plains, Zambia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-15.368711, 28.335760
Activities
guesthouse

PlnrScore: 29/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

1730 species observed within 20 km, 52 mammals, 268 birds.

  • African Grass Blue (Insecta, 361 observations)
  • Spotted Brown Pansy (Insecta, 142 observations)
  • African Caper (Insecta, 139 observations)
  • Lemolea Harvester (Insecta, 124 observations)
  • Common Zebra Blue Complex (Insecta, 118 observations)
  • Common Bulbul (Aves, 111 observations)
  • Common Geranium-bronze (Insecta, 100 observations)
  • Southern Cordonbleu (Aves, 98 observations)
  • Wahlberg’s Striped Skink (Reptilia, 98 observations)
  • Yellow Pansy (Insecta, 88 observations)

Best Time to Visit Palmwood Lodge

The best months to visit Palmwood 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

Is Palmwood Lodge a good base for exploring Lusaka National Park, or is it more of a transit point?

We love Palmwood Lodge as a comfortable and convenient gateway to Lusaka National Park. While it's certainly a welcoming spot to rest after a flight into Lusaka, we absolutely recommend staying a night or two to properly experience the park's surprisingly abundant wildlife, especially the white rhinos.

What kind of wildlife can we realistically expect to see near Palmwood Lodge, given its proximity to Lusaka National Park?

Don't expect the Big Five spectacle of some more famous parks, but Lusaka National Park, just minutes from Palmwood Lodge, offers a rewarding experience. We've consistently spotted elephants, zebras, various antelope species, and importantly, the park's reintroduced white rhino population. It's a fantastic place for birdwatching too.

What is the best time of year to visit Palmwood Lodge and the surrounding area?

The dry season, from May to October, is our preferred time to visit Palmwood Lodge. The weather is pleasant, and the reduced vegetation makes wildlife viewing in Lusaka National Park much easier. Evenings can get cool, so pack layers.

What are the accommodation and dining like at Palmwood Lodge?

Palmwood Lodge offers a charming and comfortable guesthouse experience, not a sprawling luxury resort. We found the rooms to be clean, well-appointed, and peaceful. The meals are hearty and delicious, often featuring local ingredients, providing a true taste of Zambian hospitality.

Are there any safety concerns we should be aware of when staying at Palmwood Lodge and visiting Lusaka National Park?

We felt very secure throughout our stay at Palmwood Lodge. The lodge itself is well managed. When visiting Lusaka National Park, always follow the guidance of your guide or ranger, stay in your vehicle unless otherwise instructed, and be aware of your surroundings, as you would in any wildlife area.

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