When is the best time to visit Zambia?
The time of year that you choose to visit Zambia is going to determine the kind of holiday that you are going to have. Each season has something stunning to enjoy and each month is absolutely spectacular.
Since Zambia is very much a safari destination, the best time to have a holiday will be between June and October. This travel season starts in the middle of winter and carries on into spring, and for the most part the season is warm and dry. Since the rains are on halt until later in the year, most of the vegetation has died back and that makes spotting wildlife a whole lot easier.
From November to December the weather can be a little bit unpredictable, especially as the rains start to return. It is always a little bit difficult to determine exactly when the summer rains are going to fully return, but the great thing about travelling at this time of year is that the rates for holidays are often a little bit more affordable than if you were to travel to during the peak winter season. Surprisingly December is a bit cooler than the rest of the summer, but it is still quite humid. If you are travelling during this time of the year, keep in mind that some of the area’s lodges and camps will usually be closed due to heavy rain and flooding.
From January to March the wet season is in full swing and generally tourists are not advised to travel. This is because Zambia has a messy rainy season, with many roads becoming unpassable. If this time of the year is about the only time that you can travel, try to plan your trip for around the end of March, when the worst of the rain has passed. March is also a great time to do a little bird watching, as many of the birds start to migrate at this time of the year.
Top Attractions and Activities
Zambia is quite a magical place and because of its untouched natural beauty, and its wildlife populations, it has become one of Africa’s most frequented countries for those who want to go on a safari adventure.
If you are planning a holiday to Zambia, here’s what to include in your travels:
- Go to the Victoria Falls
Zambia and Zimbabwe share this treasure of a destination, but although most people will visit the Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side, seeing it from the opposite side is not something everyone gets to do. If you are in the region of the Victoria Falls, you absolutely cannot miss the chance to see this iconic natural landmark. The Falls are a once in a life time sort of sight and the roar of the cascading water will stay with you for the rest of your life.
- Go to the Lower Zambezi National Park
The more southern parts of Zambia are where some of the best wildlife sightings take place. This particular park lies along the lower section of the Zambezi River, and not only is it one of the best places to have a safari trip, but it is also such a remote, off the beaten track kind of place that it can feel like you are having a real out of this world holiday, away from all of the stresses and worries of day to day life.
- Go to South Luangwa National Park
Zambia is all about the wildlife. And South Luangwa National Park is another exceptional place to have a safari. The park has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in all of Africa, and it is regarded as the best place to see elephants, giraffes and buffalo. There are also all sorts of rare and endemic species to see here. For this reason and many others, it is one of the country’s top places to visit.
- Go Lake Kashiba
Lake Kashiba is considered to be one of Zambia’s hidden gems. The lake is often called the Sunken Lake, because it sits 30 feet below the surrounding forest. The depth of the lake is unknown, and for this reason the lake has become a place of mystical stories and legendary monsters. Aside from the folklore, the lake is outstandingly beautiful!
- Go to the Livingston Museum
Although Zambia is the place to experience the wilds of Africa and to see all sorts of interesting, indigenous animals, it is also a place of incredible culture and history. If you are looking to learn more about the history of Zambia, one place that you should go is the Livingston Museum where you can learn more about Zambia’s heritage.