Mize Community Conservancy

Mize Community Conservancy is a protected area in Zambia.

Mize Community Conservancy at a Glance

Location
Western Zambia, Zambia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-17.136953, 25.230005
Crowds
Very 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 Mize Community Conservancy

Nearest airport: Mulobezi Airport, 40 km away.

Nearest international airport: Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), 98 km away.

Weather & Climate in Mize Community Conservancy

The warmest temperatures in Mize Community Conservancy occur in October, averaging 28.8°C (up to 36.0°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 18.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 29.4%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 23.0°C (rainfall: 276.0mm)
  • February: 24.1°C (rainfall: 105.2mm)
  • March: 24.0°C (rainfall: 64.3mm)
  • April: 23.4°C (rainfall: 16.3mm)
  • May: 21.2°C (rainfall: 1.4mm)
  • June: 19.1°C (rainfall: 0.3mm)
  • July: 18.9°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • August: 22.3°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • September: 26.5°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • October: 28.8°C (rainfall: 3.3mm)
  • November: 27.3°C (rainfall: 51.8mm)
  • December: 25.4°C (rainfall: 143.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Mize Community Conservancy

The best months to visit Mize Community Conservancy are May, July, August, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 23.02°C, rainfall 276mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 78.9%
  • February: Great, temperature 24.08°C, rainfall 105.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 71.7%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.04°C, rainfall 64.3mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 67.6%
  • April: Great, temperature 23.39°C, rainfall 16.3mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 56.2%
  • May: Great, temperature 21.19°C, rainfall 1.4mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 43.4%
  • June: Great, temperature 19.05°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 40.4%
  • July: Great, temperature 18.93°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 35.3%
  • August: Great, temperature 22.31°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 29.4%
  • September: Great, temperature 26.52°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 25.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 28.78°C, rainfall 3.3mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 28.5%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.33°C, rainfall 51.8mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 49.3%
  • December: Great, temperature 25.4°C, rainfall 143.4mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 64.3%

Wildlife in Mize Community Conservancy

Home to 7 recorded species including 3 birds of prey, 2 iconic birds, 2 waterbirds.

Recommended Packing List for Mize Community Conservancy

Based on average temperature of 23.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 49%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 24°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 Mize Community Conservancy

1 safari lodges available.

budget

Similar Parks in Western Zambia

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zambia

Travel advisory for Zambia

Mize Community Conservancy FAQs

What makes a safari experience at Mize Community Conservancy different from more well-known parks in Zambia?

Mize Community Conservancy offers an exceptionally intimate safari experience due to its very low visitor numbers, ensuring uncrowded wildlife sightings and a profound connection with nature. You'll often find yourself as the sole vehicle at a sighting, allowing for unparalleled photographic opportunities and a sense of true wilderness exploration.

What specific wildlife can I expect to encounter at Mize Community Conservancy, and are there any unique conservation efforts?

Mize Community Conservancy is home to a diverse array of Zambian wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, various antelope species, and predators like lions and leopards, though sightings can be more challenging due to the wilder nature of the area. The conservancy actively works with local communities on anti-poaching initiatives and habitat preservation, contributing directly to the protection of these species.

When is the best time to visit Mize Community Conservancy for wildlife viewing, and what activities are available beyond game drives?

The dry season, typically from May to October, is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around dwindling water sources, making them easier to spot. Beyond traditional game drives, Mize offers guided walking safaris and cultural visits to local communities, providing a deeper insight into the region's ecology and heritage.

What kind of accommodation options are available within or near Mize Community Conservancy, and how accessible is it for travelers?

Accommodation within Mize Community Conservancy typically consists of eco-friendly tented camps or community-run lodges, offering an authentic and immersive wilderness experience rather than luxury resorts. Access usually involves a combination of light aircraft transfers to nearby airstrips followed by a road transfer, reflecting its remote and pristine location.

What essential health and safety precautions should I take when planning a trip to Mize Community Conservancy?

Given its remote location, it's crucial to consult your doctor about anti-malarial medication and ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before your visit. Additionally, pack appropriate clothing for varying temperatures, sturdy walking shoes, and a comprehensive first-aid kit, as medical facilities are not readily available within the conservancy.

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.