When to go

Zambia's national parks and camps open June through November. This is the rule for Luangwa, Kafue and Lower Zambezi. Outside of these times, accessibility is limited due to flooding. The exception is South Luangwa National Park, where visitors can fly in to enjoy what is now marketed as the "emerald season" by a few operators whose accommodations remain open and protected from seasonal water, and where some all-weather game tracks exist. Norman Carr operates river safaris during this time.

If you come to see large numbers of wildlife then the dry season, and later on in the dry season besides (August, September, and October) is your best bet. Thirsty wildlife collects near the Luangwa River and available waterholes while vegetation is sparse and doesn't obscure views. All the vehicle and foot tracks are accessible. However, come October, temperatures also soar across the country.

If you want to enjoy the bush in all its green glory, and a season when birds and wildlife are courting and breeding, and share Zambia with fewer people while paying less, then you should consider the rainy months of the year, December through March. The month of June, the very beginning of the traditional season, is another good time. Wildlife is fit and well nourished from the green season.
November is a good month for photographers: the early rains have cleared the air of smoke and dust, temperatures have decreased, the vegetation hasn’t grown high yet to obscure game, and animals have not yet dispersed from the water sources.

Zambia's coolest time is from late June to August, Southern Africa's winter. Warm clothing is required for night and early morning game drives.

Kasanka National Park: the fruit bat migration occurs November to mid-December. June and July is the best time to visit overall for the park's other wildlife.

Bangweulu Wetlands: March through May is best for Shoebill stork sighting and other superb birding.

Liuwa National Park: November to mid-December is the time of the wildebeest migration and their birthing season. April and May are also good months before the plains dry out and the migratory birds depart.

Mutinondo Wilderness: September brings the "miombo flush" of red and gold to the trees, the equivalent of our autumnal colors in temperate climates except that September is Southern Africa's spring.

Victoria Falls: The flow is greatest in April and May following the rainy season. Expect to get very wet and to protect your camera in multiple layers of plastic when walking near the falls. As the year wears on, the water over the falls decreases until it is at its lowest flow in December. The small rock islands which dot the expanse of the falls become visible at this time.