Rufunsa Conservancy

Rufunsa Conservancy is a protected area in Zambia.

Rufunsa Conservancy at a Glance

Location
Lower Zambezi Valley, Zambia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-15.469132, 29.208881
Crowds
Quiet
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 Rufunsa Conservancy

Nearest airport: Namwala Airport (FLNL), 299 km away.

Nearest international airport: Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), 446 km away.

Big Five in Rufunsa Conservancy

4 of the Big Five can be found here: African Buffalo, Lion, Leopard Tortoise, Leopard.

Weather & Climate in Rufunsa Conservancy

The warmest temperatures in Rufunsa Conservancy occur in October, averaging 25.0°C (up to 31.3°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 16.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 0.5mm. Average humidity: 39.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 21.0°C (rainfall: 280.7mm)
  • February: 21.5°C (rainfall: 155.3mm)
  • March: 21.2°C (rainfall: 59.2mm)
  • April: 20.1°C (rainfall: 31.5mm)
  • May: 18.2°C (rainfall: 2.0mm)
  • June: 16.3°C (rainfall: 5.4mm)
  • July: 16.0°C (rainfall: 2.8mm)
  • August: 19.0°C (rainfall: 2.2mm)
  • September: 22.7°C (rainfall: 0.5mm)
  • October: 25.0°C (rainfall: 10.9mm)
  • November: 24.9°C (rainfall: 58.3mm)
  • December: 23.3°C (rainfall: 163.8mm)

Best Time to Visit Rufunsa Conservancy

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 21.02°C, rainfall 280.7mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 85.5%
  • February: Good, temperature 21.51°C, rainfall 155.3mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 82.2%
  • March: Great, temperature 21.22°C, rainfall 59.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 77.5%
  • April: Great, temperature 20.09°C, rainfall 31.5mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 70.9%
  • May: Great, temperature 18.18°C, rainfall 2mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 60%
  • June: Great, temperature 16.33°C, rainfall 5.4mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 61%
  • July: Great, temperature 16.01°C, rainfall 2.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 56.1%
  • August: Great, temperature 19.01°C, rainfall 2.2mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 47.3%
  • September: Great, temperature 22.73°C, rainfall 0.5mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 39.9%
  • October: Great, temperature 25°C, rainfall 10.9mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 42.2%
  • November: Great, temperature 24.94°C, rainfall 58.3mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 54.2%
  • December: Good, temperature 23.29°C, rainfall 163.8mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 68.8%

Wildlife in Rufunsa Conservancy

Home to 38 recorded species including 11 waterbirds, 7 birds of prey, 4 big five, 4 big herbivores, 3 iconic birds, 3 reptiles.

Recommended Packing List for Rufunsa Conservancy

Based on average temperature of 20.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 62%.

  • 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 Rufunsa Conservancy

8 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Lower Zambezi Valley

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zambia

Travel advisory for Zambia

Rufunsa Conservancy FAQs

What unique wildlife viewing opportunities does Rufunsa Conservancy offer compared to larger, more famous parks?

Rufunsa Conservancy is renowned for its excellent sightings of African wild dogs, an endangered species often seen hunting in packs. Visitors can also expect to encounter diverse antelope species, elephants, and leopards thriving in this less disturbed environment.

When is the prime season to visit Rufunsa Conservancy for optimal wildlife viewing and weather conditions?

The dry season, typically from May to October, is considered the best time to visit Rufunsa for game viewing. During these months, wildlife congregates around dwindling water sources, making them easier to spot, and the weather is generally cooler and drier.

What kind of safari experience can I expect at Rufunsa Conservancy, particularly regarding visitor numbers and exclusivity?

Rufunsa offers a remarkably intimate and uncrowded safari experience, allowing for truly immersive wildlife encounters without typical tourist traffic. Expect personalized game drives and a strong sense of pristine wilderness, ideal for those seeking tranquility and genuine connection with nature.

How accessible is Rufunsa Conservancy, and what are the typical travel arrangements for reaching it?

Access to Rufunsa Conservancy is primarily by road from Lusaka, with transfers often arranged by your safari operator. Some lodges may also offer light aircraft transfers to nearby airstrips, providing a quicker but generally more expensive option.

What specific health and safety precautions should I consider when planning a safari to Rufunsa Conservancy?

Beyond standard safari safety, be aware that Rufunsa is a remote wilderness area, so ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation. It's also advisable to pack strong insect repellent, as tsetse flies can be present, especially during certain seasons.

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.